The next big thing: Most exciting EVs due in Australia soon

Australians on the hunt for a new electric car are about to be spoiled for choice as our biggest brands finally come on board with a range of new models.

Dozens of new electric vehicles are scheduled to arrive in the next couple of years, as the industry prepares for new vehicle emissions standards that will reward low-emission vehicles and punish thirsty ones.

Mainstream brands including Toyota, Subaru and Volkswagen will enter the EV market for the first time next year, while affordable new Chinese brands will expand their ranges.

Here are the EV highlights due in Australian dealerships soon:

BYD Seal

BYD is set to expand its range rapidly.

This mid-sized sedan has the tech and sleek styling to take on the Tesla Model 3 as BYD continues to expand its range. Early examples are already in the country and orders are expected to open soon.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s new electric SUV will wear the legendary Mustang badge.

Ford’s first electric SUV has little in common with the iconic Mustang muscle car, other than some design cues and blistering acceleration. The focus is on space and practicality. The Mach-E doesn’t come cheap, though, as rear-drive models start at about $87,000.

Toyota bZ4X

Toyota’s bZ4X has been hot with significant delays and is said to arrive next year.

Australia’s biggest car maker will finally begin selling an EV next year, when its bZ4X mid-sized SUV makes a belated entrance after long delays.

Front- and all-wheel drive models will be available.

Subaru Solterra

The Subaru Solterra was co-developed with the Toyota bZ4X.

The Solterra shares a platform and common engineering with the bZ4X, although it will only be available in dual-motor, all-wheel drive configuration.

Details are due soon, but expect pricing north of $70,000.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan was one of the early EV adopters, but its taken a long time for its follow up to the Leaf.

While Nissan’s Leaf was based on petrol-car underpinnings, the Ariya has been designed from the ground up as an EV. It combines sleek looks with generous cabin space and advanced tech. It is expected to arrive in local dealerships in single and dual-motor guises next year.

Jeep Avenger

Jeep’s first all-electric model is scheduled to arrive in the second half of next year.

The compact SUV, which is shorter than the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross, will be the smallest vehicle in Jeep’s line-up.

Kia EV9

The EV9 will be the most expensive Kia to date.

This large seven-seat SUV will test the strength of the Kia brand, as pricing is expected to start at about $100,000. The EV will compensate with loads of tech and acres of space.

Renault Megane e-Tech

Renault’s sleek crossover will ramp up the French flair in a five-door package that will cost about $70,000.

Volkswagen ID. 3

The Golf-sized compact rear-drive hatchback is likely to have a driving range of up to 550km when it arrives next year.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but the similar-sized Cupra Born starts at about $60,000 plus on-road costs.

Volkswagen ID. 4

VW’s mid-sized SUV will take the value fight to Tesla with pricing expected to land around the $60,000 mark. Rear-drive dynamics and a well equipped cabin will add to the appeal.

Volkswagen is bringing a range of EVs next year including the ID.Buzz.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The Buzz distils the loveable Kombi look into an EV, creating one of the most distinctive – and hotly anticipated – EVs globally.

Due late in 2024, the ID. Buzz is expected to come with premium pricing.

MG4 X-Power

The MG4 hatch is a sensible city-focused EV, but the circa-$70,000 X-Power adds a second electric motor and a whole lot more grunt.

Fiat 500e

Fiat’s cute retro-styled three-door hatch promises to turn heads, although the price tag of $52,500 plus on-road costs may put some buyers off.

MG LS6

The large luxury electric SUV is likely to cost about $100,000 when it arrives next year, setting a new mark for Chinese vehicles.

Originally published as The next big thing: Most exciting EVs due in Australia soon