News
Gallery53
If you're looking to make the leap into an electric vehicle, most options in the new-car market are still quite expensive when compared to their conventional piston-engined counterparts.
Of course, the argument is often made that EVs can reduce longer-term costs through cheaper and potentially free recharging, along with lower maintenance and parts costs.
Whatever your perspective, this evolving article is where you'll find every new EV available in Australia, and all of those either confirmed for a future launch, or still up in the air.
Indeed, the electric vehicle race has well and truly started in Australia.
It had a slow start, with minimal incentives pushing supply towards more EV-friendly regions in recent years.
Now, over 30 new or facelifted electric vehicles are expected to arrive locally within the next two years – and there’s still more to be announced.
In particular, the next 12 months will be spearheaded by a high number of launches, due to either the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage that delayed several 2022 arrivals, or the growing demand for electric vehicles in Australia.
The prominence of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) has been expanded by rising fuel prices worldwide, with many seeking to reduce the ownership costs and environmental impact typically associated with internal-combustion vehicles.
British marque Jaguar predicts two-thirds of Australians will be driving electric vehicles by 2028, but the internal-combustion engine (ICE) isn’t quite dead yet – and the cost of purchasing an EV is still quite high compared to an ICE vehicle.
However, traditional automakers including Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Toyota, are paying strong attention to the EV rush.
If you're looking for more tips and guidance on becoming an EV owner, you can see our Electric Vehicles topics page for all of our featured stories on driving range, purchase incentives, charging and plug types explained, and so much more.
53
JUMP AHEAD
- Our helpful links for buyers
- Audi Q8 E-Tron
- BMW iX1
- BYD Dolphin
- BYD Seal
- Cupra Born
- Fiat 500e
- Ford E-Transit
- GWM Ora
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- JAC T9 electric
- Jeep Recon
- Jeep Wagoneer S
- Lexus RZ
- Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
- Maserati Grecale Folgore
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
- Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
- MG 4
- Peugeot E-Partner
- Polestar 2 update
- Polestar 3
- Porsche Macan EV
- Skoda Enyaq
- Subaru Solterra
- Toyota BZ4x
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5
- Volvo EX30
- Volvo EX90
- Volvo XC40, C40 updates
- What else?
Before you buy an EV, you might want to know...
We've published many, many useful stories to help you understand how EVs work, which ones might be right for you, and all the things you should know as you embark on your journey to buy an EV. Check out our links below!
Okay, now, what's coming to Australia?
NOTE: This list will be updated frequently to add newly-confirmed EVs and remove models that have recently gone on sale locally.
To see all the new cars coming to Australia, check out our 2023 New Car Calendar story right here.
Audi Q8 E-Tron
53
The original Audi E-Tron has received a mid-life update… and a new name.
Now dubbed Q8 E-Tron, the refreshed electric SUV brings a lightly restyled exterior and interior, an increased driving range of up to 600 kilometres, and a 106kWh battery pack on flagship variants.
It will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2023, with more specific timing to be announced closer to launch.
BMW iX1
53
BMW has officially taken the covers off the all-new iX1 small SUV, ahead of its local arrival in the first quarter of 2023.
The iX1 will be available in a sole, dual-motor xDrive30 variant, producing 200kW of power and 494Nm of torque, with an additional 30kW available in ‘boost’ mode.
BMW claims the all-wheel-drive iX1 xDrive30 will complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds, with a 180km/h top speed.
Local pricing and features for the 2023 BMW iX1 have been announced, with the electric small SUV priced from $82,900 before on-road costs.
BYD Dolphin
53
The Australian distributor of BYD, EVDirect, has confirmed that the burgeoning EV brand in Australia will add two models alongside its Atto 3 SUV, set to arrive sometime in 2023.
The BYD Dolphin is a small hatchback, comparable to the Toyota Yaris, and is expected to become one of, if not, the cheapest electric vehicles on offer in Australia, with predictions of a mid-$30,000 price range floating about.
More local details will be confirmed closer to the model's arrival, however, there are two battery configurations on offer overseas – a 30.72kWh battery yielding approximately 300km of driving range, and a larger 44.93kWh battery yielding just over 400km.
