The cheapest EVs under $60K in Australia

Until recently, purchase price has been perceived as one of the key barriers for first-time electric vehicle buyers, but the tide is turning.

Not even a decade ago, the sub-$60,000 local EV market was merely populated by a few players – the Nissan Leaf small hatchback, Renault Zoe, BMW i3 city car, Hyundai Ioniq Electric liftback, and Kona Electric small SUV just emerging.

Only 1352 EVs were sold in 2018 (representing 0.12 per cent new car sales). In contrast, 33,410 EVs were registered in 2022 (three per cent market share).

Now, it’s hard to go outside without seeing a Tesla Model 3 sedan, Model Y or BYD Atto 3 SUV on Australian roads – with 50-plus other models that are often forgotten, primarily due to limited supply.

Cheaper EVs have mainly been driven by Chinese-made models, thanks to lower labour costs and a local supply chain – importantly enabling cheaper battery packs.

While EVs are still generally more expensive to buy than equivalent petrol- or diesel-powered models, some have already achieved price parity.

All Australian states also offer some form of EV incentive and the federal government has exempted the fringe benefits tax (FBT) for employee novated leases (i.e. salary sacrifice arrangement). A carbon emissions standard is also coming to help boost EV supply and lower prices.

For now, these are the most attainable EVs available in Australia priced below $60K – or comparable to the price of a top-spec internal combustion engine powered small or medium SUV.

JUMP AHEAD

🏆 Which are the best cheapest EVs?

🔼 Watch for an update to this story soon!

📝 Every new EV under $60K detailed

• BYD Dolphin
• MG 4
• GWM Ora
• MG ZS EV
• BYD Atto 3
• Nissan Leaf
• Fiat 500e
• Tesla Model 3
• Cupra Born
• Peugeot E-2008
• Peugeot E-Partner
• Volvo EX30

• 🤔 Time to make the electric switch?

🏆 The best EVs under $65k

This story outlines every single EV on sale in Australia under $60,000 before on-road costs, but which are the best? Check out our 2022 EV Megatest below for more.

You won't yet find the BYD Dolphin, MG 4 or GWM Ora in the above test, but they'll be added soon. In the meantime, you can find our coverage of those models at the below links.

• BYD Dolphin news and reviews
• MG 4 news and reviews
• GWM Ora news and reviews

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BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is Australia’s cheapest new electric car (for now), priced from $38,890 before on-road costs, with a high-spec standard features list and the company’s lauded lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery cells.

The quirky-designed Dolphin EV range is split in two variants, with the base Dynamic already fully-equipped and the Premium only gaining a larger battery, more powerful motor, and cosmetic upgrades.

Key features include; a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, a synthetic two-tone leather interior, an energy-efficient heat pump, PM2.5 air filter, and full safety assistance suite as standard.

The BYD Dolphin is covered by a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is only included for one year.

Servicing is required every one-year/20,000km at BYD dealers and select MyCar mechanics, with the first five-years/100,000km averaging to $276.80 per visit.

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MG 4

The MG 4 electric hatch represents the Chinese brand’s first global car, with a ground-up EV platform and budget-friendly $38,990 before on-roads starting price.

The electric small car is separated by two spec variants and three battery sizes – with only the base Excite 51 housing the LFP-type battery. However, all other models adopt a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery with a recommended 80 per cent everyday charge limit to maintain good health.

Highlight MG 4 standard features include; a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, remote mobile app connectivity, keyless start/stop, and one-pedal driving regenerative braking ability.

The Chinese carmaker backs the 4 with a seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle and battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is also included for that period, provided owners service it with a MG dealer on time.

Servicing is only required every two-years/40,000km. After the first six-years/120,000km, it averages to $500 per checkup.

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GWM Ora

The GWM Ora is another cut-price electric hatch offering with a retro Mini-esque design, priced from $39,990 before on-road costs.

Four variants are available with the same drivetrain, but only the base model features the longer-lasting and thermally safer LFP battery.

Key GWM Ora features include; dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, two-tone exterior paint, and most safety assistance tech as standard. Pricier variants uniquely gain a hands-free electric tailgate, ventilated and massaging front seats, and front cross-traffic assist.

