Cheapest electric cars in Australia 2026: Top 10 EVs ranked by driveaway price

Electric cars are cheaper than you think - and in 2026 that’s more true than ever.

With fuel prices climbing and supply uncertainty at the bowser, more Australians are taking a serious look at EVs for the first time. The good news is that the entry price for a brand-new electric car has dropped dramatically. You can now buy a full EV in Australia from around $27,000 driveaway depending on your location - a figure that would have seemed impossible just three years ago. If you’re specifically after more space, check out our guide to the best electric SUVs in Australia.

Here are the 10 cheapest electric cars in Australia right now, ranked from least to most expensive based on driveaway pricing in NSW - though prices will vary slightly depending on your state and on-road costs.

Cheapest electric cars in Australia 2026 (ranked by price)

1. BYD Atto 1 - from $27,097
2. GAC Aion UT - from $30,990
3. MG4 EV Urban - from $31,990
4. BYD Dolphin - from $33,277
5. GWM Ora - from $33,990
6. BYD Atto 2 - from $35,337
7. Hyundai Inster - from $35,990
8. MG4 - from $36,032
9. Jaecoo J5 EV - from $36,990
10. Chery E5 - from $38,990

1. BYD Atto 1 - from $27,097 driveaway

The BYD Atto 1 is now Australia’s cheapest electric car - and that alone makes it worth paying attention to.

Starting from just $27K driveaway in NSW, it undercuts almost everything on the market including BYD’s own Dolphin. And while it’s clearly built as a budget-first EV, it doesn’t feel like a bare-bones penalty box.

The entry-level Essential gives you around 220km of real-world usable range - just enough for commuting, school runs and daily driving. Step up to the Premium and you get a bigger battery, more power and a much more comfortable 310km range, which makes it far easier to live with.

It’s also more practical than you might expect with a decent boot, folding rear seats and handy features like vehicle-to-load if you want to power devices on the go. Add in wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and it ticks the key boxes most buyers actually care about.

Verdict: It’s not built for long-distance road trips - but as a cheap, easy-to-live-with city EV, nothing else comes close at this price.

Compare BYD Atto 1 deals and find the best driveaway price.

2. GAC Aion UT - from $30,990 driveaway (limited time)

The GAC Aion UT is one of the most interesting new arrivals in the affordable EV space - and it’s already getting a lot of attention.

Priced from $30,990 driveaway for early buyers (before increasing to $31,990), it brings some seriously strong numbers for the money. A claimed 430km of range and a 150kW motor put it right at the top of this segment on paper.

More importantly it doesn’t feel like a stripped-out budget option. The cabin is roomy for its size, there’s a usable 321 litre boot and it comes well equipped across the range - all things that matter in everyday use.

It’s also backed by one of China’s largest automotive groups, giving it a more established foundation than many new entrants hitting the market.

Verdict: Huge range and performance for the money make this one hard to ignore - and a serious disruptor in the budget EV segment.

Compare GAC Aion UT deals and find the best driveaway price.

3. MG4 EV Urban - from $31,990 driveaway

MG Motor Australia has confirmed the new 2026 MG4 EV Urban will join its local lineup in April 2026, arriving at $31,990 driveaway for the 43kWh entry-level model - a price that undercuts the BYD Dolphin.

This is a bigger car than you might expect. The Urban measures 4,395mm long with a 2,750mm wheelbase - 108mm longer and 45mm taller than the existing MG4 - and is built on MG's new E3 platform with a torsion-beam rear suspension layout.

Boot capacity sits between 382 expanding to 1,266 litres with the rear seats folded - a serious number for this price bracket. The long-range 54kWh variant claims up to 405km. MG's conditional 10-year warranty applies to both.

Verdict: The one most buyers should seriously consider - better range, more space and a more usable all-round package than the cheapest EVs.

Compare MG4 EV Urban deals and find the best driveaway price.

4. BYD Dolphin - from $33,277 driveaway

The BYD Dolphin was Australia’s cheapest EV until its smaller sibling arrived - and it still represents exceptional value.

It’s an easy car to recommend. The entry-level version offers enough range for everyday use, while stepping up brings a noticeable jump in both performance and range, making it far more flexible beyond just city driving.

More importantly it feels like a complete package. The interior is well finished, the tech is easy to live with, and features like the large rotating touchscreen and BYD’s Blade Battery tech help it stand out at this price point.

For most buyers wanting a practical electric hatchback without spending big, the Dolphin remains one of the safest choices in the market.

Verdict: A safe, well-rounded choice in the affordable EV space - offering proven tech, solid range and strong everyday usability, even as newer rivals start to push the value further.

Compare BYD Dolphin deals and find the best driveaway price.

5. GWM Ora - from $33,990 driveaway

The GWM Ora has been on sale in Australia for a while now and it still stands out as one of the more distinctive options in the affordable EV space.

The retro-inspired design gives it real personality - something a lot of cars in this segment lack - and it helps the Ora feel a bit different from the usual budget EV formula.

Underneath, it delivers solid, usable range of up to around 400km, along with enough performance for everyday driving. More importantly, it’s easy to live with. The cabin is surprisingly spacious for its size, it’s well equipped, and features like a heat pump and vehicle-to-load add to its everyday appeal.

