The most affordable electric cars in Australia

It’s no surprise that affordability is top of mind when it comes to buying a vehicle. Aside from a home, they are one of the more expensive items a person will buy in a lifetime.

Although electric vehicles are cheaper to own, they still have a higher sticker price than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. And, it's common for people to be concerned about how far they can drive an EV on a single charge. 

Because of this, the price and driving range of an electric car are important factors for people when deciding to go electric. Some consider their budget, while others consider value for money.

The good news is in 2025 that there are now five, and possibly soon to be six, electric vehicles in Australia priced from below $40,000 - with the most affordable of them now starting at $29,990 before on-roads. And, they can drive further on a single charge than you may think.

The sub-$30,000 EV comes in the form of the BYD Dolphin, in a stripped-down Essential format that to date is the all-time lowest-priced EV in Australia. Next up is the GWM Ora Standard Range hatchback, on sale until the end of June 2025 for just $32,990 driveaway. It is joined by its Extended Range stablemate priced from $35,990 driveaway - astonishing value for an EV with 420kmWLTP range.

No longer available new is the MG ZS EV, which is now set to be replaced by the MG S5 EV. While pricing is not yet confirmed,word is it will come in just a few thousand over the MG4 electric hatch. Speaking of which, the 51kWh standard range MG4 Excite is currently priced from $36,990 driveaway until the end of April.

Joining this growing stable of affordable EVs is also now the Hyundai Inster, which is priced from $39,000 before on-roads. While the Extended Range and Cross varieties step over the $40,000 mark, the Standard Range Inster offers 327km WLTP range with a generous range of standard inclusions - read on for more.

In addition to this is the BYD Atto 3 Essential, which also starts from $39,990 before on-road costs and like its Dolphin Essential cousin, goes without niceties like a one-touch electronic tailgate, panaromic sunroof, roof rails, heated seats, wireless phone charger and ambient lighting.

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is a compact electric hatchback that launched in June 2023. At the time, it took the reins as Australia's most affordable EV to date with a starting price of $38,890 before on-road costs, besting MG's MG4 on price by ten dollars. 

Then, the Dolphin came in two variants — Dynamic ($36,890 plus on-road costs) and Premium ($42,890 plus on road costs). The Dynamic has a 44.9kWh Blade battery providing 340km of driving range on a single charge. Its single electric motor on the front axle delivers 70kW of power and 180Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 150km/h. With a top charge rate of 60kW using a DC charger, it's battery can be replenished to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes.

Nearly two years on and BYD has introduced a new Essential variant that starts from $29,990. While it does away with perks like a panoramic sunroof, electric and heated seats, tinted glass, foldable mirrors, and wireless phone charging, with 340km WLTP range it is still an attractive offering for those looking for a budget EV.

The introduction of the Essential trim saw BYD do away with the mid-range Dynamic, but for those wanting a step up, there is still the Dolphin Premium variant, now starting from $36,990 before on-roads.

Seating five occupants, the Dolphin comes with ergonomically designed front sports seats (heated in the Premium variant only) and headrests made of vegan leather. Rear seats offer decent legroom and when folded down, expand the 345L boot to 1310L. The Premium variety gets a large panoramic sunroof, rotating 12.8" infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, adaptive LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry and push-button start.

Both Dolphin variants also get vehicle-to-load technology with 3.3kW capacity to charge external devices, such as electrical camping equipment.

GWM Ora

Produced by Great Wall Motors (GWM) and called the Good Cat or Funky Cat in overseas markets, the GWM Ora is one of the most recent additions to the Australian EV market.

In April 2024, GWM dropped the price of the entry-level Ora electric hatchback from $43,990 before on-road costs ($45,550 driveaway in NSW) down to $35,990 driveaway, introducing standard nationwide pricing for all variants. In August, it then dropped the pricing of the Extended Range Ora with 63kWh battery to $36,990, and the Extended Range GT to $43,990 driveaway.

This makes the GWM Ora the most affordable EV currently on the Australian car market. The entry-level Standard Range model packs a 48kWh battery under the floor it has a WLTP range of up to 310km and its almost silent operation makes it perfect for urban adventures.

A maximum fast-charge rate of 64kW allows it to recharge from 10-80% in 41 minutes. On an AC charger it can reach an 11kW charge rate.

