Electric cars are no longer a six-figure luxury. In 2026, you can get behind the wheel of a brand-new battery electric vehicle for less than many petrol-powered small cars. That shift is changing the way Australians think about car ownership.
Electric vehicle sales hit 156,857 units in 2025, making up 13.1% of the Australian vehicle market. Price has been the biggest barrier for most drivers, but that's fading fast. Models like the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and MG4 now sit comfortably under $40,000 drive-away, and the BYD Atto 1 is now pushing the entry point even lower.
If you've been waiting for price parity with combustion engine cars, you're pretty much there. And if you're salary packaging through a novated lease, the numbers get even better.
What’s Happening with Fuel Right Now?
With current geopolitical instability in the Middle East, petrol prices have been significantly impacted - with global supply issues becoming prominent. This has left Australia among the highest jumps in fuel price in the world with average fuel prices rising by over 30% in the last month, leading many to question long-term certainty around fuel.
Because of this, there has been a big shake up in the electric vehicle market, with at least an immediate 25% increase in Australians considering a change to an EV.
With home EV charging saving potentially up to 50% on your car journey vs fuel covering the same distance, it’s becoming clearer that now is the best time to make the switch to an electric car.
Why Consider an Electric Car in Australia
Running costs tell the real story. With average electricity ranging between 26 and 43 cents per kilowatt-hour and petrol now past $2 per litre and continuing to climb, a typical electric hatch uses about 14 kWh per 100 km. That works out to roughly $5 per 100 km. Compare that to a Toyota Corolla burning six litres per 100 km, which costs around $12 for the same distance.
Maintenance is simpler too. Battery electric vehicles don't need oil changes, timing belts, or exhaust work.
Charging infrastructure has also caught up. Australia now has more than 558 public DC fast-charge heads across the country. Most highways have charging every 150 km or less, so range anxiety is becoming less of an issue for weekend trips and longer drive.
Cheapest Electric Hatches
BYD Atto 1
The BYD Atto 1 is already making waves with being an excellent entry-level EV. Available at $23,990 plus on-road costs for the Essential model, this city car is currently Australia's cheapest EV. With a 65kW maximum power output and a WLTP range of around 310 km, which is plenty for most drivers doing the daily commute or school run.
BYD's unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty is a drawcard, and the brand has built a solid reputation in the Australian market for value and safety.
BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin Dynamic starts at $29,990 plus on-road costs. It's a small hatch with a 44.9 kWh battery, 340 km of WLTP range, and seven airbags as standard. You also get vehicle-to-load capability, which means you can run power tools or charge devices from the car's battery.
The Dolphin variants offer wireless phone charging and a five-star ANCAP rating, making it one of the safer and more practical options in the affordable EV segment.
GWM Ora
Great Wall Motors' GWM Ora Lux is priced at $33,990 drive-away. It comes with a 57.7 kWh battery, 400 km of WLTP range, and a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The Ora is a small hatch that feels more premium than its sticker price suggests, with keyless entry and a decent safety kit including blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.
GWM also backs the Ora with an unlimited kilometres warranty, which is reassuring if you're planning to keep the car long-term.
MG4
The MG4 Excite 51 is available from $36,990 drive-away. It has a 51 kWh battery, 350 km of WLTP range, and rear-wheel drive. The 10.25-inch display and Android Auto come standard, and the car handles well thanks to the weight distribution from the battery pack sitting low between the front wheels.
MG has been one of the car brands pushing affordable EVs hardest in Australia, and the MG4 is a solid entry-level option with decent standard features.
Cheapest Electric SUVs
BYD Atto 2
The BYD Atto 2 is a brand small SUV for 2026 with an amazing price of $31,990 plus on-road costs, with a range of 345 km and a 51 kWh battery. With this pricing holds, the Atto 2 is one of the cheapest electric SUVs on the market and a strong alternative to petrol-powered medium SUVs.
Chery E5
The Chery E5 (also known as the Omoda E5) is increasing competition in the small SUV market in Australia, boasting a price tag of $36,990. It packs a 61 kWh LFP battery and offers 430 km of WLTP range. That's a decent step up in both battery size and maximum range compared to cheaper models, making it a good option if you do longer drives regularly.
Leapmotor B10
Likely not yet as well known as the likes of BYD, Leapmotor are bringing the B10 to Australia, with a price of $38,990 when it launches this year. It's set to come with a 50 kWh battery and approximately 400 km of range. Along with the drive being smooth and a great interior, the pricing makes it one of the more affordable electric SUV options.
Hyundai Inster
The Hyundai Inster was confirmed for Australia in late 2025, now available at a price of $39,000. It features a 42 kWh battery, 360 km of WLTP range, and 85 kW DC charging. The Inster is compact, efficient, and built on Hyundai's proven EV platform, so it should be a reliable choice for city driving and daily commutes.
Cheapest Electric Sedans
BYD Seal
The BYD Seal Dynamic starts at $46,990 plus on road costs. It has a 61.4 kWh battery, 460 km of WLTP range, and does 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The Seal sits in a different league to entry-level models, with synthetic leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and a sportier driving feel.
It's a solid alternative to the Tesla Model 3 if you want something a bit different.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 RWD is currently priced at $46,990 plus on road costs. It comes with a 60 kWh battery, 513 km of WLTP range, and over-the-air software updates that keep the car current. Autopilot is standard, and the minimalist interior still divides opinion, but there's no denying the tech credentials.
Tesla's Supercharger network gives you access to some of the fastest and most reliable DC fast charging infrastructure in the country.
Other Affordable Electric Cars Worth a Look
BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 Standard is priced at $39,990 plus on-road costs. It features a 49.9 kWh battery, 410 km of WLTP range, and a five-star ANCAP rating. The Atto 3 is a practical small SUV with good standard features, including a wireless phone charger and seven airbags.
Geely EX5
The Geely EX5 is a relative newcomer to the EV market with a strong entry price of $40,990. It comes with a 52 kWh battery and 410 km of range. Geely is new, but the EX5 makes for an impressive and competitive option in the affordable EV space.
Make the Switch with Easi
Choosing an electric vehicle is easier when you know the numbers stack up. Whether you're after the cheapest electric car or a sedan with serious range, there's an EV in Australia that fits your budget and lifestyle.
If you're an eligible employee, a novated lease can make these affordable electric cars even more accessible. You pay for the car, insurance, rego, and running costs from your pre-tax salary, and with the FBT exemption on zero-emission vehicles, the savings can be significant.
Easi has been helping Australians save on vehicle costs for over 30 years. We handle the paperwork, negotiate with dealers, and make the whole process straightforward. Give us a call or contact us to see how much you could save on your next electric vehicle.
