It wasn’t that long ago that the best electric cars in Australia cost a small fortune, barely seated four adults and needed to be plugged in after not much more than 100 kilometres on the road.
Times have changed dramatically. As of May 2026, there were 259 fully electric models available for Aussie drivers to purchase in Australia.1 From cut-price city hatchbacks to large electric SUVs for families, and luxury up-market models – all with respectable range and eco-friendly impacts.
More Australians continue to switch to electric cars as well. In April 2026, EVs or plug-in hybrids made up 27.5% of light vehicle sales – up from 1.9% in April 2022.2
While some of the more generous state EV purchase subsidies have now ended,3 the Australian Government continues to incentivise EV purchases with its fringe benefits tax (FBT) for novated leaseholders, for EVs valued under $91,387.4,5
“That has made EVs much cheaper to lease,” says David McCowen, Motoring Content Director, News Corp Australia.
Going forward, McCowen says new fuel efficiency rules6 in the Australian new car market will also benefit EV buyers.
“The federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard aims to put people in efficient cars by making thirsty models more expensive,” he says.
Many new EV owners are attracted to their car’s environmental benefits but also, in a cost-of-living context, EVs have the potential to significantly reduce an Aussie family’s annual fuel bill – especially when recharged at home using solar renewable energy.7
“Folks with a good solar arrangement just about drive for free – much more so than those paying fees at a public charging station,” says McCowen.
According to the NSW Government, the savings in running costs are particularly significant, with EVs capable of passing along fuel savings of up to 70% and maintenance savings of around 40%.7
What are the best electric car brands?
Mention the phrase “electric car” and most people will probably think of US EV powerhouse Tesla – which isn’t surprising. EV sales were up 40% in the first quarter of 2026 with Tesla and Polestar leading the charge selling a combined 7,725 vehicles – up from 5,549 in the same period for 2025.8
But more and more brands are entering the EV space, including many that may be new to Aussies. Case in point, new car brands from China – offering family EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, most of them comparatively inexpensive– are arriving en masse to Australia, and this will continue to be a theme locally in 2026 and beyond.9
“Tesla represents the definition of an electric brand – the company’s investment in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is enormous,” says McCowen. “Its cars are great too. After Tesla, there are many brands with electric options. Hyundai and Kia have a broad range of impressive cars, and then there are the more affordable Chinese models led by BYD and MG.”
Are electric cars getting cheaper to buy?
Yes, EVs are getting cheaper. The affordability of EVs has been a sticking point that has delayed the energy transition, however the cheapest EV coming to the market in 2026 costs just $26,000 showing a shift in the landscape.10
“It wasn’t that long ago that you couldn’t get an electric car for less than $60,000 – now there are a handful of options under $40,000 drive-away, and there are more around the corner,” says McCowen.
What is the best EV for you?
Whether you’re on a budget and seeking a top-selling model under $40,000 or looking for a luxurious option such as a BMW i4, finding the best electric car to suit you will depend on factors such as your finances, your household, access to charging infrastructure, and the distance you plan to cover on a single charge.
In terms of cost, consider your EV car insurance options before making a final decision – Youi’s Car insurance by make and model pages offer useful information about insurance costs for most popular EVs, including Tesla, BYD, MG, Kia, Polestar and more.
What are the best EV cars in Australia?
With the range of EVs currently on the market, what are the best electric cars in Australia right now?
With McCowen’s help, and using car sales data as well as results from Australia’s major car awards, we’ve pulled together an overview of some of the best electric cars for their price for 2026.
(Note: prices are subject to change and are based on the manufacturers’ suggested retail price for the lowest-priced variant, quoted for postcode 2000 in June 2025, and may not include costs such as stamp duty, other government charges, and options.)
Best entry level electric cars in Australia (under $40,000)
An entry-level EV model used to cost upwards of $75,000 but, as the market grows and competition for Australia’s cheapest electric car intensifies, prices are dropping and you can now buy yourself an EV for less than $30,000.
