Top 10 cheapest EVs in Australia right now

Although affordable EVs had a slow start in Australia, more and more brands have hit the market with compact electric vehicles that start from under $40,000.

Even the sub $30,000 threshold has been crossed, and a lowest-price battle could be just around the corner.

If you’re one of the thousands of Australians considering an EV, be it as a second car, a compact city car, or a first car, this list highlights Australia’s 10 cheapest new EVs you can buy in 2026.

10. Hyundai Inster

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The base model Hyundai Inster offers a quirky design that gives it the chunky styling of a rugged SUV, but the easy-to-manage dimensions of a city hatchback.

The cheapest version of the Inster is priced from $39,000 plus on-road costs, with a 71kW/147Nm motor powering the front wheels. Its 42kWh battery gives it a claimed 327km WLTP driving range, but if you’re looking to go further, a longer range version is also available. 

Click here to learn more about the Hyundai Inster.

9. Chery E5 Ultimate

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The Chery E5 Ultimate comes in a single specification, but offers a long list of included equipment and an impressive driving range for a low-priced EV.

The starting price is $37,990 driveaway, giving you access to a 58.9kWh battery that is rated to 430km of WLTP driving range. The 155kW motor gives it decent acceleration off the line, and its coupe-like liftback styling breaks away from the traditional SUV mould slightly.

Click here to learn more about the Chery E5.

8. Leapmotor B10 Style

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Though it may not be the most widely-known brand, Leapmotor offers one of Australia’s more affordable electric small SUVs from $37,888 plus on-road costs.

The Leapmotor B10 Style differs from many of its rivals with a rear-wheel drive chassis. The 361km of WLTP range from a 56.2kWh battery is competitive, though not the longest, but a longer range version with additional equipment can cover up to 434km for just $2000 extra.

Click here to learn more about the Leapmotor B10.

7. Jaecoo J5 EV Summit

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You’ll find the Jaecoo J5 EV in the same showrooms as the Chery E5, with Jaecoo being a part of the wider Chery group. The similarities don’t end there with similar, but not identical specifications.

The J5 EV offers a passing resemblance to Range Rover’s styling, but this dupe comes in much lower, priced from $36,990 drive-away. Like the Chery E5, it has a 155kW motor and a 58.9kWh battery but a slightly shorter 402km WLTP driving range.

Click here to learn more about the Jaecoo J5 EV.

6. GWM Ora Lux

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GWM offers a streamlined Ora range, with the highly-equipped entry-level Ora Lux and sporty-styled Ora GT both starting under $40,000. Bright colours and retro-inspired styling help the Ora stand out in a packed EV market.

The price-leading Ora Lux has a starting price of $35,990 driveaway. It shares its 126kW front motor and 57.7kWh battery with the Ora GT, but has a slightly longer 400km WLTP driving range.

Click here to learn more about the GWM Ora.

5. BYD Atto 2 Dynamic

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Two versions of the BYD Atto 2 are available in Australia, but the shorter-range Dynamic model leads on price.

The Atto 2 range is powered by a 130kW/290Nm motor with a 51.1kWh battery enabling up to 345km of WLTP driving range. Pricing starts from a sharp $31,990 plus on-road costs, and its compact SUV form factor means it holds the title for Australia’s cheapest electric SUV.

Click here to learn more about the BYD Atto 2.

4. GAC Aion UT Premium

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The GAC Aion UT Premium hatchback ties with the Atto 2 on price, but offers a compact hatchback profile, a slightly bigger battery capacity, and a longer driving range.

The 150kW/210Nm front electric motor promises perky performance, and the large 60kWh battery enables up to 430km of claimed WLTP driving range. The Aion UT and Chery E5 tie for the longest claimed range on this list.

The Aion UT is the second EV from newcomer GAC, which launched in Australia in late 2025.

Click here to learn more about the GAC Aion UT.

3. MG 4 Urban Essence 43

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MG has overhauled its MG 4 line-up, with an all-new MG 4 Urban model positioned as the price leader. Despite sharing its MG 4 name, the Urban is a completely different car to the MG 4 that’s been available in Australia since 2023.

The MG 4 Urban switches to a front-drive platform and comes with a 43kWh battery rated to 316km of WLTP driving range, driven by a 110kW motor. Buyers looking to go further can opt for the longer-range MG 4 Urban Essence 54 with a 54kWh battery and 405km range claim.

The $31,990 driveaway price means the MG 4 Urban undercuts the other two ‘$31,990’ cars on this list, which do not include on-road costs in their advertised pricing.

Click here to learn more about the MG 4 Urban.

2. BYD Dolphin Essential

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The first of two EVs available for under $30,000 is the BYD Dolphin. The entry-level Dolphin Essential is priced from $29,990 before on-road costs.

The Essential offers a decent WLTP driving range of 340km, but can’t match the performance of some of its more expensive competitors, with a 70kW motor. Performance may not be the Dolphin’s strong suit, but infotainment tech and safety equipment haven’t been compromised to keep the price down.

Click here to learn more about the BYD Dolphin

1. BYD Atto 1 Essential

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The title of Australia’s cheapest EV goes to the BYD Atto 1. Not only the cheapest electric car, but also among Australia’s top-five cheapest models of any powertrain.

Priced from $23,990, the BYD Atto 1 Essential has modest specifications, with a claimed 220km driving range and a 65kW motor. While it may not be an ideal interstate cruiser, it can handle urban use easily, and its 30kWh battery is small enough that a regular household power socket is all you need to keep it topped up from an overnight charge.

A longer-range Atto 1 Premium is available, though it pushes the price up by $4000, but allows 310km of driving range and includes additional standard features.

Click here to learn more about the BYD Atto 1.

Are there any discounts available on EVs in Australia?

Special offers and pricing changes can occur throughout the year, and as brands jostle to outmaneuver each other on price, changes may be made to pricing in the form of factory bonuses, discounts, or driveaway pricing offers.

Prices listed in this article may differ where offers apply, and the published prices detailed here are based on manufacturers’ recommended retail prices. In instances where a price excludes on-road costs, or if options are added, your final price may be different.