Other specs include a top speed of 160km/hr, 126kW power output from its single motor, 250Nm torque and acceleration from a standing start to 100km/hr in 8.3 seconds.

Its 4,235mm length is the shortest in the $40,000-$50,000 EV segment but it sits on a relatively long wheelbase of 2,650mm leaving plenty of room for passengers. It also has the lightest kerb weight of the five weighing in at just 1540kg. Perhaps its main downfall is a cramped boot capacity that clocks in at just 228L, or 858L with the seats down.

Of the five, it is the only one without vehicle-to-load charging capacity. For an extra $5,000 or so, drivers can level up to the GT variant for a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, 18-inch alloys, red brake calipers, driver’s seat with memory, heated steering wheel and automatic parking.

MG ZS EV 

One of two EVs now available from MG, the MG ZS EV was originally priced from $39,990 before on-road costs in its Standard Range Excite format, after MG also dropped prices in March and introduced nationwide driveaway pricing. In August 2024, it brought the price down to $34,990 driveaway for a limited time, making it the all time cheapest EV to date in Australia.

Updated in 2022 with more high-tech and streamlined features including a closed grille and a larger 10.1” touchscreen, the ZS EV is the all-electric version of the ZS medium SUV.

While now off the menu, to be replaced by the MG S5, the MG ZS EV remains a solid offering for the lower end of the EV market and has a WLTP driving range of up to 320km from a 51kWh battery. There was also a 72kWh Long Range option available that offers up to 440km driving range.

The MG ZS EV can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds with its 130kW/280Nm front axle motor, and has a top speed of 175km/h. From a standing start it can accelerate to 100km/hr in 8.2 seconds.

It’s top DC fast-charge rate is 80kW allowing a top up on the road in 36 minutes, while the AC max charge rate of 11kW allows a full charge in 5 hours.

With a 4,287mm length and 1,504mm width, the ZS EV has a wheelbase length of 2,585mm. This doesn’t diminish its storage capacity however: inside, the ZS EV boasts a generous 359L boot space (1187L with the seats down.) It can tow 500kg and also offers 2.2kW vehicle-to-load charging capacity.

MG MG4

The MG4 is the first EV from the SAIC-owned brand to come to Australia on a pure electric platform, and is currently priced from $36,990 driveaway until the end of April 2025.

Under the hood of the entry-level Excite 51 variant lies a 51kWh battery with 50.8kWh of usable energy, delivering a capable 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque. It provides spirited performance, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds, and reaches a respectable top speed of 160km/h.

Charging convenience is key, with the Excite 51 offering an impressive DC fast-charging capability of up to 88kW, enabling a recharge from 10% to 80% in around 37 minutes. When charging at home or at an AC charger, the vehicle reaches a maximum rate of 6.6kW, fully replenishing the battery in approximately 7.5 hours.

In terms of practical dimensions, the MG4 sits at 4,287mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2,705mm providing a generous interior space. Storage is also competitive for its class, boasting 363 litres with seats up, which expands to a spacious 1,177 litres when folded flat.

Safety hasn't been overlooked either. The MG4 Excite 51 comes equipped with MG Pilot technology, featuring nine active driver safety systems, including Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

For added versatility, the MG4 includes a handy 2.2kW vehicle-to-load (V2L) function and is rated to tow up to 500kg, enhancing its practicality.

Stepping above the $40,000 mark, the $40,990 64kWh Excite variant of the MG4 delivers 150kW of power and 250Nm of torque, matching the power figures of the Essence 64 variant. Both trims achieve a brisk 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed capped at 160km/h. The MG4 Long Range 77kWh in Essence trim offers even more impressive credentials, priced from $49,990 driveaway. This model extends its WLTP-rated range to 530km, equating to excellent efficiency and costing just below $100 per kilometre of range. Its enhanced motor outputs 180kW and 350Nm torque, with acceleration to 100km/h in a swift 6.5 seconds. The Long Range variant supports DC fast-charging up to 144kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 38 minutes, and an 11kW AC charger can fully recharge it from empty in around 7 hours.

