The best electric cars on sale in Australia
Celebrate world electric vehicle day with a comprehensive look at the many options available to drivers who want to go green.
Fans of green motoring celebrate World EV Day on September 9. The future of motoring is electric, and almost every car manufacturer is working on battery-powered models for the future. Here are the electric cars you can buy in Australia today, along with a handful customers should be able to order this year ahead of a local debut in 2023.
We focused on pure electric machines as opposed to hybrid or plug-in hybrid machines that require petrol to travel from A to B.
Audi
The Audi e-tron makes it easy for fans of the brand to make the switch to electric cars – it’s just like an Audi SUV, but with battery power. Customers who want a more futuristic electric car experience might consider the purposeful Audi e-tron GT, a car that shares its bones with the Porsche Taycan.
BMW
Customers can choose from a broad variety of electric cars in BMW showrooms. The BMW iX1 and iX3 SUV duo, and BMW i7 and i4 sedans shape up as battery-powered versions of the brand’s X1 and X3 crossovers, along with its 7-Series limousine and 4-Series Gran Coupe. The BMW iX is a more advanced proposition with dedicated electric underpinnings – and eye-catching looks to match its futuristic appeal.
BYD
Build Your Dreams launched in Australia this year with the Atto 3, a five-door hatch pitched as Australia’s cheapest electric car. The new brand has big plans for green power, and is definitely one to watch.
Cupra
Spain’s VW spin-off might beat its parent company to market with an electric car in Australia. The Cupra Born, a compact electric car based on Volkswagen’s ID. 3, will be available to order in 2022 ahead of an arrival next year.
Ford
The blue oval’s electric push reaches Australia in January, in the form of the E-Transit van, followed up by an electric version of the smaller Transit custom. Ford Australia hopes to bolster those cars with the Mustang Mach-E family SUV and F-150 Lightning pick-up in the future.
Genesis
Hyundai’s luxury arm is about to launch the electric GV60, a glamorous machine sharing hardware with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Genesis is also preparing to launch an electric limousine in the Electrified G80, a full-sized sedan packed with luxury features.
Hyundai
Few brands can match Hyundai’s commitment to green tech. It’s the only brand that offers the choice of regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-powered or hydrogen fuel cell technology.
There are three electric cars in Hyundai showrooms today – the compact Ioniq Electric hatchback, mid-sized Kona Electric crossover and the award-winning Ioniq 5 SUV – our reigning Car of the Year winner. A high-performance Ioniq 5 N will be here soon, alongside a streamlined Ioniq 6 with superior range and Santa Fe-sized Ioniq 7.
Jaguar
Jaguar beat the likes of BMW to market with a decent-sized electric luxury car in the I-Pace. Impressive to drive, the Jaguar hasn’t matched the sales performance of rival machines.
Kia
Like its South Korean cousin in Hyundai, Kia has plenty of green options for customers.
The new Kia EV6 is an impressive option that puts a sporty spin on the Ioniq 5. And the more affordable Kia Niro stacks up as a sound choice for SUV shoppers.
Lexus
The Lexus UX300e electric car has a unique selling point – the ability for customers to borrow another car from Lexus showrooms when battery tech isn’t appropriate. That makes a lot of sense for people who take long road trips once or twice a year, exchanging the compact electric Lexus for a bigger SUV or hybrid-powered sedan.
Mazda
A choice of hybrid and electric power meets interesting looks in the Mazda MX-30, a niche option pitched toward inner-city couples.
Mercedes-Benz
Prestige customers are well-covered for electric car options at Mercedes-Benz. The compact EQA is a surprisingly affordable compact car that represents an easy transition to electric life, and the EQC is a polished family SUV with impressive refinement. Full-fat EQS models combine the brand’s limo-luxe heritage with a modern spin on AMG power to deliver shattering acceleration in opulent silence.
MG
Hot off the press with an updated model launched this week, the new MG ZS EV is Australia’s cheapest electric car. Backed by a strong warranty, it looks sharp, is packed with features and should be available in decent numbers without a long waiting list.
Mini
The Mini Cooper Electric is a toe-in-the-water exercise with a compact battery designed for inner-city errands. Expect more from the next-generation Mini, due to launch overseas in coming months.
Nissan
Championing the cause of electric motoring with its Leaf hatchback, Nissan hopes to expand its range with the Ariya crossover as soon as it can secure supply to Australia – but there is no guarantee the car will be offered here.
Polestar
Once known as Volvo’s high-performance arm, Polestar has changed tack to bring premium electric cars with an eye for style and sustainability. The Polestar 2 is here today – and there are more options around the corner.
Porsche
The Porsche Taycan Turbo set a new benchmark for electric performance and driver engagement. It’s arguably the best electric car to drive, and the new Taycan Cross Turismo version delivers wagon-bodied practicality.
Subaru
Developed as part of the same joint venture that delivered the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 duo, the upcoming Subaru Solterra is a Forester-sized crossover that won’t quite arrive before the end of the year, though customers can register their interest now.
Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 is Australia’s favourite electric car for good reason – it drives well, has seriously clever technology, and exclusive access to the brand’s Supercharger network. The larger Model Y builds on that with additional practicality – expect it to become a familiar sight on the road.
Toyota
The Toyota-badged version of the Subaru Solterra should have been here in 2022, but production delays pushed the electric Toyota bZ4X back to next year. It joins a wide array of hybrid choices in Toyota showrooms, as well as a rare hydrogen-powered option in the Toyota Mirai.
Volkswagen
VW has an extensive range of electric cars overseas that are not offered in Australia. That should change soon, with the ID. 4 and ID. 5 family SUV duo pencilled in for introduction next year. Expect VW to offer the ID. 3 hatchback and ID. Buzz van – a modern electric Kombi – at some point in the short to medium term, too.
Volvo
Not content to let Polestar have all the electric options, Volvo has a fine electric crossover in the powerful XC40 Recharge. A more stylish option is just around the corner in the new C40 Recharge, too.
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