The cheapest electric cars in Australia

Affordable EVs are arriving faster than your phone software updates – and just like those, there seems to be a new one every few weeks.

The result? The price of entry keeps dropping, and going electric no longer means spending luxury-car money.

We’ve pulled together the cheapest EVs on sale right now so you can see exactly what's around.

1. BYD Atto 1

Priced from $26,545 drive-away

The Atto 1 is currently the cheapest EV in Australia and is all about simple, no-frills electric motoring. It’s offered in a single variant with a small battery delivering roughly 200–300km of range (WLTP), making it best suited to city driving and short commutes.

2. BYD Dolphin

Priced from $32,900 drive-away

In second place, the Dolphin is a step up in size and usability, offered in multiple variants with ranges spanning roughly 340km to 427km (WLTP) depending on battery choice. It sits firmly in the small-car segment, meaning it’s practical enough for small families while still feeling easy to park and live with day-to-day.

3. BYD Atto 2

Priced from $34,880 drive-away

Positioned as BYD’s entry SUV, the Atto 2 gives buyers a higher driving position without a big price jump. Expect around 300–400km of range from a single battery option, with a focus on value and urban practicality rather than outright performance.

4. GWM Ora

Priced from $35,990 drive-away

The quirky-looking Ora sits in the small hatch segment and is available in multiple trims, with battery options delivering roughly 310km to 420km of range (WLTP). It’s known for its distinctive design and generous standard equipment compared with similarly priced EVs.

5. Jaecoo J5

Priced from $36,990 drive-away

Another budget SUV joins the ranks with the GWM Haval Jolion. It’s around $25K drive-away, and if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can get it in hybrid form too. Even the base model gives you a big 10.25-inch touchscreen and heaps of equipment. It scored 5 stars for safety in 2021, and while that rating is a few years old now, it’s still current. You won’t get the softest interior materials, but it nails the value-for-money equation.

6. MG 4

Priced from $37,990 drive-away

The MG 4 remains one of the most well-rounded affordable EVs, offered in several variants with ranges from about 350km up to around 530km (WLTP). Rear-wheel drive and sharp pricing have made it a standout for drivers wanting something a bit more engaging than the typical budget EV.

7. Chery E5

Priced from $38,990 drive-away

Chery’s first EV in Australia is a small SUV offered in a single main variant with a claimed around 430km WLTP range. It’s pitched as a value-focused family option, combining a roomy cabin with strong standard tech for the price.

8. Leapmotor B10

Priced from $38,990 drive-away

A newcomer to the market, the B10 slots into the small SUV segment with a focus on affordability and simple ownership. The range is at the 420km mark, positioning it as a direct rival to other budget electric SUVs.