In essence - pardon the pun - the MG 4 is a very affordable electric vehicle that offers great value for money. And, according to reviews, the MG 4’s driving experience is arguably its most impressive feature, with ride comfort that’s way ahead of anything else in its class.

Hyundai Inster

Hyundai’s latest fully electric light SUV, the Inster, has arrived with a sharp look, solid spec list, and the brand’s lowest-ever price tag for an EV. With driveaway pricing locked in from $39,000, it plants itself squarely in the battleground for affordable EVs in Australia. 

Three flavours are on offer: Standard Range, Extended Range and the rugged Inster Cross. The base variant rolls out a 42kWh battery and 71.1kW of power, delivering up to 327km of WLTP range. Step up to the Extended Range or Cross and you get a 49kWh pack, boosting range to 360km and bumping power to 84.5kW.  

Either version hooks up to a 120kW DC fast charger, topping up from 10 to 80% in around 30 minutes — quick enough for a decent coffee stop. On an AC charger it is capable of 10.5kW charging, equalling a full charge in 4-4.5 hours. 

While it’s compact at 3,825mm long, the Inster punches above its weight with clever packaging. Sliding, reclining and split-fold rear seats give you flexibility, and cargo space runs from 280L to 351L depending on rear seat position. It’s not huge, but it’s more than enough for the weekly shop or a weekend away. 

Hyundai hasn’t skimped on kit, either. Even the entry variant scores twin 10.25-inch displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety tech — including Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Keeping Assist. Extended and Cross trims add bigger 17-inch alloys, extra interior options, and more polish. 

The Inster Cross stands out with chunkier bumpers, roof racks, and an optional roof basket that shouts “adventure ready” — even if the most rugged terrain it’ll see is a dirt road. Still, with its flat-folding seats, V2L charging for camping gear or e-scooters, and an outdoorsy vibe, it’s a capable companion for drivers wanting more than just a city runabout.  

Performance-wise, it’s not going to blow your socks off — the quickest version does 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds — but Hyundai says it is smooth, quiet and well-mannered thanks to the carmaker’s work on NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) especially for highway speeds.  

For those wanting to step up outside the entry-level Standard Range Inster, the Extended Range starts from $42,500, and there is also an adventure-focussed Cross variant priced from $45,000 that comes with either a sunroof or a roof basket  — perfect for camping with an EV. 

The Hyundai Inster may not be flashy, but it’s a well-rounded  — and let’s be honest, cute — package that’s easy to live with. If you're after a compact EV with the tech and polish of Hyundai’s bigger offerings, without the big price, this one's worth a serious look. 

BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 is a medium-sized all-electric SUV that offers a good mix of driving range, storage and towing capacity.

Priced from $39,990 in its Essential trim, the Atto 3 features a 49.92kWh battery, delivering 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque, achieving a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 160km/h. It boasts a WLTP-rated range of up to 345km, with DC charging capacity up to 70kW and AC charging at 7kW, providing a full charge in approximately 7.75 hours.

Dimensionally the largest of its peers, the Atto 3 measures 4,455mm in length, 1,875mm in width, and offers the longest wheelbase at 2,720mm, translating to substantial interior space. Storage capacity is excellent at 440 litres, expanding to 1,340 litres with rear seats folded. It also leads in towing capacity at 750kg.

Standard features across the Atto 3 include a panoramic electric sunroof, ambient lighting, LED headlights, keyless entry, roof rails, and an innovative rotating touchscreen (12.8" Essential, 15.6" Premium). Additionally, all variants come equipped with a practical 2.2kW vehicle-to-load function.

The BYD Atto 3 also has 2.2kW vehicle-to-load capacity. Also available in an Premium format with 60.4kWh battery that offers up to 420km driving range for an extra $5,000. The premium variant, priced $5,000 higher, upgrades the battery to 60.48kWh for an extended WLTP range of 420km and quicker 7.3-second acceleration. This version supports faster 88kW DC charging.

This article was updated for clarity around value for money on 22 September, 2023. Pricing updates were added on 23 April, 2024.

This article was updated on 21 June 2024 to update pricing for the BYD and MG models.

This article was updated on 16 August 2024 to update MG ZS EV and GWM Ora pricing.

This article was updated on 23 April 2025 to update MG ZS EV availability, various model pricing updates and add Hyundai Inster pricing.