5 Best Electric Cars in Australia: Top Picks for 2024
Best electric cars Australia in 2024. Source: evcentral.com.au
Key Takeaways
- The Tesla Model 3 boasts affordability and a 491 km range, while the Mini Cooper SE shines for its stylish, city-friendly design. Check out our unbiased reviews of the five best electric cars Australia to find your ideal match!
- Personalise your electric vehicle with a range of accessories for the 2024 Highland, Tesla Model 3, and Model Y from My Tesla Accessories. We’re happy to ship across Australia and sell directly from Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane.
1. Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 RWD. Source: motortrend.com
More than any other car, the Tesla Model 3 has really put electric vehicles (EVs) on the map in Australia. With a starting price of under $55,000 before on-road costs, it is virtually impossible to look past as the best-value mid-sized electric car Australia to buy.
While all Model 3s are very efficient, the base Tesla Model 3-RWD, with a 57.5kWh battery size and a single motor on the rear axle, stands out as the cream of the crop. From 0-60 mph, it reaches 5.8 seconds, which, compared to the equivalent Hyundai Ioniq 6, is significantly quicker, and it's as fast as the base BMW i4 and BYD Seal.
Besides, it features a real-world driving range of around 460 km and quick recharging due to Tesla's supercharger network across Australia. It also boasts high safety levels, while the suspension system will soak up poor road surfaces without losing any composure or efficiency.
The interior of the Model 3 is roomy and well-appointed, and it's light work to hustle it down a twisty road. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a cluster display, a tyre repair kit, or even a spare wheel from the Tesla Model 3 may be very annoying for certain buyers, who might consider finding a better option in this segment.
|
Starting Price |
Battery Size |
Range |
Battery Warranty |
Body Style |
|
$54,900 |
57.5kWh |
491km |
4 Years / 80,000 km |
Sedan |
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2. Mini Cooper SE
Mini Cooper SE. Source: jalopnik.com
The Cooper SE is the 2020 electrified version of the iconic Mini. Lighter than other EV Australia and compact, with decent battery capacity and power output, the Cooper SE is a sporty choice for those looking for a second car for city driving on weekends.
Big batteries are great for long-range use, but they're also heavy and, therefore, less efficient on city roads. This makes Mini's decision to fit a compact 28.9kWh battery into its electric hatchback a smart one.
Despite having a range of only 203 km, the Mini Cooper SE uses just 12.4 kWh from the battery per 100 miles driven in combined driving conditions. Plus, it costs only about $8.85 to charge (given Australia's electricity rate of $0.28 per kWh), assuming you drive an average of 255 km per week.
Mini drivers love the brand for its excellent legroom, headroom, and cargo space, as well as the convenient fast charging. However, the limited range means there may be better choices than the Mini Cooper SE for long trips.
|
Starting Price |
Battery Size |
Range |
Battery Warranty |
Body Style |
|
$58,990 |
28.9kWh |
203km |
8 Years / 160,000 km |
Hatchback |
3. Polestar 2
Polestar 2. Source: edmunds.com
As one of the newest electric cars to hit the Australian market, the Polestar 2 may still be a bit of a mystery to many. Thankfully, the introduction of the more affordable Standard Range single-motor version has made it more accessible to buyers.
The Polestar 2 is not only the most affordable but also the most economical in its class, with a rated consumption of 15.2kWh/100km, keeping weekly charging costs at just $10.85. Moreover, its impressive 440km range allows you to go further on less power compared to some other EV cars Australia on this list.
The new Polestar 2 is quicker on a straight road, more comfortable on rough roads, and more efficient than before—improvements that make it a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3s that dominate the streets.
Unfortunately, it is still better suited for couples who occasionally use the back seat rather than families, and the front cargo area still needs to be improved. While stylish, you may still find yourself wanting more storage space.
|
Starting Price |
Battery Size |
Range |
Battery Warranty |
Body Style |
|
$67,400 |
67.0kWh |
440km |
8 years / 160,000km |
Liftback Sedan |
4. BYD Atto 3
BYD Atto 3. Source: carexpert.com.au
BYD entered the Australian EVs market in 2022 with the Atto 3, a compact electric SUV that, at the time, claimed the title of “Australia’s cheapest electric car.” The small SUV was designed to compete with the Chinese brand MG’s ZS EV, offering a nearly identical price, competitive specs, and battery options.
In 2024, BYD reduced the price by a few thousand dollars, yet the updated Atto 3 still boasts a respectable efficiency rating of 16kWh/100km, which brings weekly charging costs somewhere at $11.42.
The Atto 3 remains well-suited for urban environments, where its soft suspension helps absorb the discomfort of larger road imperfections, and cornering forces are likely minimal. The design update also includes Apple CarPlay and a larger infotainment screen.
However, the model is somewhat let down by uncomfortable front seats, an underpowered regenerative braking system, and the fact that a full charge takes up to 30 hours.
|
Starting Price |
Battery Size |
Range |
Battery Warranty |
Body Style |
|
$44,499 |
50.1kWh |
345km |
Eight years/ 160,000km |
SUV |
5. Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf. Source: caranddriver.com
One of the first electric cars to arrive in Australia more than a decade ago, the Nissan Leaf has remained a formidable entry on this list of the best electric cars available in Australia, thanks to updates in its styling and technology.
When equipped with the 36kWh battery, the Leaf achieves an excellent energy consumption of 13.7kWh/100km, which is around a $9.78 weekly charge. Even on the highway, where that number increases to 15.9kWh/100km, the results are still worth praising.
We also appreciate the Leaf's e-Pedal feature, which lets the driver toggle between regenerative braking modes—one that enables the car to coast when the driver takes their foot out of the accelerator and another that slows the vehicle down to recharge the battery using that energy.
The most significant advantage of the Leaf is its total driving range of 270 kilometres to serve commuting, running errands, or taking your dog to the park; it also features an 8.0-inch infotainment system presenting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The negative was that the Leaf was a less convincing prospect when it launched from $50,990 before on-road costs. In contrast, alternatives are offering more advanced technology, plusher interiors, and greater specifications for considerably less money.
|
Starting Price |
Battery Size |
Range |
Battery Warranty |
Body Style |
|
$50,990 (cut down to $28,140 in 2024) |
36kWh |
270km |
8 years / 160,000km |
Hatchback |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is an electric car a good idea in Australia?
Yes. This can be a good idea with an electric car in Australia, mainly when access to charging infrastructure is available and the driving habits of a person match its range capability. While the initial price is a little higher than that of a petrol car, the long-term benefits, such as lower charging costs compared to gasoline and reduced pollution, outweigh the upfront cost, making it a worthwhile investment.
2. Do electric cars pay road tax in Australia?
Yes, electric cars in Australia might include road tax in the future. According to the New South Wales government, the road tax will become relevant starting from 1 July 2027 or when EVs reach 30% market share of total new car sales.