Australia's EV market has exploded. There are now 40+ electric models available, from $34,000 hatchbacks to $200,000+ luxury sedans. We ranked every one based on what Australian buyers actually care about: range, charging speed, running costs, and practicality.
Best Value EVs (Under $55k)
1. MG MG4, From $33,990
The cheapest EV in Australia and genuinely good. The Extended Range version delivers 450km WLTP range with a 64kWh battery. 150kW DC fast charging gets you 10-80% in 35 minutes. Running costs are ~$700/year in electricity vs $2,500+ for a petrol hatchback.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers wanting to go electric. First-time EV owners.
2. BYD Dolphin, From $36,890
BYD's Blade Battery is one of the safest in the industry. The Dolphin offers 427km range, a fun driving character, and one of the best infotainment systems in any car at this price. Boot space is 345L. small but adequate.
3. Tesla Model 3 RWD, From $54,900
The Model 3 has the lowest drag coefficient (Cd 0.219) of any car in our database, which translates directly to highway efficiency. 554km WLTP range and access to Tesla's Supercharger network (250kW) make it the best long-distance EV under $60k.
Best EV SUVs ($50-80k)
4. BYD Seal, From $47,388
The Seal matches the Model 3 on Cd (0.219) in a sleeker package. AWD Performance version does 0-100 in 3.8 seconds. 570km range on the RWD. BYD's 6-year warranty and competitive pricing make it outstanding value.
5. Hyundai Ioniq 5, From $54,500
The Ioniq 5's party trick is 800V architecture. it can charge from 10-80% in 18 minutes on a 350kW charger (the fastest in this list). V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) lets you power camping gear or tools from the car. Retro-futuristic design that turns heads.
6. Tesla Model Y, From $55,900
The best-selling car in the world (not just EV. any car) in 2023. The Model Y offers SUV practicality with 455km range, 1,919L of cargo space with seats down, and Supercharger access. Camp Mode and Dog Mode are unique features for Australian families.
7. Kia EV6, From $67,590
Shares the Ioniq 5's 800V platform but with sportier styling and a GT version that does 0-100 in 3.5 seconds. 528km range (Long Range RWD). 7-year warranty is the longest of any EV.
Best Premium EVs ($80k+)
8. Hyundai Ioniq 6, From $74,000
The aerodynamic champion with Cd of just 0.21. second only to the Mercedes EQS (0.20). This translates to an incredible 614km range. If highway range matters to you, nothing under $100k comes close.
9. BMW i4, From $84,900
The i4 drives like a BMW should. sharp, engaging, and planted. 590km range, Cd 0.24, and a gorgeous interior. It's the driver's choice among premium EVs.
10. Mercedes-Benz EQS, From $179,900
The most aerodynamic production car ever made (Cd 0.20). 784km WLTP range. The Hyperscreen dashboard is 141cm of curved OLED. If money is no object, this is the pinnacle of EV engineering.
The Highway Range Problem
Every EV loses significant range at highway speeds. At 110km/h, expect 20-30% less range than the WLTP rating. At 130km/h, it can be 35-45% less. This is because air resistance increases with the square of speed.
Cars with lower drag coefficients (Cd) are less affected. The Tesla Model 3 (Cd 0.219) loses less range at highway speed than a Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Cd 0.288) with a similar battery size.
Use our Speed vs Range calculator on any comparison page to see exactly how speed affects range for specific models.
Charging in Australia
Where to charge and what it costs:
- Home charging (7kW). ~$0.30/kWh off-peak. A full charge costs $12-25. This is where 90% of charging happens.
- DC fast charging (50-350kW). ~$0.45-0.60/kWh. A 10-80% charge costs $15-40 depending on battery size.
- Tesla Supercharger (250kW). ~$0.48/kWh. Now open to non-Tesla vehicles at some locations.
- Free chargers. some shopping centres and councils offer free 22kW AC charging.
Annual Running Cost: EV vs Petrol
| Cost (15,000km/yr) | Average EV | Average Petrol SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel/Electricity | $675 | $2,565 |
| Servicing | $300 | $700 |
| Tyres | $500 | $350 |
| Total | $1,475 | $3,615 |
That's a $2,140/year saving. or $10,700 over 5 years.
Full EV Comparison
Compare these cars yourself
200+ specs, fuel costs, safety ratings, braking distance, and speed vs range calculator.
Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (2 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 2 April 2026
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