Best Cheap EVs in Australia 2026: Top Affordable Electric Cars

Electric cars used to be a luxury. Not any more. In 2026 you can drive a brand-new EV out of an Australian showroom for under $25,000 – cheaper than the entry-level Toyota, Mazda or Hyundai – and there is now a genuine choice of affordable electric hatches and SUVs from BYD, MG, GWM, GAC, Chery, Geely and more. If you want low running costs and a modern, well-equipped car without spending big, this guide rounds up the best cheap EVs in Australia, what they cost, how far they go, and the catches to watch before you buy.

How Cheap Are EVs in Australia Now?

Just a few years ago, EV sceptics said price parity with petrol was a pipe dream. That dream has arrived. A wave of mostly Chinese manufacturers – led by BYD, MG, GWM and newcomers like GAC, Geely, Chery, Jaecoo and Leapmotor – has collapsed the entry price of an electric car, and the established brands are being forced to respond with price cuts of their own. The result is the most competitive cheap-EV market Australia has ever seen, and it is moving fast, with new models and sharper prices arriving almost monthly.

One thing to get straight before you compare prices: drive-away vs before on-road costs. A “drive-away” price is what you actually pay to get the car registered and on the road. A price listed as “plus ORCs” (on-road costs) or “before on-road costs” does not include registration, stamp duty and the like, so the real figure is a few thousand dollars higher. Throughout this guide we note which is which, but always confirm the current drive-away price with the dealer, because cheap-EV pricing changes constantly.

Our picks below are grouped by price and based on how these cars have been reviewed by the major Australian motoring outlets. Cheap EVs are brilliant value, but they do come with trade-offs – charging speed, range, and the maturity of each brand’s service network – so we cover exactly what to watch for in the buyer’s guide near the end.

Prices, ranges and specifications here are indicative and correct around the time of writing. Always confirm current pricing and details with the manufacturer, as the cheap-EV market changes rapidly.

The Cheapest EVs in Australia at a Glance

Here is the affordable end of the market in one place, sorted from cheapest to dearest. Prices are the starting price for each model (we note where a figure is drive-away versus before on-road costs), and ranges are the manufacturer’s WLTP claims – expect real-world figures a little lower, especially on the highway.

A few quick takeaways from the table. If outright price is all that matters, the BYD Atto 1 is in a class of its own under $25,000. If you want a small SUV rather than a hatch, the BYD Atto 2 is the cheapest way in. For the most range and space per dollar, the GAC Aion UT and Leapmotor B10 stand out. And if you enjoy driving, the rear-wheel-drive MG4 is the pick of the bunch. We break each one down next.

Every Cheap EV in Australia at a Glance

Here is the affordable end of the market in one place, from the cheapest EV on sale up to the value picks that nudge $50,000. Prices are the starting figure for each model – “d/a” means drive-away, “+ORC” means before on-road costs are added – and ranges are the manufacturer’s WLTP claim, which real-world driving will sit a little below.

The first six or so – roughly everything up to $35,000 – are where the real bargains sit, and they are covered in detail next. After that we look at the strong value picks between $35,000 and $40,000, then a handful of slightly pricier cars worth stretching for if you can. Finally, the buyer’s guide explains the trade-offs that come with cheap EVs so you know what you are giving up for the low price.

Every Cheap EV in Australia at a Glance

Here is the affordable end of the market in one place, ordered roughly from cheapest to dearest. Prices are the lowest advertised starting point (we have noted where a price is drive-away versus before on-road costs), and ranges are the manufacturer’s WLTP claim – expect real-world range to sit a little below these figures, especially on the highway.

The pattern is clear: the sharpest prices come from BYD, MG, GWM and the newer Chinese brands, which dominate everything under $40,000. The Korean and European options (Kia, Volvo) cost a little more but bring established dealer networks and extra polish. Next we dig into the standout picks in each price band, starting with the genuinely cheap cars under $35,000.

The Best Cheap EVs Under $35,000

This is where the value is most extreme – genuinely affordable electric cars that undercut many petrol rivals. These are the picks worth shortlisting first.

BYD Atto 1 – the cheapest EV in Australia

From about $23,990 plus on-road costs. The Atto 1 single-handedly dropped the price of getting into an EV to under $25,000, making it cheaper than the entry-level Toyota, Mazda or Hyundai. It pairs a 115kW motor with a 43.2kWh battery good for a claimed 310km. It is small – a compact city hatch – but reviewers find it zippy, smooth and well-equipped for the money. Best for: the cheapest possible way into a new EV for city and suburban driving. Watch: it is a small car with modest range, so it is a second car or a solo/couple commuter rather than a family hauler.

BYD Dolphin – the value hatch

From around $29,990. The Dolphin is a slightly larger, more practical hatch that has become one of Australia’s go-to affordable EVs. The entry Dynamic uses a 44.9kWh battery, while the Premium steps up to a 60.5kWh pack with 150kW and a strong 427km of range. Best for: buyers who want a practical, well-priced hatch with a usable real-world range from the Premium. Watch: the base Dynamic’s performance is modest – if you can stretch, the Premium is the sweeter spot.

