Top 10 Cheapest Electric Car in Australia

This has come at a particularly critical time for Australian buyers who are facing a number of challenges in the form of rising petrol prices and inflation driving up everyday costs of living. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 10 cheapest electric cars in Australia and compare their range figures, equipment lists, and affordability. 

MG ZS EV

We’ll kick off our list with a car that takes out the current title of Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle, the MG ZS EV. 

With drive-away prices kicking off from just $46,990 for the Excite variant and moving up to $49,990 for the range-topping Essence, the MG ZS EV is a hugely attractive value for money proposition that comes particularly well-equipped for the price. 

The latest model receives a new 51kWh battery pack that increases the all-electric driving range from 263km to 320km on a single charge, with LED headlights, 17-inch alloys, a heap of safety equipment and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto as standard. 

Stepping up to the higher-spec Essence doesn’t add any mechanical upgrades, but it does add a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and an upgraded sound system. 

Hyundai Ioniq

As Hyundai’s all-electric range continues to grow, the company has given its high-achieving Ioniq sedan an update in its latest generation, which is available in both hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric variants.

Priced from $49,970, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric Elite receives a single electric motor powering the front wheels with 100kW of power and 295Nm of torque, with electricity supplied by a 38.3kWh battery pack. 

Hyundai says the Ioniq can travel up to 311km on a single charge under WLPT testing, which is pretty impressive when you consider the amount of space and practicality it offers, combined with its small battery pack. 

Upgrading to the flagship Ioniq Electric Premium comes at a cost of $54,010, adding features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and LED headlights, making it a great value pick within the electric vehicle landscape.  

Nissan LEAF 

The Nissan LEAF is the original electric vehicle, and has enjoyed a long period on sale without too much competition. 

In its latest form, Nissan offers buyers standard and long-range versions of the LEAF platform, which has proven a hit with city buyers looking for a cost-effective and surprisingly premium all-electric experience. 

The LEAF range is priced from $50,990 in standard range form, while the extended-range Leaf e+ is priced at $61,490, both of which receive an electric motor, however, the entry-level pushes out 110kW of power and 320Nm of torque from its 40kWh battery pack, while the e+ produces 160kW of power and 340Nm of torque from a 62kWh battery. 

The two battery packs on offer produce an all-electric driving range of 270km for the entry-level LEAF, while the LEAF e+ has a claimed range up to 385km. 

Hyundai Kona

Hyundai has given its fashionable little Kona the all-electric treatment, with the range now growing with standard and extended range variants, giving buyers more flexibility when choosing their Kona. 

The standard range Kona Electric is priced from $54,500, which receives a 39.2kWh battery pack offering up to 305km of driving on a single charge and high-voltage fast-charging technology that can bring the battery up to 80 per cent in around an hour. 

Opting for the extended range Kona electric brings the price to $60,500, which brings capacity of the lithium-ion battery pack up to 64kWh and translates to a claimed all-electric driving range of up to 484km on the WLTP cycle. 

Polestar 2

Polestar has hit the ground running when it comes to electric cars, and is planning a full-frontal assault on the Australian market with its Polestar 2. 

Priced from $59,990, the Polestar 2 standard range single-motor is one of the most affordable electric vehicles available here in Australia, and comes packaged with a 64kWh battery pack producing a driving range of 470km on the WLTP cycle. 

Stepping up higher into the range adds a larger 78kWh battery pack that offers up to 540km, while Polestar also offers a dual-motor Polestar 2 variant for buyers looking for some seriously impressive performance. 

Kia Niro

Kia has announced a major update for its Niro EV, with the existing model set to be replaced in late 2022 with a choice of hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) variants. 

This means that in the leadup to the replacement, you’re likely to get a great deal on the outgoing Niro, which is priced at $62,590 for the S variant, and $65,990 for the Sport variant. 

The Kia Niro is a great little EV, receiving a respectable 64kWh battery pack paired with a single electric motor over the front axle that pushes out 150kW of power and 395Nm of torque, translating to some fairly impressive performance in its own right, and an all-electric driving range of 455km. 

Tesla Model 3

Tesla’s cheapest car is also by far its most popular here in Australia, and with prices starting from $63,900 for the entry-level Model 3 rear-wheel-drive, it’s not hard to see why. 

As one of the leading manufacturers of electric vehicles, Tesla produces some of the sleekest and most technologically-advanced EVs on the market, giving buyers a heap of value at a reasonably affordable price. 

The base Model 3 is priced at $63,900, and receives a 62.3kWh battery pack that translates to a driving range of around 491km. For those looking for a little more power or range, Tesla also offers a Long Range variant that offers up to 602km of all-electric range, while the Performance variant offers some mind-bending acceleration, hitting 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.3 seconds. 

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 has wasted no time in becoming one of the most award-winning electric vehicles in its first year of sales, which will no doubt continue as buyers take it for a test drive. 

The EV6 is a fabulous electric car that blurs the lines of a typical sedan and hatch for an immensely practical package that is a heap of fun to drive. 

Priced from $67,990, the Kia EV6 is powered by an electric motor over the rear axle that throws 168kW of power and 350Nm of torque to the rear wheels for an enjoyable tail-happy driving experience. 

Power is supplied by a 77.4kWh battery pack that translates to some of the biggest single-charge driving figures we’ve seen here in Australia, offering up to 528km of all-electric driving. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Twin under the skin to the Kia EV6, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an impressive new electric vehicle that looks set to transform the world of affordable all-electric motoring here in Australia. 

The striking futuristic looks are complemented by a spacious and practical cabin inside, making it a great option for growing families, while being treated to a sleek and modern design aesthetic. 

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 range is priced from $71,900 for the rear-wheel drive variant, while the all-wheel-drive flagship is priced at $75,900, both of which receive a 72.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack. 

The entry-level model produces 160kW of power and 350Nm of torque while the flagship receives a meaty 225kW/605Nm dual-motor setup, making it seriously fast for a family-friendly SUV. 

Hyundai says its base model Ioniq 5 can drive up to 451km on a single charge, while the dual-motor flagship is rated at 430km; both can be fast-charged from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in around 17-minutes. 

Volvo CX40 Recharge

We’ll round out our list with a recent all-electric addition to the Australian landscape, the sleek and stylish Volvo CX40 Recharge. 

While it might not be the most affordable electric car in Australia, the XC40 Recharge remains an attractive option for growing families, and in its first generation, the platform provides a great base to improve upon in the future. 

Priced from $76,990, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric receives two electric motors over each of the axles, producing 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque, making it a serious performer in all situations. 

Power is supplied by a 78kWh battery pack that translates to an all-electric driving range of 418km, which can be fast charged up to 80 per cent in just under 40-minutes. 

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