It’s not the newest or most cutting-edge option anymore, but it still offers a well-rounded package that makes sense for a lot of buyers.

Verdict: A quirky and well-equipped option in the budget EV space - offering solid range and features, though newer rivals now offer sharper value or performance for similar money.

Compare GWM Ora deals and find the best driveaway price.

6. BYD Atto 2 - from $35,337 driveaway

The BYD Atto 2 sits just above the cheapest EVs, offering a more polished and better-equipped package without moving too far up in price.

It doesn’t try to reinvent anything - it just builds on what BYD already does well. You get more performance, more range and a nicer interior than the entry-level options, making it easier to live with day to day.

It’s not dramatically bigger than the smaller hatchbacks, but it does feel like a step up in overall refinement and usability. For buyers who want something a bit more complete without jumping straight into $40K+, it makes a lot of sense.

Verdict: A more refined and better-equipped alternative to the cheapest EVs - offering stronger performance and range, though it starts to push beyond true budget pricing.

Compare BYD Atto 2 deals and find the best driveaway price.

7. Hyundai Inster - from $35,990 driveaway

The Hyundai Inster is one of the more interesting new arrivals in the affordable EV space - and one of the few from a mainstream non-Chinese brand at this price point.

It’s a small car, but cleverly packaged. The Standard Range uses a 42kWh battery for around 327km of WLTP range, while the Long Range stretches that to 360km. It’s also one of the few EVs here that actually feels fun to drive around town.

There are a couple of trade-offs. It’s a four-seater rather than five, and it’s clearly designed with urban use in mind. But the interior is well thought out, it’s packed with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety tech, and it’s easy to live with day to day.

Verdict: A clever and characterful city EV - ideal for urban buyers, but less compelling if you need space or long-distance range.

Compare Hyundai Inster deals and find the best driveaway price.

8. MG4 - from $36,032 driveaway

The MG4 has quickly become one of the best-value EVs in Australia - and one of the most enjoyable to drive.

Unlike most cars at this price it’s rear-wheel drive and you can feel it. It’s more balanced, more engaging and just that bit more fun than the typical front-drive alternatives in this segment.

It also sits on MG’s dedicated EV platform with a proper multi-link rear suspension setup - something you simply don’t see on most budget EVs. Range varies depending on the battery, but the larger pack pushes comfortably past 400km WLTP.

Put it all together and it still sets the benchmark for how good an affordable EV can be.

Verdict: Still one of the best all-round EVs you can buy - combining driving enjoyment, range and value in a way few rivals match.

Compare MG4 deals and find the best driveaway price.

9. Jaecoo J5 EV - from $36,990 driveaway

The Jaecoo J5 is the wildcard on this list - and one of the most interesting options if you want more than just a small hatch.

For the money, this feels like a proper SUV. You’re getting a 58.9kWh battery, up to 402km of WLTP range and a 155kW motor - but more importantly, you’re getting space, presence and a much more substantial car overall.

Inside it’s well equipped too with a large touchscreen, panoramic roof and a clean, modern layout. It doesn’t feel like a budget EV - which is exactly the point.

At $36,990 driveaway this is where the conversation starts to shift from “cheap EV” to “genuinely good car for the money.”

Verdict: A lot more car for the money - offering strong range, solid performance and real SUV practicality, making it one of the most compelling step-up options from the cheapest EVs.

Compare Jaecoo J5 deals and find the best driveaway price.

10. Chery E5 - from $38,990 driveaway

The Chery E5 brings proper SUV practicality to the affordable end of the EV market, offering more space and presence than the hatchbacks that dominate this list.

Under the skin, it runs a 61kWh battery paired with a 150kW motor for a claimed 430km of WLTP range - right up there with the strongest performers at this price.

Inside it’s clean and well equipped with dual screens and a modern layout that feels more premium than you might expect. And importantly, it feels like a genuine step up in size and usability over the cheaper options here.

This isn’t the most polished or engaging EV on the list - but if you’re prioritising space, range and value, it makes a strong case.

Verdict: Strong on space and range for the money - a solid SUV option for buyers stepping up from smaller EVs.

Compare Chery E5 deals and find the best driveaway price.

The affordable EV market in Australia has never been more competitive - and that’s a big win for buyers. Whether you’re after a compact city car from around $27K driveaway or a properly equipped electric SUV under $40K, there are now genuine options at every step of the budget.

For most buyers, the sweet spot sits in the low-to-mid $30K range. That’s where cars like the MG4 EV Urban and MG4 stand out - offering the best mix of range, performance and everyday usability without stretching the budget too far.

Compare real driveaway prices across all states on The Beep and find the best deal on your next electric car.

Frequently asked questions about electric cars in Australia

What is the cheapest electric car in Australia?

The cheapest electric car in Australia in 2026 is the BYD Atto 1, priced from around $27,000 driveaway.

Are electric cars cheaper than petrol cars in Australia?

Electric cars are becoming more affordable with some models now priced similarly to petrol hatchbacks. Lower running and maintenance costs can also make EVs cheaper over time.

What is the best affordable EV in Australia?

For most buyers, models like the MG4 EV Urban and MG4 offer the best balance of price, range and everyday usability in the affordable EV segment.