Drive comes from a single electric motor and a single-speed transmission, with the smaller-battery Dolphin producing 70kW/180Nm, and the larger 44.93kWh vehicle producing 130kW/290Nm.
BYD Seal
53
The BYD Seal sedan is expected to arrive with its Dolphin hatchback stablemate in Australia in 2023.
The ambitious Chinese sedan will rival the ubiquitous Tesla Model 3 on price.
Local specifications remain under wraps, however, in its domestic market of China, the BYD Seal is available with three powertrain configurations. The standard model has a 150kW electric motor at the rear, a 61.4kWh battery, and a real-world driving range of around 380km. BYD claims 550km, but this is tested on a new and more flattering CLTC (China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) system, compared to local WLTP claims, which yield a much more realistic figure.
The long-range version of the BYD Seal utilises the same 61.4kWh battery, paired with a more powerful 230kW rear electric motor, delivering more speed and a longer driving range. Again, BYD claims 700km on the NEDC cycle, though this will end up closer to 500km in the real world. The flagship BYD Seal is the 390kW dual motor, all-wheel-drive version, boasting a bigger 82.5kWh battery and delivering a 3.8-second 0-100km/h time and a claimed CLTC cruising range of 650km (expect above 500km of real-world range).
Rear-drive models with the 61.4kWh battery can charge up to 110kW, while the larger 82.5kWh battery equipped cars can be charged up to 150kW.
BYD's local distributor, EVDirect, has previously hinted that the BYD Seal is due in 2023.
Cupra Born
53
Volkswagen’s Spanish Cupra brand is entering the Australian market with a range of vehicles including its 2023 Born electric hatchback.
Cupra Australia has confirmed it will offer the flagship 77kWh version, with a WLTP-rated driving range of around 540 kilometres.
It is priced from $59,990 before on-road costs, with first deliveries expected in March or April.
A strong list of standard equipment is included, while an optional Performance Package reduces the range to 475 kilometres – but gains adaptive dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
Fiat 500e
53
The all-new Fiat 500e electric city car will be priced from $52,500 before on-road costs, according to an industry pricing guide.
Only one flagship 'La Prima' variant in a three-door hatchback body style will be offered at launch, when it lands in July.
Full local specifications will be detailed from March, but expect the Italian-made compact EV to house the largest available 37.3kWh usable battery delivering around 315 kilometres of driving range.
The spicier Abarth 500e electric hot hatch will arrive in late 2023.
Ford E-Transit
53
A fully-electric version of Ford's iconic Transit van, the 2023 E-Transit, is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2023.
Under the skin is a 68kWh battery, which powers the E-Transit's 198kW and 430Nm electric motor, making it the most powerful Transit on offer in Australia.
It is hoped its 317-kilometre driving range will suit most urban commercial businesses.
Featuring both AC and DC charging, the E-Transit's 11.3 kW on-board charger is capable of delivering a 100 per cent charge in up to 8.2 hours – while a 15 to 80 per cent state of charge is achievable in 34 minutes when utilising 115kW DC fast-charging.
53
It will be joined by the smaller E-Transit Custom in 2024.
The cargo van features a 400-volt system with a 74-kWh battery pack, which shares its 81.2Ah pouch cells with the larger American-market F-150 Lightning.
The battery enables a WLTP-rated driving range of 380 kilometres.
Australian-spec E-Transit Custom models will have a single 160kW/415Nm motor driving the rear wheels.
GWM Ora
53
Ora is the name of Great Wall Motors' (GWM) EV sub-brand; however, the brand's local 'One GWM' strategy means it will be a nameplate, not a separate brand.
As part of an effort to expand its portfolio beyond its eponymous utes and Haval SUVs – and now Tank off-roaders – GWM will launch its first all-electric vehicle in April.
The electric Volkswagen Beetle-inspired Ora is priced from $43,990 before on-road costs – in line with the MG ZS EV as the nation's cheapest electric vehicle.
It could be followed by the GWM Ora Sport sedan – a rival for the Tesla Model 3 – in 2024.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
53
Hyundai has confirmed that its proliferating high-performance N brand will make its electric debut in 2023 with a range-topping and pumped-up version of the Ioniq 5 – and it’s coming to Australia.
As we move closer to the big debut of the hero model, we've put together a pair of renderings that dig into its potential styling.