MG4 Urban – the cheapest drive-away price

From $31,990 drive-away. Because it is priced drive-away, the MG4 Urban is one of the truly cheapest EVs to actually get on the road. It uses a 43kWh battery for 316km of range, extendable to 405km with the 54kWh option for about $3000 more. Its front-drive layout makes for a surprisingly roomy cabin. Best for: an honest, practical, no-surprises city EV at the lowest out-the-door price. Watch: it is not as fun as the rear-drive MG4, and the base battery is best kept to shorter trips.

GAC Aion UT – the roomiest for the money

From $31,990 plus on-road costs. GAC’s smallest EV punches above its weight, with a 60kWh LFP battery delivering a strong 430km of range – excellent at this price – and a 150kW motor. Reviewers single out its impressive interior space, especially in the rear, and a more resolved ride than many budget EVs. Best for: maximum space and range per dollar. Watch: GAC is brand new to Australia, so the long-term ownership and service picture is still unproven.

BYD Atto 2 – the cheapest electric SUV

From $31,990 plus on-road costs. The Atto 2 is the cheapest electric SUV in Australia and, reviewers say, does not feel like it – solid materials and a long standard equipment list give it a surprisingly upmarket feel. A 51.3kWh battery and 130kW motor deliver 345km of range, with DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 per cent in about 39 minutes. Best for: the cheapest way into a small electric SUV for around-town use. Watch: the slower DC charging and 345km range make it a city car rather than a road-tripper.

GWM Ora 5 – retro style with a long warranty

From around $33,990 drive-away. GWM’s cutely retro-styled hatch (the successor to the original Ora) offers up to around 430km of range, a generous standard equipment list and GWM’s long seven-year warranty – reassuring for a newer brand. Best for: buyers who want distinctive style, plenty of kit and warranty peace of mind at a sharp drive-away price. Watch: as with any newer marque, check your nearest service centre before buying.

The Best Value EVs From $35,000 to $40,000

Stretch the budget a little and you unlock more range, more space and, in some cases, more driving fun. These four are the pick of the sub-$40,000 crop.

Jaecoo J5 – style and equipment

From $35,990 plus on-road costs. A newcomer that has hit the ground running with Range Rover-esque styling. It packs a 58.9kWh LFP battery for a claimed 402km, and DC fast-charging at up to 130kW makes a 30-to-80 per cent top-up possible in around 28 minutes – notably quicker than some cheaper rivals. Standard kit includes heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and wireless charging. Best for: buyers who want a stylish, well-equipped compact SUV with decent charging speed. Watch: the driving experience is competent rather than standout.

Leapmotor B10 – lots of car for the money

From $37,888 plus on-road costs. Leapmotor is aligned with Stellantis (Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat and more) for export markets, which helps on the support front. The B10 has a 160kW rear-mounted motor – relatively unusual at this price – which gives it a stable, confident feel, and the Design Long Range adds a classy interior with heated and ventilated seats and a 67.1kWh battery good for 434km. Best for: buyers wanting a comfortable, well-equipped, rear-drive small SUV that feels a cut above its price. Watch: Leapmotor is still building brand recognition here.

MG4 (rear-drive) – the fun one

From $39,990 drive-away. The original MG4 brought genuinely engaging driving dynamics to the budget end of the market, and the latest version adds a bigger 64kWh battery and a freshened interior. Its rear-drive layout makes it the enthusiast’s pick among cheap EVs, and deals regularly sneak it under $40,000 drive-away. Best for: drivers who want the most enjoyable cheap EV to punt down a good road. Watch: it is pricier than it once was, though the extra battery is worth it.

BYD Atto 3 – the proven family SUV

From $39,990 plus on-road costs. The car that made BYD a household name is getting on a bit, but it still makes a strong case: around $40,000 buys a well-sorted, spacious electric SUV from a brand with a growing dealer network. The 60.48kWh Premium is the value pick for the range it offers. Best for: pragmatic family buyers who want a known quantity with real-world usability. Watch: newer rivals feel sharper, so shop it against the Aion UT and Geely EX5.

Worth a Look Just Above: $40,000 to $50,000

If you can stretch a bit further, these value-focused options add space, range or polish:

• Geely EX5 – from $40,990 +ORC. A roomy mid-size SUV with lashings of gear and sharp value, from one of the industry’s big players (Geely also owns Volvo, Polestar and Zeekr). Bigger than most rivals for the money.
• MG S5 – from $40,990 drive-away. Based on the rear-drive MG4 in SUV form, it is a sensible size, good to drive, and keeps physical knobs and buttons alongside the touchscreen. Comes with vehicle-to-load and MG’s safety suite as standard.
• Kia EV3 – from $48,990 +ORC. The step up to Korean quality: proper Kia E-GMP underpinnings, a big available battery for long range, and clearly more refinement and polish than the cheapest Chinese rivals, plus an established dealer network.
• Volvo EX30 – from $49,990 +ORC. Sharpened in price for 2026, this premium small EV offers 200kW, 462km of range and characterful, high-quality interior finishes – a lot of car, and badge, for the money.

