Cheap electric cars coming to Australia next year

Battery-powered vehicles to become more affordable than ever as growing brand outlines plans to bring new cars to market.

Electric cars are set to become more affordable in 2022, when China’s Great Wall Motors brings its first battery-powered machines to Australia.

A report published by GWM Global outlines the brand’s plans for the new year, when “the first electric model will soon be revealed in Australia”.

GWM’s Ora Good Cat has been exported to Thailand. Photo: Jack Taylor / AFP

“In 2022, the first batch of electric models will be launched in Australia, including the pure electric brand Ora, the hybrid 3rd Gen Haval H6 and Haval Jolion”.

The electric machine offered by Ora could be the “Good Cat” hatchback, a compact front-wheel-drive machine set to undercut the likes of the Nissan Leaf with a sub-$40,000 asking price.

BYD’s EA1, or Dolphin, promises affordable electric motoring.

It could be joined by the BYD hatchback eyed by Australian importer Nexport as an affordable electric alternative to conventionally powered machines.

While BYD’s start in Australia has been slower than expected, GWM sales have increased by more than 250 per cent year-on-year thanks to its Cannon ute and SUVs such as the Haval Jolion.

GWM’s Tank 300 looks set to come to Australia.

The manufacturer also says its “domestically popular ‘Tank series’ will be officially launched in Australia next year”.

“In order to bring diversified choices to consumers, the fuel version and hybrid version of the TANK series will be launched at the same time,” it says.

Launch timing and local prices for the models have not been confirmed by the brand.