There are now many electric vehicles on the Australian new car market, but which ones offer the greatest driving ranges for the smallest amount of money?
We’ve compiled a list of all the more affordable electric cars money can buy locally – all of which fall under $65K before on-road costs – and compiled them in one list.
Can any of the cars crack the magic 500km range club but do so in an affordable way? Let’s find out.
The Mini Electric hatch has one of the lowest ranges of this group
While the broader numbers outlined below are manufacturers’ claim, we’ll also cover off actual real-world ranges for the below vehicles that have been subjected to Chasing Cars’ in-house assessment.
Pricing is before on-road costs. Battery size is usable.
Which EV is the best value, and which is not so good?
The standout cars that offer the most range for the smallest amount of money come from MG. The soon-to-land MG4 with its long-range 77kWh battery and $55,990 price tag offers an impressive 530km of claimed range.
The Cupra Born has entered the Australian EV scene with a 77kWh battery pack
The MG4 long range is the only vehicle on this list to make it into the 500km-plus club. The Cupra Born comes very close, however, with its 77kWh battery and 492km (WLTP) range.
The Tesla Model 3 standard range in rear-drive form also has an impressive range of 491km (WLTP), but is more expensive at $61,300 before on-road costs.
Mini and Hyundai on the more expensive side of things
The Hyundai Kona Electric Highlander
On the more expensive side of things, cars such as the Mini Cooper SE electric hatch offer little range for a significant amount of coin.
The Mini has a range of only 203km (WLTP), yet asks over $60,000 for the privilege. The Hyundai Kona electric also nudges close to the $60,000 bracket and offers just over 300km of range.
See the full list below:
MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV is one of the cheapest ways to get into electric motoring
Battery size: 49kWh
Cost: $43,990
Claimed range: 420km (WLTP)
MG MG4 standard range
The MG MG4 is soon to enter the Australian electric car market
Battery size: 61.7kWh
Cost: $44,990
Claimed range: 435km (WLTP)
BYD Atto 3 standard range
BYD’s first car to launch in Australia, the Atto 3, will be followed by more models
Battery size: 49.9kWh
Cost: $48,011
Claimed range: 345km (WLTP)
Nissan Leaf Standard
The Nissan Leaf is also available with an extended range version
Battery size: 39kWh
Cost: $50,990
Claimed range: 270km (WLTP)
BYD Atto 3 extended range
Bigger battery for Atto 3 gives around 420km of range
Battery size: 60kWh usable
Cost: $51,011
Claimed range: 420km (WLTP)
MG MG4 long range
The MG4 with a bigger battery gives an impressive claimed range of 530km (WLTP)
Battery size: 77kWh
Cost: $55,990
Claimed range: 530km (WLTP)
MG ZS EV long range
The long range version of the MG ZS EV will soon be available for Aussie buyers
Battery size: 68.3kWh
Cost: $55,990
Claimed range: 440km (WLTP)
Hyundai Kona electric standard range
The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the pricier EV options locally
Battery size: 39.2kWh
Cost: $58,000
Claimed range: 305km (WLTP)
Cupra Born
The Cupra Born almost gets to the magic 500km range figure
Battery size: 77kWh
Cost: $59,990
Claimed range: 492km (WLTP)
Tesla Model 3 rear drive
Tesla Model 3 is a big seller locally and gives buyers a pretty good electric range
Battery size: 57.5kWh
Cost: $61,300
Claimed range: 491km (WLTP)
Mini Cooper electric hatch
The Mini Electric hatch has just 203km of range
Battery size: 28.9kWh
Cost: $62,825
Claimed range: 203km (WLTP)
Chasing Cars conducts real-world EV range tests to find out what buyers will really get
Chasing Cars real-world electric range data
During real-world electric range testing conducted at Chasing Cars, we have accurate range results for the following models:
- BYD Atto 3 Extended Range – 366km
- Cupra Born – 469.51km
Be sure to stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more electric car data as we get more EVs through the garage.