We're expecting a fairly muscly appearance, although – like the Audi RS E-Tron GT – any sort of panel widening beyond bolt-on flares is looking unlikely. Instead, buyers should expect a lower ride height, bigger and wider wheels (under those added flares), and a unique bumper design at both ends.
Huge brakes will, of course, stand out behind those slim spokes, and battery cooling intakes will be an obvious addition.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
53
Hyundai's swoopy 2023 Ioniq 6 electric sedan is now on sale in Australia.
A low-slung sibling to the Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60 crossovers, the Ioniq 6 is a direct competitor to Australia's best-selling electric vehicle, the Tesla Model 3.
It is priced from $74,000 before on-road costs. This is $10,100 dearer than the most-affordable Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive – and $2000 more than an equivalent Ioniq 5, which offers more space, but less driving range.
Hyundai Kona Electric
53
The next-generation 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric will arrive in Australia later this year.
The entire range was developed around the battery-electric variant, with design elements taken from the Ioniq range.
Playing flagship, the electric Kona will probably arrive in Australia with similar tweaks to the second-generation Kia Niro, meaning less torque from a single electric motor – now 150kW/255Nm – potentially for improved driving range.
JAC T9 electric
53
Chinese carmaker JAC Motors will launch an electric vehicle in Australia in the second quarter of 2024.
While the electric T9 has yet to be detailed, it is likely to compete head-to-head with its only rival, the LDV eT60.
It will be imported by third-party distributor BLK Auto, with the NSW and Queensland-based company presently trialling JAC’s electric N55 truck. It aims to establish a “comprehensive dealer network” in Australia and New Zealand, including an office in Auckland.
Jeep Recon
53
The Jeep Recon electric SUV shares familiarity with the rugged Wrangler, with the brand promising "true trail-rated capability".
Highlights include a one-touch rooftop, removable doors and glass, a traction management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks, and off-road tyres.
Like the Wrangler, a spare wheel mounted on the tailgate will feature, while the iconic seven-slot grille is closed-off and illuminated.
Local arrival timing for the Jeep Recon is currently unclear.
Jeep Wagoneer S
53
Jeep’s new Wagoneer sub-brand will gain its first electric model, with a new model codenamed Wagoneer S.
The marque claims the ‘S’ stands for “speed, striking and sexy”, featuring a 447kW dual-motor drivetrain, a 0-97km/h sprint time of 3.5 seconds, and a claimed 644-kilometre driving range.
Design elements include its coupe SUV shape, slim front end, and large rear wing for aerodynamics.
Local arrival timing for the Jeep Wagoneer S is currently unclear.
Kia EV9
53
The 2024 Kia EV9 will ride on the Hyundai-Kia Group's dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle architecture, as found underneath the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60.
It will be heavily related to the Hyundai Ioniq 7, which is also expected to debut later this year.
Kia Australia has confirmed the seven-seat large electric SUV will arrive here in the second half of 2023.
Further details, including pricing, features and what the vehicle actually looks like, will be revealed closer to launch.
Lexus RZ
53
The 2023 Lexus RZ450e electric vehicle is confirmed for Australia, and is due to arrive locally mid-year.
Lexus claims the driving range to be roughly 450 kilometres, with further pricing and specification expected closer to launch.
It is based on the same E-TNGA platform as the Toyota BZ4x and Subaru Solterra.
The RZ takes the Lexus electric portfolio to nine vehicles, joining six hybrids, the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid and the soon-to-be-updated, all-electric UX300e.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
53
Riding on an all-new platform, the second-generation 2023 Maserati GranTurismo gains a fully electric variant.
The all-electric Folgore – Italian for Lightning – is the most forward-thinking GranTurismo, producing a combined 610kW from three 300kW electric motors, with a 0-100km/h claimed time of 2.7 seconds.
It is equipped with a 92.5kWh battery and an 800-volt architecture, with the ability to charge up to 100 kilometres of claimed driving range in just five minutes.
Maserati, however, has made no claims regarding its overall driving range.
The 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore is expected in Australia next year.
Maserati Grecale Folgore
53
The 2024 Maserati Grecale Folgore is the pure-electric version of the company’s new mid-size SUV.
It is fitted with a 105kWh lithium-ion battery, a 400-volt electrical system, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing over 373kW and 800Nm.
