Australia’s best-selling EVs: Are they worth it?
EVs are still a relative niche compared with the overall Australian new-car market. Vehicles powered solely by electricity accounted for just 3.1 percent of all vehicle sales in 2022 – although in 2023 the numbers are already growing.
So, which are the top sellers and which are worth putting your money into?
1. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is not just a top selling electric car it’s the top selling mid-sized car, blitzing everything from the Toyota Camry and Mazda6 to BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
It’s easy to see the appeal. The Model 3 is sleek and stylish and comes generously appointed, especially when compared with luxury rivals at a similar price.
Performance also outdoes similarly-priced alternatives.
READ MORE: How much power your Tesla Model 3 and Model Y makes
The driving experience tends towards more sporty and engaging than plush; steering is direct and the ride firm. But it’s nicely controlled and very easy to live with.
But it’s the tech that makes the Model 3 such a winner. You can use your phone as a key, monitor the vehicle remotely using some of its eight exterior cameras and update software using its onboard connectivity. There’s also embedded arcade games and thoughtful extras such as dog mode to keep the cabin cool when your pooch in left in the car.
Price: From $64,300 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate on a Tesla Model 3: NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia
2. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is essentially a Model 3 with a different body. The larger five-door SUV stance liberates more headroom and gives a more commanding view of the road. There’s also a heap more boot space, as well as the ‘frunk’ (front trunk) for extras.
Equipment levels are broadly the same as the 3, although the Y gets the occasional extra, such as a sound system with more speakers. It’s one of the best audio systems in any car at any money.
READ MORE: Tesla Model Y vs Tesla Model 3: Which is the best EV for you?
The taller body means more body movement over bumps, and the additional weight in the Model Y takes the edge off performance. But it’s still impressively brisk.
Plus you get access to the entire Tesla charging network.
Price: From $69,300 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate on a Tesla Model Y: None available, but other EV incentives are available
3. BYD Atto 3
It may be an EV newcomer in Australia but BYD is huge in the electric car world, especially in its homeland of China.
The BYD Atto 3 is a compact SUV that liberates generous interior space courtesy of its flat-floor design.
It’s also not short of trinkets, including heated seats, wireless phone charging and a 12.8-inch central touchscreen that rotates from portrait to landscape configuration.
The warranty is tad clunky – running shorter than then headline six-year/150,000km figure – but there’s no denying the value elsewhere.
Performance is decent from the single front motor although the tyres let down the decent dynamic equation elsewhere.
Price: From $48,011 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate on a BYD Atto 3: NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia
4. Polestar 2
There’s plenty of Volvo beneath the skin of the Polestar 2, the first EV from a company planning to muscle in on the turf occupied by Tesla.
The five-door hatch focuses more on driver enjoyment than outright comfort, making for a slick and engaging car to drive, especially in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise (there are also front-drive options).
The finishes and materials will match it with any of the big German players, creating an elegant space with some unexpected touches (the Polestar logo reflecting on the sunroof at night is one). Remote software updates allow for additional functions while Google’s Android operating system opens the central screen up to third-party apps.
If you’re stepping from the world of luxury cars into EVs and expect a similarly classy cabin then the Polestar 2 is an excellent option.
Price: From $63,900 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate Polestar 3: NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia
5. MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV uses a simple formula: take a sharply-priced small SUV and replace the petrol bits with batteries and an electric motor.
There’s nothing revolutionary about it but the ZS EV fights hard with a sharp price tag.
Updates that arrived in 2022 added some additional range and sharpened the look, adding to its appeal.
Price: From $44,990 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate MG ZS EV: NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia
6. Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai’s popular compact SUV trades premium unleaded for electrons with this budget-priced EV version. You can choose between a small (Standard) or big (Extended Range) battery and Elite or better equipped Highlander trim levels.
All Hyundai Kona Electric models are refreshingly fun to drive, even if they don’t rewrite the EV rulebook.
Price: From $54,500 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate on a Hyundai Kona: NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia
7. Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
The Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric adds some electric excitement to the sensibly sized SUV that comfortably fits five people. The cabin is high quality and well equipped. Plus there’s over-the-air software updates and Google’s Android Automotive infotainment system that allows apps to be added to it for customisation.
Front-drive single motor models are decent while dual-motor models deliver hot hatch-like acceleration.
Price: From $73,990 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate Volvo XC40: None available, but other EV incentives are available
8. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The biggest challenge with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been getting hold of one. The distinctively-styled five-door has some hatch-like undertones but once you slide inside it feels far more SUV-like, with loads of space, especially for those in the rear.
Sizeable dual screens are teamed with a generous smattering of equipment – there’s a trio of models to choose from – including cameras to replace the side mirrors.
But it’s the electrical architecture that makes the Ioniq 5 a winner. Whereas most EVs use a 400V system, the Ioniq 5 can be charged at up to 800V, helping make it one of the fastest-charging electric cars on the market.
There’s also no shortage of performance, especially in dual-motor, all-wheel drive models.
Suspension tends towards the softer side, something that can catch it out over big bumps. But there’s enough depth to its dynamics to mount a compelling EV case.
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate Hyundai Ioniq 5: None available, but other EV incentives are available
9. Mercedes-Benz EQA
The EQA leans on the successful GLA compact SUV but adds EV running gear. The electric side is nothing special – performance is adequate but inspiring in Mercedes-Benz EQA250 guise but peppier as a dual-motor EQA350 – but there’s lashings of Merc style and class (no doubt a big part of its appeal).
You pay for the privilege, though, if you can work out how much one costs.
Mercedes-Benz has moved to a fixed price model and selling vehicles online, although the brand’s website makes it tricky to figure out what those fixed prices are, especially if a car isn’t in stock. You can configure a vehicle but then have to leave your details for someone to get back to you about that price that should be very easy to publish online. Expect to pay $81,700 plus on-road costs.
Price: From $81,700 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate Mercedes-Benz EQA: None available, but other EV incentives are available
10. BMW iX3
The addition of an “i” to the badge in the modern BMW world means electric running and in the case of the BMW iX3 it utilises the body of the mid-sized X3 SUV.
With a single electric motor driving the rear wheels (there are no dual-motor versions available) the iX3 benefits from perky performance. Fun to drive, too, with an engagement and fluidity befitting the brand.
For a practical SUV that’s generously appointed it’s also well priced, having recently undergone a price reduction.
Price: From $104,900 plus on-road costs
Where you may be eligible for an EV rebate: None available, but other EV incentives are available