The electric hatch is backed by a seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/unlimited kilometre battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for the first five years when serviced with a GWM dealer.

While servicing intervals are set at every one-year/15,000km, the Chinese automaker is offering a sharp $99 capped-cost for the first five-years/60,000km.

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MG ZS EV

The facelifted MG ZS EV might’ve been overshadowed by the new MG 4 hatch, but it still holds up well on paper as a budget small electric SUV option costing from $47,990 before on-roads.

With the Chinese automaker discontinuing the entry-level Excite model, only two high-spec variants remain in the line-up – separated by the battery size and chemistry.

Key ZS EV standard features include; a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, synthetic leather seats with faux carbon fibre bolsters and red stitching, PM2.5 air filter, and full LED headlights.

The Chinese carmaker provides a seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle and battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is also included for that period when serviced at a MG dealer.

Servicing is only needed every two-years/40,000km, with the first six-years/120,000km averaging to $466.67 per visit.

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BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 continues to be a top-selling EV in Australia, with a modern design and packed standard features list in a small electric SUV package. It’s priced from $48,011 before on-roads.

The line-up is only split in two battery sizes – both of which use the Shenzhen automaker’s proprietary LFP-based Blade Battery cells that’s claimed to be safer and more durable than conventional LFP packs.

Despite a few controversies clouding its initial launch, a still relatively nascent brand reputation and new independent importer, it has quickly become a common sight on Australian roads – but is still fairly behind the more expensive Tesla Model Y medium electric SUV.

The Atto 3 includes all features as standard, including; a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, over-the-air (OTA) software update capability, mobile app connectivity, full LED head- and tail-lights with sequential rear indicators, an electric tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof.

The BYD electric SUV is backed by six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for one year only.

Standard servicing is required every one-year/20,000km at BYD dealers and select MyCar mechanics, with the first five-years/100,000km averaging to $276.80 per service.

Alternatively, shorter distance drivers can opt for a light servicing tier, which reduces servicing intervals to every one-year/10,000km and caps the first five visits to $189 each. The capped-price scheme reverts to the standard tier afterwards.

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Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf electric hatch is one of the oldest new EVs on sale, yet represents the cheapest non-Chinese made EV in Australia, starting from $50,990 before on-road costs.

Despite the Japanese badge, the Leaf (an acronym for Leading, Environmentally Friendly, Affordable, Family Car) is made at Nissan’s Sunderland factory in the United Kingdom.

The Nissan Leaf includes all features as standard, including; an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, rear view mirror camera, heated front and rear leather seats with suede trim, and LED combination headlights.

The UK-made EV is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Nissan promises the lithium-ion battery won’t degrade by more than three bars (out of 12) within the battery warranty period. Five years of roadside assistance is included, provided owners service it with Nissan on time.

Servicing intervals are set at every one-year/20,000km, with the first five-years/100,000km averaging to $345.20 per checkup.

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Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e offers a city-friendly size and requisite Italian design charms, with a starting price of $52,500 before on-road costs.

Available in a flagship La Prima trim only, key standard features include; a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, ‘ice beige’ eco leather seats, a fixed panoramic glass roof, and a Type 2 to Type 2 portable AC charging cable.

The 500e is covered by a shorter three-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an industry-standard eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for three-years, provided it’s serviced with a Fiat dealer.

Fiat’s parent company, Stellantis Australia, confirmed to WhichCar that servicing is needed every one-year/15,000km, with prices capped at just $250 per visit up to 10-years/150,000km.

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Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 has gradually become cheaper since its 2019 launch and ousted the venerable Toyota Camry as Australia’s most popular sedan. It’s priced from $57,400 before on-roads (as at the time of publication, but subject to change).

While the dual-motor, bigger battery Long Range and Performance variants cost more than $60,000, the base ‘standard range’ rear-wheel drive (RWD) represents the best value with most kit included and uses a longer-lasting LFP battery.

Key Model 3 standard features include; an 15.0-inch central touchscreen that receives regular OTA software updates, mobile key app connectivity, built-in dash cam functionality, dual Qi wireless charging pads, and an electric tailgate.