Maserati's first all-electric offering should arrive in Australia later this year, with full pricing and features to be announced closer to its arrival.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
53
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the eighth model in the brand's 'EQ' electric vehicle family, following the larger EQS SUV unveiled in early 2022.
Whereas the upper-large seven-seat EQS SUV is the high-riding version of the EQS flagship sedan, the large five-seat EQE SUV is a taller version of the EQE sedan – and an electric alternative to the GLE large SUV.
In Australia, the EQE SUV will be initially offered in three forms: the EQE 300 RWD, EQE 500 4Matic, and the AMG EQE 53 4Matic+.
It will arrive in local showrooms in mid-2023.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
53
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV rides on the same platform as its five-door liftback counterpart, but it gains an extra 20 centimetres in height for optimal ground clearance on light terrain.
Just like the EQS sedan, three grades of the SUV will be available at launch – the rear-wheel-drive EQS 450+ (265kW/568Nm), all-wheel-drive EQS 450 (265kW/800Nm), and the flagship EQS 580 (400kW/858Nm), all of which are powered by the same 107.8kWh lithium-ion battery.
It will launch in Australia in early 2023.
MG 4
53
The highly anticipated MG 4 electric hatch will arrive in Australia in mid- 2023.
Further details, including local specifications and pricing, remain unconfirmed, but the car is offered in the UK in standard 51kWh and long-range 64kWh configurations, with entry pricing converted to around AU$45,000.
A hot dual-motor variant for the Chinese market produces 330kW and 600Nm, however, its Australian prospects remain unknown.
More local details will be revealed closer to the launch of the 2023 MG 4 – including pricing, which could undercut the ZS EV and GWM Ora to become Australia's cheapest electric vehicle.
Peugeot E-Partner
53
The 2023 Peugeot E-Partner small commercial van will be the brand's first electric vehicle offering, in long-wheelbase form only.
While local pricing and features will be announced closer to its launch, Peugeot has confirmed it will arrive in Australia in the first half of this year.
Overseas, the E-Partner is joined by electric versions of the larger Expert mid-size van and the Fiat Ducato-based Boxer large van, but only the smallest model will be sold here at first.
Polestar 2 update
53
As with its related Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge twins, the updated 2024 Polestar 2 will shift from front- to rear-wheel-drive, as part of its model-year revision.
It also receives a minor facelift for greater familiarity with the forthcoming Polestar 3 electric SUV, a much-needed standard equipment boost, performance boosts, and improved driving range.
The updated range is headlined by the mid-spec long-range, single-motor variant, which now boasts a WLTP-rated 635-kilometre driving range with the fitment of a larger 82kWh lithium-ion battery.
Polestar 3
53
The large five-seat Polestar 3 will go on sale in Australia in the first quarter of 2024.
Polestar’s local arm has confirmed it will be priced from $132,900 before on-road costs, with rivals including the Audi Q8 E-Tron, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.
It will launch in a single dual-motor long-range drive and 111kWh battery specification, but we’ll likely see more affordable options at some point – likely in the form of single-motor standard and single-motor long-range variants.
Porsche Macan EV
53
The electric Porsche Macan will be underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture shared with the upcoming Audi A6 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron.
It will be sold alongside an updated version of the current petrol Macan, before eventually transitioning to an electric-only offering.
The electric Macan will take its design cues from the Taycan, with a slender headlight design and a streamlined rear lightbar design.
It is expected to launch in 2024, following a software-related 12-month delay.
Skoda Enyaq
53
Skoda has confirmed it is bringing its Enyaq iV electric SUV to Australia in both wagon and coupe form.
It was hoped the Enyaq would arrive Down Under last year, but according to the Czech marque’s local arm, it will now be available for order from the second half of 2023.
Although it’s not yet known which Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupe iV variants could come here, in the UK it is offered in five guises – starting from the entry-level Enyaq 60 producing 132kW/310Nm and a maximum driving range of 507km for around $60,000 before on-road costs, and topping out with the Enyaq 80X Sportline capable of 150kW/310Nm, able to travel 684km and priced at $87,500 excluding on-road costs.
Subaru Solterra
53
Subaru's first electric vehicle is bound for Australia this year.
