The 10 Cheapest EVs in Australia (2026 Updated)

Electric Cars Are Finally Affordable

Two years ago, the cheapest EV in Australia cost over $40,000. Today, you can drive an electric car for under $24,000 before on-road costs. The flood of competition — particularly from Chinese manufacturers — has driven prices down dramatically. Here’s every electric car under $50,000 available in Australia right now, ranked by starting price.

1. BYD Atto 1 — From $23,990

The cheapest new electric car ever sold in Australia. The Atto 1 is a compact four-seat city hatch with a 44.9 kWh battery delivering around 310 km WLTP range. It’s tiny, basic, and perfect for urban commuting. Don’t expect road-trip capability, but for a daily runabout that costs cents per kilometre, nothing else comes close.

Best for: City commuters who want the lowest possible entry price to EV ownership.

2. BYD Dolphin — From $32,990

The Dolphin has been a runaway success in Australia since launch, and for good reason. The entry-level Dynamic packs a 44.9 kWh battery with 340 km range, while the Extended Range bumps to 60.4 kWh and 427 km. Cheerful styling, a decent boot, and BYD’s 6-year warranty make this the default recommendation for most budget EV shoppers.

Best for: First-time EV buyers who want a proper, versatile small car — not a city-only compromise.

3. BYD Atto 2 — From $31,990

BYD’s small SUV slots between the Atto 1 and Atto 3, offering a higher seating position with a 45.1 kWh battery and roughly 312 km of real-world range. It’s a practical choice for those who want SUV proportions without SUV pricing.

Best for: Small families who want a compact SUV with easy parking and low running costs.

4. MG4 Urban — From $31,990 Drive-Away

The new MG4 Urban arrived in April 2026 as MG’s most affordable EV yet. With a 51 kWh battery and up to 415 km WLTP range, it offers more range per dollar than almost anything else on this list. The hatchback body style is practical, and MG’s dealer network is one of the largest in Australia.

Best for: Range-conscious buyers who want maximum kilometres per dollar with strong dealer support.

5. GWM Ora — From $35,990 Drive-Away

The Ora (formerly Ora Good Cat) is a stylish small hatch with retro-inspired design that stands out in a sea of generic EVs. The 63.1 kWh battery delivers a claimed 420 km range — impressive for the price. The interior is well-appointed with a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers who want something that looks different and has solid range.

6. MG4 Excite — From $37,990

Stepping up from the Urban, the MG4 Excite adds the 64 kWh battery with 530 km WLTP range, plus additional safety tech and comfort features. The rear-wheel drive platform gives the MG4 genuinely fun handling — it’s one of the better-driving affordable EVs.

Best for: Drivers who want fun handling and long range without breaking $40k.

7. Chery Omoda E5 — From $38,990 Drive-Away

Chery’s first EV for Australia is a sharp-looking small SUV with a 61.1 kWh battery and 430 km WLTP range. The interior quality punches above its weight, with a 15.6-inch centre screen and a 7-year, unlimited kilometre warranty — the longest in this list.

Best for: Buyers who value warranty length and interior tech, and don’t mind being an early adopter of a new brand.

8. BYD Atto 3 — From $39,990

The Atto 3 is a compact SUV with a 60.4 kWh battery and 420 km WLTP range. It’s been on sale in Australia since 2022 and has proven reliable. The “Dragon Face” design is distinctive, the boot is generous, and BYD’s service network has expanded significantly.

Best for: Proven reliability — the Atto 3 has the longest track record of any Chinese EV in Australia.

9. Kia EV3 — From $44,900

The EV3 brings Kia’s excellent build quality and design to the affordable EV segment. The base model has a 58.3 kWh battery with 429 km range, while the Long Range option bumps to 81.4 kWh and an impressive 598 km. Kia’s dealer network and after-sales support are class-leading.

Best for: Buyers who want a premium feel, excellent range, and the reassurance of Kia’s established dealer network.

10. Hyundai Kona Electric — From $47,500

The second-generation Kona Electric is a handsome small SUV with a 65.4 kWh battery and 454 km WLTP range. The interior is a big step up from the first generation, and Hyundai’s 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty provides peace of mind.

Best for: Those who want a well-rounded, no-compromise small electric SUV from a trusted brand.

The Bottom Line

The price barrier for EVs in Australia has been shattered. With ten models under $50,000 — and three under $35,000 — the question is no longer “can I afford an EV?” but “which EV fits my life?”

Browse all of these models with full specs on our EV database, or use the running cost calculator to see how much you’d save switching from petrol.