The Catches With Cheap EVs: A Buyer's Guide

Cheap EVs are outstanding value, but the low price does come with trade-offs. Knowing them before you buy is the difference between a car you love and one that frustrates you.

Charging speed and home charging

The single biggest catch is DC fast-charging speed. Many of the cheapest EVs charge relatively slowly on a public fast charger – the BYD Atto 2, for example, takes around 39 minutes to go from 10 to 80 per cent, while the dearer Jaecoo J5 manages a similar top-up in about 28 minutes. If you mostly drive around town and can charge at home overnight, this barely matters and your running costs will be tiny. If you regularly do long highway trips, prioritise a model with faster DC charging and a bigger battery. And if you cannot charge at home and have no convenient public charging, think hard before buying any EV – a plug-in hybrid may suit you better.

Range reality

The ranges quoted here are official WLTP figures. Real-world range is typically 10 to 20 per cent lower, and drops further on the highway and in cold weather. Most cheap EVs offer 300-430km, which is plenty for daily commuting and city life but means planning for longer trips. Be honest about your driving: if 90 per cent of it is short suburban runs, a cheaper, shorter-range car is all you need.

Warranty and the service network

Most of these brands offer strong warranties – BYD six years, GWM and MG typically seven years or more – which is reassuring. The bigger question is the service network. Because these brands have grown so fast, service centres can be busy and are not yet on every corner, and slow after-sales service is the most common owner complaint across the newer marques. Before you buy, find your nearest service centre for that specific brand, check how far it is, and ask about booking wait times.

Resale, insurance and safety

• Resale value – newer brands have an unproven resale track record. The big sellers (BYD, MG) are likely to hold value better simply because they are established and in demand; very new brands are more of an unknown.
• Insurance – EVs can cost more to insure than an equivalent petrol car, so always get a quote before you commit.
• Safety – check the ANCAP rating for the exact model and build year. Many of these EVs score five stars, but not all, so confirm rather than assume.

Incentives that lower the price further

Depending on your state, there may be electric-vehicle concessions on stamp duty or registration, and eligible EVs can be very cheap to run through a novated lease if you are employed. These rules change frequently and vary by state, so check what currently applies where you live – it can meaningfully reduce the real cost of a cheap EV. This is general information, not financial advice.

Which Cheap EV Should You Buy?

The “best” cheap EV depends entirely on what you need. Here are our quick recommendations by priority:

• Cheapest way into an EV: BYD Atto 1 (from ~$23,990) – a small, zippy city car.
• Best value hatch: BYD Dolphin Premium – real range and practicality for the money.
• Cheapest drive-away price: MG4 Urban – an honest, roomy city EV.
• Most space and range per dollar: GAC Aion UT – 430km and a big cabin for around $32,000.
• Cheapest electric SUV: BYD Atto 2 – feels more expensive than it is.
• Style and warranty: GWM Ora 5 – distinctive looks and a seven-year warranty.
• Most fun to drive: MG4 (rear-drive) – the enthusiast’s cheap EV.
• Known-quantity family SUV: BYD Atto 3 – proven and practical.
• Willing to stretch for polish: Kia EV3 or Volvo EX30 – more refinement and an established dealer network.

For newcomers and students

If you are new to Australia or studying here, a cheap EV can be a genuinely smart first car: the running costs are low, which helps a tight budget, and many come with long warranties for peace of mind. Just make sure you can charge at home (or nearby), get an insurance quote first as EV premiums can be higher, and check the brand’s service network is within reach. Weigh the higher upfront cost of a new EV against a cheaper used car, and if you buy used, always run the checks we covered above.

The Verdict

There has genuinely never been a better time to buy an affordable electric car in Australia. A few years ago a new EV meant spending big; today you can get one for the price of a basic petrol hatch, with more equipment and far lower running costs. The Chinese brands have made the sharpest cars in the under-$40,000 space, while Kia and Volvo tempt buyers who can stretch a little for extra polish. Match the car to your real driving, make sure you can charge at home, do your homework on the nearest service centre, and one of these cheap EVs could be the best-value car you ever own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Want more? Read our full BYD cars Australia review, our guide to the true costs of owning a car in Australia, and – if you are buying used – our REVS check guide to make sure the car has no money owing.

Final Thoughts

There has never been a better time to buy an affordable electric car in Australia. Whether you want the absolute cheapest way into an EV, the roomiest small SUV for the money, or the one that is most fun to drive, there is now a genuine option for well under $40,000. Use the picks and buyer’s guide below to find the right one for your budget and your driving – and enjoy the low running costs that come with going electric.