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Top 10 Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia 2026
The BYD Atto 1 Essential is the lowest confirmed new-EV drive-away offer we found, at $19,990. The BYD Dolphin Essential and MG4 EV Urban follow below $30,000, while several small SUVs now sit below $40,000. These are promotional prices, not permanent model prices, so the order can change quickly.
This guide covers new battery-electric vehicles only. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are excluded. Prices and offers were checked on 9 October 2026.
Quick comparison
| Rank | Model and variant | Drive-away price checked | Range or battery | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BYD Atto 1 Essential | $19,990 | 220km WLTP | City driving |
| 2 | BYD Dolphin Essential | $28,888 | 410km NEDC | Small households |
| 3 | MG4 EV Urban Essence 43 | $29,990 | 316km WLTP | Budget commuting |
| 4 | GAC Aion UT | From $31,990 | 430km WLTP | Range on a budget |
| 5 | GWM Ora 5 Lux | From $33,990 | Up to 435km WLTC | Small-SUV buyers |
| 6 | Jaecoo J5 EV Summit | From $36,990 | 402km WLTP | Warranty coverage |
| 7 | MG4 EV Essence 64 | $39,990 | 452km WLTP | Longer commutes |
| 8 | MGS5 EV Essence 49kWh | $39,990 | 335km WLTP | Small-SUV buyers |
| 9 | MGS6 EV Essence RWD | $49,990 | 530km WLTP | Family touring |
| 10 | Kia EV4 Air SR | From $52,990 estimate | 456km WLTP | Established-brand EV ownership |
Drive-away figures can include registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery, but each offer has its own conditions. Confirm the final price and eligibility before relying on it.
How this list was ranked
The ranking uses the lowest drive-away price shown on an official Australian manufacturer page on 9 October 2026. We then compared range, charging, warranty, safety information, practicality and offer conditions.
RRP excludes on-road costs, while a drive-away estimate can vary by postcode. The Geely EX2, Leapmotor B05 and BYD Atto 2 Electric were left out because a current official drive-away price could not be confirmed.
The 10 cheapest electric cars in Australia
1. BYD Atto 1 Essential
BYD’s current offer lists the Atto 1 Essential at $19,990 drive-away for retail customers. Orders must be placed by 15 December 2026 and delivered by 31 December 2026; metallic paint costs extra.
The 220km WLTP range makes it a city and suburban car rather than a regular long-distance tourer. BYD quotes AC charging of up to 11kW, a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty. ANCAP has a five-star 2025 rating covering all variants.
2. BYD Dolphin Essential
The Dolphin Essential is listed at $28,888 drive-away under the same BYD campaign. Its 410km figure uses the older NEDC test, so it is not directly comparable with WLTP figures. It offers more space than the Atto 1 for regular commuting.
Confirm the Essential’s AC and DC limits rather than assuming the Premium specification applies. The Dolphin has a five-star ANCAP rating from 2023.
3. MG4 EV Urban Essence 43
MG lists the MG4 EV Urban Essence 43 at $29,990 drive-away after a $2,000 cashback. The car must be sold and delivered between 1 and 31 October 2026 through a participating dealer, while stocks last.
Its 43kWh battery gives a claimed 316km WLTP range, with DC charging from 10 to 80 per cent in about 28 minutes. The model has a five-star ANCAP rating dated 2025. MG’s 10-year warranty depends on servicing conditions, so read the terms before choosing it mainly for warranty length.
4. GAC Aion UT
GAC’s Aion UT offer starts at $31,990 drive-away for orders placed from 1 October to 31 December 2026. A $1,000 deposit is required, and GAC says the final price can vary by state, colour and specification.
The hatch has a claimed 430km WLTP range and a 30–80 per cent charge in up to 24 minutes. The offer includes a 22kW wall charger. Ask the dealer for the warranty, servicing and ANCAP information for the exact vehicle before ordering.
5. GWM Ora 5 Lux
The GWM Ora 5 Lux is advertised from $33,990 drive-away. GWM’s online price should be treated as a starting point: confirm availability and the final quote for your state.
It uses a 58.33kWh battery, with up to 435km on the WLTC test. GWM lists 120kW DC and 6.6kW AC charging. The WLTC range figure is not directly comparable with WLTP results, but the Ora 5 may appeal to buyers who want a small electric SUV rather than a hatch.