BYD Atto 1 from $23,99011
Meet the cheapest electric car in Australia – the BYD Atto 1.12 In base Essential trim, the Atto 1 can seat four people and travel up to 310km on a single charge.13 There’s plenty of standard equipment, but its party piece is the 10.1-inch central infotainment screen that boasts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.13
GAC Aion UT Premium from $31,99014
The GAC Aion UT is an entry level hatchback but boasts a generous 321L boot space for a small family as well as a 2750mm wheelbase to maximise interior space.15 Driving range is 430 kilometres, while you also get adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.15
MG4 from $37,99016
Voted Best Electric Car Under $80K for 2024 by Wheels Magazine,17 the base MG4 Excite 51 125kW comes with up to 350km of range and a reasonably large, for its size, 363-litre boot.18 McCowen says it’s one of the best small electric cars. “If you want to spend less than $40,000, an entry-level MG4 is worth a look,” he says.
Best mid-range electric cars in Australia ($40,000-$80,000)
With Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle in this price band, this category presents a host of worthy choices for motorists.
BYD Seal from $46,99019
Winner of Best Electric Vehicle Under $50K at Drive Car of the Year 2025,20 the BYD Seal is positioned as a four-door sedan rival to Tesla’s Model 3. The base Seal Dynamic comes with a single 150kW, 310Nm electric motor,20 and a decent 460km range.21 “The BYD Seal Dynamic might be the entry-level model in the range, but it doesn’t lack for equipment or creature comforts,” says Drive. “And it certainly doesn’t feel ‘cheap’.”20
Hyundai IONIQ 5 from $69,80022
With its retro-futuristic, boxy styling, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers SUV-like interior space in a large hatchback package. Sharing its E-GMP electric vehicle platform with the popular Kia EV6, the base Hyundai IONIQ 5 Standard Range can travel up to 440km on a single charge. For those who need to go further, there’s an Extended Range model with a driving range of up to 570km.23 “Car enthusiasts should check out Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N,” says McCowen. That very model was also crowned 2025 Wheels Car of the Year.24
Tesla Model Y from $58,90025
Recently updated with new front and rear styling, the entry-level Model Y comes with a range of up to 466km, a 15.4-inch touchscreen, and new acoustic glass for a quieter cabin.25 “The Tesla Model Y is the class of the field today – it’s a polished, practical and innovative machine,” says McCowen.
Best luxury electric cars in Australia ($80,000+)
It’s no surprise that the higher end of the electric car market has some of the most feature-packed models currently available.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz from $87,99026
Need the best electric family car in Australia that can seat up to seven? The Volkswagen ID. Buzz might be for you. With retro, Kombi-inspired styling, the ID. Buzz was crowned winner, Best Family Electric Vehicle Under $100K at Drive Car of the Year 2025.27 Short and long wheelbase versions are available, with a driving range of up to 422km.28 Drive praises the ID. Buzz for its "clever cabin design, real-world practicality and space, and driving dynamics that belie ... a very capable people mover."27
Polestar 3 from $116,75429
Are you an Australian new car buyer who wants to know which EV has the longest range? It would be this one – the Polestar 3. Designed in Scandinavia and made in China for the Australian market, the base, single-motor Polestar 3 can cover 706km on a single charge – more than any other EV in the Aussie market.30 The luxuriously-appointed Polestar 3 rides on standard 20-inch wheels.31
Porsche Macan from $128,40032
A brand synonymous with combustion engines, Porsche is embracing electric – and its second pure EV model is the Macan SUV. With fast charging capability, 265kW and zero to 100km/h acceleration of 5.7 seconds, the Macan can cover up to 654km between charges.33 The new design and EV powertrain come at a much steeper price, however. “The price of entry to the Macan line-up has jumped tens of thousands of dollars, in turn positioning the Macan above its traditional luxury rivals,” says CarSales.34
What to consider when buying an EV
Before you settle on a particular make or model, there are a few important things to consider, and the first is whether an EV is the right choice for you, says McCowen.
“People shopping for a new car should be honest with themselves about what they need, what they want, and what they will do with that car,” he advises.
“A hybrid might be an easy solution – cheaper to buy than an electric car and cheaper to run than petrol models. It’s generally cheaper to insure than a full electric vehicle too,” says McCowen.
