A spate of recent price cuts has resulted in the entry price for an electric vehicle (EV) in Australia dropping below $40,000 drive-away for the first time.
What’s even better for those after a cheap EV is that you can now get three models for under $40k, and certain state and territory incentives can drop these prices even further.
Increasing competition between brands with small EVs has delivered a win for new car buyers, but what are the key differences between the five cheapest battery-powered models on sale in Australia.
Below we run through the key figures such as driving range, power and torque, plus warranty coverage for the cheap-as-chips EVs on sale in Australia right now.
GWM Ora Standard Range
Price: $35,990 drive-away
When GWM once again handed down a price cut to the Ora last week, it made the quirky hatchback the cheapest electric vehicle on sale in Australia – at least for examples ordered and delivered by June 30, 2024.
The GWM Ora Standard Range’s $35,990 nationwide drive-away price not only undercuts the MG 4 by $4000, but brings its total price under $30,000 if you live in Queensland and can access the state’s $6000 EV rebate.
The 48kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack delivers a claimed driving range of 320km on the stricter WLTP test cycle, and can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 41 minutes.
A single front-mounted electric motor delivers 126kW of power and 250Nm of torque to the Ora’s front wheels.
As with the wider GWM range, it’s covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which extends to eight years for its high-voltage battery. Five years of roadside assist and five years of capped-price servicing are also included.
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MG 4 Excite 51
Price: $39,990 drive-away
The MG 4 has twice briefly held the title of Australia’s cheapest EV before being undercut, last week receiving nationwide drive-away pricing to bring the entry-level Excite 51 grade down to $39,990.
A 51kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) provides up to 350km of claimed driving range, based on WLTP testing, and can be charged at up to 88kW.
The MG 4 Excite 51 is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor, capable of producing up to 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque.
Just like the GWM Ora, it benefits from a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (also applied to its battery), as well as seven years of roadside assistance provided it’s serviced on time at an MG dealer.
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MG ZS EV Excite
Price: $39,990 drive-away
After long being MG’s only electric model in Australia, the ZS EV has since been joined by the MG 4, slipping back in the sales race to its sibling which was built on a dedicated platform for battery cars.
The MG ZS EV also benefited from nationwide drive-away pricing announced for the brand’s electric cars last week, now starting from $39,990 in Excite trim.
A 50.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a WLTP driving range of 320km can be charged at up to 50kW via a DC unit, taking 54 minutes to charge from 0-80 per cent.
Drive is sent to the front wheels through a 130kW and 280Nm electric motor.
It’s covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which – as with the MG 4 – includes seven years of roadside assistance provided it’s serviced on time at an MG dealer.
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BYD Dolphin Dynamic
Price: $38,890 before on-road costs ($39,556 to $41,758 drive-away)
While the BYD Dolphin Dynamic undercuts its MG rivals, the $39,556 drive-away price only applies in the ACT and NT. Prices vary across the remaining states, all the way up to its $41,758 drive-away price in Western Australia.
The BYD Dolphin Dynamic achieves 340km of claimed driving range on the WLTP cycle, thanks to its 44.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) ‘Blade’ battery which can be charged at up to 60kW.
Its front wheels are driven by an electric motor which produces 70kW of power and 180Nm of torque.
BYD covers the Dolphin with a six-year, 150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty in Australia, though there are some different warranty periods for different components. You can read more on BYD’s website.
Just 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance is offered, with owners having to pay extra for additional support after one year.
BYD Atto 3 Standard Range
Price: $48,011 before on-road costs
The BYD Atto 3 hasn’t enjoyed the same price cuts of its more affordable models, though it’s still the best-selling non-Tesla in Australia so far this year.
Drive-away pricing ranges from $48,677 (ACT) to $52,030 (WA).
The Standard Range variant is powered by a 49.92kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) ‘Blade’ battery, offering 345km of driving range according to WLTP lab testing and maximum DC charging speeds of 70kW.
A front-mounted electric motor delivers 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque to the front wheels.
BYD’s six-year, 150,000km vehicle warranty and eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty also applies to the Atto 3, as does its 12-month roadside assistance coverage.
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