6. Jaecoo J5 EV Summit
The J5 EV Summit is from $36,990 drive-away for eligible new-stock orders placed between 1 and 31 October 2026, while stocks last. Metallic paint and options are extra.
Jaecoo quotes 402km WLTP range and 130kW DC charging, with a 30–80 per cent charge in about 28 minutes. Its unusual selling point is an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre battery warranty.
7. MG4 EV Essence 64
The MG4 EV Essence 64 is a larger and longer-range hatch than the Urban. MG’s October offer places it at $39,990 drive-away for cars sold and delivered during the promotion, with a $500 accessories bonus.
The 64kWh battery gives up to 452km WLTP range, and MG quotes 10–80 per cent DC charging in about 25 minutes. The five-star ANCAP rating for the standard MG4 dates from 2022, so check which variants and safety equipment it covers.
8. MGS5 EV Essence 49kWh
The MGS5 EV is the SUV alternative at this price. MG lists the Essence 49kWh at $39,990 drive-away after a $2,000 cashback, for cars sold and delivered between 1 and 31 October 2026.
The 49kWh version is quoted at about 335km WLTP. MG quotes DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent in under 20 minutes. Check the exact specification and warranty conditions before buying.
9. MGS6 EV Essence RWD
The MGS6 EV Essence RWD costs $49,990 drive-away under MG’s October offer. Its 77kWh battery gives up to 530km WLTP range, and MG quotes a 10–80 per cent charge in as little as 38 minutes.
It suits buyers who regularly travel beyond the city, although its price is well above $40,000. Compare insurance and tyre costs as well as the advertised price.
10. Kia EV4 Air Standard Range
Kia’s EV4 offer lists the Air Standard Range from $52,990 as a drive-away estimate. It is postcode-based, for private buyers at participating dealers, and valid until 31 October 2026.
The 58.3kWh battery is rated at up to 456km WLTP, with a 10–80 per cent charge in about 29 minutes on a suitable fast charger. The EV4 has a five-star ANCAP rating dated 2025, applying to all variants.
Which EVs are under $40,000?
Eight entries are below $40,000 on the advertised offer price. The BYD, GAC, MG and Jaecoo figures have deadlines or stock conditions, while GWM’s price should be confirmed for the buyer’s location.
What does an affordable EV cost to run?
Home charging is usually the cheapest option, particularly on an off-peak plan. Multiply the car’s consumption by your electricity tariff to estimate energy cost. For example, 15.5kWh/100km at 30 cents per kWh is about $4.65 per 100km. Public fast charging generally costs more.
Also budget for insurance, tyres, servicing and depreciation. Battery warranty conditions matter because the battery is one of the most expensive components.
What should you check before buying a cheap electric car?
- Is the advertised price available in your state and for your buyer type?
- Does it include registration, CTP, stamp duty and dealer delivery?
- Is the range suitable for your weekly driving?
- Can you charge at home or work?
- How fast can the exact variant charge on AC and DC?
- What battery warranty applies, and what servicing is required?
- Does the ANCAP rating cover the exact model and variant?
- What will insurance, tyres and servicing cost?
- Is there enough rear-seat and boot space for your household?
You can compare new, demo EVs and used electric cars on Auto Buyers Guide before requesting a written drive-away quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest electric car in Australia in 2026?
The BYD Atto 1 Essential is the lowest confirmed offer in this comparison at $19,990 drive-away. The promotion has order and delivery deadlines, so check the current terms before relying on the price.
Are there electric cars under $40,000?
Yes. The list includes eight new EVs below $40,000 on the advertised drive-away offers, although most are promotional or subject to stock and delivery conditions.
What is the cheapest EV to run?
That depends on efficiency, electricity prices and where you charge. A small EV charged at home on a low tariff will usually cost less per kilometre than a larger EV using public fast chargers.
Are cheap electric cars reliable?
Long-term data is limited for some newer brands. Compare the vehicle and battery warranties, servicing requirements, parts support and ANCAP result rather than judging only by the purchase price.
Is a cheap EV better than a petrol car?
It can be for local driving if home charging is available. Buyers who regularly travel long distances or cannot charge reliably may find a petrol or hybrid vehicle more convenient.
Compare electric cars on Auto Buyers Guide
Use Auto Buyers Guide’s vehicle search to compare new, demo and used EV listings and ask dealers for a written drive-away quote. You can also read our guide to Australia’s best-selling cars in 2026 or visit the homepage.