“Plug-in hybrids offer good flexibility but require a thoughtful owner. If you’re the type of person who forgets where you left house keys, a plug-in hybrid might not be for you. They work best when you stay on top of charging and energy use.”
Another important factor to keep in mind is how far you plan to travel on a single charge as some of the cheaper electric cars on the market come with smaller ranges.
“Some people are put off by the range and charging times of electric vehicles, but honestly, how frequently do you drive more than 300 kilometres? Folks who drive common routes, such as the Hume Highway or Pacific Highway, will find plenty of charging stations,” says McCowen.
Remember, charging speeds will depend on the charger you use (either a home charger or a network such as Evie which offers various fast charging rates),35 the amount of charge already in the battery and the model being charged.36
With so many electric vehicles to choose from, and new models continuously becoming available in Australia, it’s becoming easier than ever to hit the road in a sustainable fashion. If you’re looking for EV car insurance, consider you-shaped options with Youi.
Does insurance change with EVs?
Technically speaking, no. Car insurance remains the same for EVs, but what you’re covered for will depend on the level of cover you have. It may be worth asking yourself these questions when considering the level of electric vehicle car insurance you wish to take out:37
- Can I afford to have no vehicle if it is damaged, written off or stolen?
- Can I afford to pay for someone else's vehicle or property if I accidentally damage it?
- Do I have a car loan on this vehicle and could I afford to repay it when it’s written off while I’m also paying off a replacement vehicle?37
This may help you decide if you wish to take out a Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft or Third Party Property Only car insurance policy as each offer different cover levels.
If you’re looking at buying an EV but you’re unsure about how much car insurance may cost, visit our car make and model page to get an idea of premium prices.
And if you want to find out more about car insurance with Youi, consider starting a quote online or get in touch with our friendly team by giving us a call on 13 9684.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of June 2026 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant vehicle manufacturer websites for price and specification updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: EVDB – Compare EVs in Australia , May 2026
2 Source: EV Infrastructure News - ‘One EV every 3 minutes’, April 2026
3 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – What incentives are available when purchasing an EV?
4 Source: Australian Taxation Office – Electric cars exemption, June 2026
5 Source: Australian Taxation Office – Electric Cars Exemption, April 2026
6 Source: Australian Government – Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard – Frequently asked questions
7 Source: NSW Government – Why buy an electric vehicle?
8 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – Tesla and Polestar Sales Surge as EV Demand Grows Amidst International Fuel Crisis, April 2026
9 Source: CarExpert – Which Chinese car brands are arriving in Australia in 2026 and beyond, April 2026
10 Source: ABC News –As electric car prices fall, will affordability win over drivers?, February 2026
11 Source: RedBook – BYD Atto 1
12 Source: CarsGuide – Australia’s Cheapest EV, October 2025
13 Source: BYD – Atto 1
14 Source: EVDB – GAC Aion UT
15 Source: GAC – Aion UT
16 Source: RedBook – MG4
17 Source: WhichCar? – 2024 Best Electric Car (Under $80K): MG4, March 2024
18 Source: MG – MG4
19 Source: RedBook – BYD Seal
20 Source: Drive – BYD Seal wins Best Electric Vehicle Under $50K, February 2025
21 Source: BYD – Seal
22 Source: RedBook – Hyundai IONIQ 5
23 Source: Hyundai – IONIQ 5
24 Source: WhichCar? – Wheels COTY 2024-25 Winner: HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N, December 2024
25 Source: Tesla – Model Y
26 Source: RedBook – Volkswagen ID. Buzz
27 Source: Drive – Volkswagen ID. Buzz wins Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K, February 2025
28 Source: Volkswagen – ID. Buzz
29 Source: RedBook – Polestar 3
30 Source: CarExpert – The EVs with the longest range in Australia, May 2025
31 Source: Polestar – Polestar 3
32 Source: RedBook – Porsche Macan
33 Source: Porsche – Macan Electric
34 Source: CarSales – Porsche Macan EV 2024 Review, December 2024
35 Source: Evie – How much does it cost to charge?
36 Source: ACT Government – Charging an electric vehicle
37 Source: Moneysmart – Choosing car insurance, n.d.