The Tesla electric sedan is covered by a shorter four-year/80,000km vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/160,000km (RWD) or eight-year/192,000km (Long Range and Performance) battery warranty.

The American carmaker promises the pack won’t degrade by more than 30 per cent in the battery warranty coverage period.

Separately, the touchscreen and media control unit come with a two-year/40,000km warranty, and the seatbelts and airbag system have a five-year/100,000km warranty.

It uses a condition-based servicing scheme, which uses the vehicle sensors to notify when a checkup may be required depending on usage. Tesla also recommends a range of routine maintenance tasks [↗].

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Cupra Born

The Cupra Born marks the Volkswagen Group’s first mainstream EV in Australia, with a hot electric hatch positioning and long driving range, priced from $59,990 before on-road costs.

Available in one high spec, large battery variant, it wears a price tag on par with the petrol-powered Cupra Leon VZe plug-in hybrid and VZx hot hatch, although it offers less power and weighs heavier.

Key standard features include; a 12.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, 5.3-inch driver instruments display, copper exterior and interior accents, full LED lights, auto keyless start/stop, and safety assistance systems suite.

The Born electric hatch is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for the first five years.

Servicing is needed every one-year/15,000km. Cupra Australia hasn’t outlined capped-price servicing costs, but sells three- and five-year pre-paid servicing packages costing $990 and $1590 respectively.

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Overseas model shown

Peugeot E-2008

The Peugeot E-2008 is the French brand’s first small electric SUV offering in Australia for just under $60K before on-road costs.

While the electric pug is just launching in Australia, it has already been overshadowed by a newer facelifted model in Europe which gains more driving range, new technology, and a bolder exterior.

The E-2008 is based on the regular petrol-powered mid-spec GT trim, while borrowing some equipment from the flagship GT Sport. Key features include; a 10.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, three-dimensional ‘i-Cockpit’ instrument display, gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Peugeot E-2008 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Five years of roadside assistance is included when serviced with a Peugeot dealer.

Servicing intervals are set at every one-year/25,000km, with capped-prices going up to the first five-years/125,000km and averaging $304.40 per checkup.

Pre-paid servicing plans are also offered at $600 for three years or $1000 for five years.

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Peugeot E-Partner

With the all-new Renault Kangoo E-Tech delayed until 2024, this has left the Peugeot E-Partner as the only new electric light commercial vehicle under $60K in Australia.

The small electric cargo van is sold in a single Pro, two-seater long wheelbase variant.

Key standard features include; an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, dual sliding doors, 180-degree swinging rear doors, Type 2 to Type 2 portable AC charging cable, front auto emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.

The E-Partner electric van is backed by a five-year/200,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is bundled for five years when owners service it with a Peugeot dealer.

Servicing is required every one-year/25,000km. Capped-price servicing extends to the first five visits – averaging $346 per service.

Pre-paid servicing packages are also available to buy at $600 for three years or $1000 for five years.

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Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 is the Sino-Swedish automaker’s smallest, yet most powerful model to date – with a sharp $59,990 before on-roads starting price.

The luxury-badged small electric SUV will start deliveries in early 2024, with pre-orders now open for the three-prong line-up.

Australia won’t get the standard range LFP battery at launch, with all models housing the same NMC cathode pack with a 90 per cent everyday charging limit.

Key standard features include; a 12.3-inch portrait-orientated touchscreen powered by Google’s Android Automotive operating system – which integrates the driver instruments atop, instead of in front of the driver – wireless Apple CarPlay, eco-friendly interior materials, front soundbar speaker, and smartphone key functionality.

The EX30 EV is backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.

Roadside assistance is included for the first eight years, provided owners service it with Volvo.

Servicing details haven’t been announced for the Volvo EX30 yet, but for reference, the slightly larger XC40 and C40 Recharge electric SUVs only need scheduled maintenance every two-years/30,000km.

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🤔 Time to make the electric switch?

As prices lower, electric cars are becoming more attainable. But, there are also concerns around charging, battery longevity and safety, just to name a few. Check out our comprehensive guides below to find out more.

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