Cheap Electric Cars Have Finally Arrived in Australia: Here are our Picks
EVs outsold petrol for a second month running. Here are the cheapest electric cars to buy in Australia, from a $23,990 hatch to a sedan, and the catch with each.
The cheapest electric cars in Australia 2026 are suddenly a mainstream conversation. In September, 26,287 electric vehicles found homes against 26,018 petrol cars, a 24.2% share of the 108,778 new vehicles sold, and it was the second month running that EVs came out ahead of petrol. The VFACTS figures landed on 6th Oct 26, and the more affordable end of the market is a big part of the story.
Here is the buying guide: six electric cars at the affordable end, who each one suits, and the catch to know about before you sign.
BYD Atto 1: the cheapest way in
The BYD Atto 1 starts at $23,990 RRP for the Essential and $27,990 for the Premium. It is the pick for a city commuter or a household's second car, and it carries a five-star ANCAP rating. In September it sold 633 units. The catch: the Essential claims 220km of WLTP range (310km for the Premium), and the boot is a modest 308 litres, so this is a suburban runabout, not a road tripper unless you enjoy stopping at roadhouses to charge up.
Geely EX2: a little more car for a little more money
The Geely EX2 is $26,490 RRP for the Complete and $30,990 for the Inspire. It was the sixth best-selling EV in September. The Inspire claims 345km of WLTP range (the Complete 252km), the boot is 375 litres with extra storage up front, and the warranty is seven years. The catch: the better range sits in the dearer Inspire, which lands within reach of the bigger hatches and SUVs below.
MG 4 Urban: the sensible all-rounder
The MG 4 Urban lists at $29,990 RRP for the Essence 43 (43kWh battery, 316km WLTP) and $32,990 for the Essence 54. It sold 735 units in September. The catch: the $29,990 driveaway deal, which took the Essence 43 under $30,000 on the road, ended on 30th Sep 26. Dealer listings now show the Essence 43 at roughly $32,690 driveaway, so ask for a full driveaway quote.
Leapmotor B03X: the new cheapest electric SUV
The Leapmotor B03X is being billed as Australia's cheapest electric SUV. The Style is $29,990 driveaway, about $5,000 under the BYD Atto 2 Dynamic. The Design Long Range is $30,990 RRP, with a 53kWh battery and up to 382km of WLTP range. It is the one for buyers who want SUV height on a hatch budget. The catch: the Style claims 292km, the driveaway price is a launch offer for Acorn Brown cars bought and delivered before the end of the year. Other colours cost $990 more, and cars reach showrooms in November 2026.
BYD Atto 2: the proven small SUV
If a newer brand makes you hesitate, the BYD Atto 2 is the established alternative: $31,990 RRP for the Dynamic and $35,990 for the Premium, with a 51.1kWh battery and faster AC charging than the B03X. The catch is simply that it now costs about $5,000 more than the cheapest SUV rival, however you get an established brand and dealer network.
Tesla Model 3 RWD: the cheapest Tesla, and still the dearest here
The 2027 Tesla Model 3 RWD is $45,900 RRP, $9,000 under the Premium RWD and the cheapest Tesla sold in Australia. It keeps the 208kW motor and 62.5kWh battery, and the claimed WLTP range rises to 572km. It is the choice for a highway-heavy driver who wants a proper sedan. The catch: Tesla trimmed features to hit the price, including front-seat ventilation and the rear touchscreen, and radio appears to be dropped in favour of internet streaming, so check the equipment list. Orders are open and first deliveries are expected by the end of 2026. The Model 3 sold 1,178 units across the range in September.
Which one for you?
- Lowest price: BYD Atto 1.
- Most range for the money in a hatch: Geely EX2 Inspire or MG 4 Urban Essence 54.
- Cheapest SUV: Leapmotor B03X Style, with the colour and timing caveats.
- Long highway runs: Tesla Model 3 RWD.
At a glance
- BYD Atto 1: $23,990 to $27,990 RRP, 220km to 310km WLTP.
- Geely EX2: $26,490 to $30,990 RRP, 252km to 345km WLTP.
- MG 4 Urban: $29,990 to $32,990 RRP, Essence 43 claims 316km WLTP.
- Leapmotor B03X: $26,990 RRP to $30,990 RRP, 292km to 382km WLTP.
- BYD Atto 2: $31,990 to $35,990 RRP.
- Tesla Model 3 RWD: $45,900 RRP, 572km WLTP.
Verdict: for most households the Atto 1, EX2 or MG 4 Urban is the smart buy, the B03X is the one to watch once it reaches showrooms, and the Model 3 RWD is the step up for those who want a proper sedan.
