As fuel prices continue to rise, it's clear to see that the Australian market is more often considering the shift to an electric car - also known as electric vehicles, or EVs. Not only are they more environmentally-friendly, but they're also cheaper to run in the long-term than petrol vehicles.
If you're thinking of making the switch to electric, one major question to ask yourself is “which car should I choose?” That’s where we come in, since we know there is a wide range of cars to choose from. Here are some of the cheapest electric cars available in Australia and their value.
Why Consider an Electric Car in Australia?
While electric cars have been an established product in the vehicle market for a good number of years - first appearing about a decade ago - they were never commonly seen or purchased due to the steep price tags. This is to be expected, as many new technologies come with a big cost that usually only early adopters can afford.
As the EV market has continued to grow, the cost of electric vehicles has come down in recent years - and they are now becoming a more popular choice for drivers all over the world as cheaper models become available.
An electric vehicle has a ton of benefits that makes it an attractive option for Australian drivers. Here are some reasons why you should consider making the switch to electric when looking at new cars:
Budget EVs with Lower Running Costs
Electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars, with most models costing significantly less per kilometre to drive - even more so than a plug-in hybrid - due to their use of electric motor batteries vs fuel tanks. With fuel prices rising fast, reduced on road costs is becoming even more of a major selling point for EVs.
Going Green with Australia’s Cheapest EVs
EVs are environmentally friendly, emitting no pollutants from the tailpipe and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while lowering energy consumption - even more than plug-in hybrid SUVs and sedans. More and more charging stations are popping up across Australia to encourage EV uptake and help make the country greener.
Less Hassle and Maintenance after Drive Away
Maintaining a car is just as important as the initial purchasing of a car. Services, replacement parts, and more can stack up quickly - but this isn’t an issue for EVs. There's no need for regular tune-ups or oil changes – once you've installed your battery charger, your electric car is good to go!
The Cheapest EVs in Australia in 2025
BYD Atto 1
If you want to dip your toes into the EV world without stretching the budget, the BYD Atto 1 is shaping up to be one of Australia’s most affordable all-electric runabouts. With an entry price of $23,990 for the Essential model and $27,990 for the Premium version, it’s a compelling choice for first-time EV drivers or anyone chasing low running costs with modern tech.
Inside, you’ll find a clean, minimalist cabin packed with clever features, including BYD’s signature rotating touchscreen (scaled to suit its compact footprint), intuitive connectivity, and smart integrations for navigation, climate and media. Despite its smaller size, the Atto 1 still brings big-car surprises like advanced driver-assistance systems, wireless phone charging, smart key access, and a surprisingly airy layout for a city-focused EV.
Drivers can also look forward to efficient daily performance, with the Atto 1 delivering a practical urban range suited to commuting, weekend errands and everything in between. It’s BYD’s answer to people who want electric mobility that’s simple, stylish and wallet-friendly without cutting back on the essentials.
BYD Dolphin
Next on the list, and only slightly pricier than the Atto 1, is the BYD Dolphin is for you, with prices for the standard Essential model starting at $29,990.
The Dolphin features a roomy and tech-forward cabin, with a rotating 12.8-inch touchscreen for access to smart connectivity features, navigation, climate control and media.
Other features include a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, wireless phone charging, and an electric sunroof to make for a premium experience in an entry-level EV. On top of these features, the BYD Dolphin can offer capable drives of up to 427km on a single charge with the extended-range variant.
MG MG4
The MG MG4 has established itself nicely in the Australian electric vehicle market, quickly rising the ranks as one of the best-selling electric cars thanks to its low price of $37,990 for the Excite 51 variant.
The MG4 Excite 51 delivers a strong driving range of up to 350km on a single charge – making it a practical choice for both daily commuting and longer journeys MG also utilises their own MG Pilot MG Pilot safety suite, providing driver assistance systems to improve the safety of the drive.
GWM Ora
GWM have stepped into the ring of value EVs in recent months, with the GWM Ora being their top-level offering in this category as a hatchback with their “Lux” model sitting at a price of $34,990.
The front-mounted electric motor can get up to 400km in range on a single charge, while GWM claims the Ora can charge its battery pack from 30% to 80% in just 35 minutes. Alongside a 360-view camera, auto emergency braking and lane departure warnings among their list of safety features, the Ora is a budget EV to keep your eye on.
Hyundai Inster
Getting ranked as the 2025 World Electric Vehicle isn’t an easy feat - and the Hyundai Inster has done it while still being among the cheaper EVs on the market, with a price tag starting from $39,990.
Boasted as an EV for those looking for the most features in a small vehicle, it features a claimed driving range of up to 360km, charging from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, adjustable regenerative braking, split-folding rear seats, and more. Alongside Hyundai’s SmartSense technology, this truly is a gem amongst affordable electric cars in Australia.
Get an Affordable EV with a Novated Lease from Easi
The team at Easi have 20 years of experience in the industry of car leasing - meaning we can use our knowledge to deliver effective business car solutions every time. Our wide range of vehicle lease options - electric vehicles included - come under flexible contract terms ranging from utes, to large electric SUV options, to electric hatchbacks.
To find out more about how you can drive electric for less, Easi can assist with your novated leasing or business car leasing needs, contact one of our staff today.