The 2023 Subaru Solterra electric SUV will arrive locally in mid-2023, as an identical twin to the Toyota BZ4X (see below).
It is expected to be exclusively offered in dual-motor, all-wheel-drive form, in line with Subaru's AWD-only market strategy – excluding the BRZ sports car.
"We are excited to confirm Subaru Australia will continue its electrification journey with the introduction of our first battery-electric vehicle, the Solterra, in 2023," said Blair Read, managing director of Subaru Australia.
Toyota BZ4x
53
After leading the way with hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, Toyota took a long time to join the BEV party, but it's about to do so with a Kluger-sized model built on a bespoke e-TNGA EV platform developed with Subaru.
Due on sale in the second half of 2023, the BZ4x will include front- and all-wheel-drive variants with a single 150kW motor in the FWD model and two 80kW motors in the AWD for a total of 160kW.
Toyota claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds for the FWD version and 7.7 seconds for the AWD.
Both versions will pack a 71.4kWh battery system, with 500km and 460km ranges for the FWD and AWD variants, respectively.
Volkswagen ID.3
53
First revealed in 2019, the Volkswagen ID.3 – an electric Golf-sized small hatch – is tipped to arrive in Australia with its mid-life facelift.
This means it will launch after the larger ID.4 and ID.5 medium SUVs, which are expected to be more popular despite a higher pricetag.
It is also a twin to the Cupra Born set to arrive in early 2023 in a single flagship grade.
"Someone was asking me: ‘Why not launch ID.3 [before ID.4], it’s cheaper?’ That’s like saying Golf is cheaper than Tiguan – but everyone wants a Tiguan," said Volkswagen Australia spokesperson Paul Pottinger at a recent ID.4 drive event.
“And, the reason we were waiting for it is that it’s substantially upgraded. It's about as re-invented as a midlife reinvention could be," he added.
Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5
53
Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the ID.4 medium SUV and its ID.5 coupe SUV twin will arrive in Australia in 2023.
The confirmation is a long time coming for the local distributor, which has previously criticised the former Australian Government for its lack of an electric-vehicle strategy.
Volkswagen Australia spokesperson Daniel DeGasperi said the brand expects 20 per cent of its sales in Australia to be fully electric by 2024.
"Our current priority is to bring the start of production forward on ID.4 and ID.5, so they reach Australia next year. Along with the ID. Buzz, we are excited about an expanded ID. family globally," he added.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 are similar in size to the Tiguan medium SUV and will compete against the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 in Australia.
Volvo EX30
53
Volvo has teased an as-yet unseen compact SUV, likely badged EX30.
In a teaser video seen during the EX90's reveal, the Swedish company provided a glimpse of its next all-electric vehicle, which will assist the brand in achieving its plan for a 100 per cent electric line-up by 2026 in Australia, and 2030 globally.
At this stage, it’s hard to make out many details, but the smaller LED tail-lights share a distinct resemblance with the EX90.
It is expected to sit alongside the current CMA-based XC40 and C40 small SUV twins, but the EX30 will likely be underpinned by the Geely-developed Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA).
Expect more details on the 2024 Volvo EX30 in the coming months, ahead of its Australian launch in 2024.
MOREEverything Volvo
Volvo EX90
53
The Volvo EX90 electric SUV, to be sold alongside the current XC90, is expected to arrive in Australia in late 2024.
Previously expected to wear eXC90 or Embla badging, the Swedish luxury marque, owned by China’s Geely, has now confirmed its latest flagship SUV will be called EX90 and offer full self-driving technology.
Volvo has announced new active safety features debuting on the all-electric crossover – and fitted as standard – will include LiDAR sensors and an in-car driver monitoring camera.
It will also include bi-directional charging, with vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
Volvo XC40, C40 updates
53
The updated 2024 Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge electric SUV twins have debuted in Europe.
Volvo has improved the driving range and charging time for model-year 2024, while the entry-level, single-motor variants have shifted to a rear-wheel-drive setup.
It is the first time Volvo has offered a rear-wheel-drive vehicle in 25 years, following the discontinuation of the 900 Series, later known as the S90 and V90.
The revised small SUV twins will arrive in Australia towards the end of the year.
53
What else?
This list contains electric vehicles that are confirmed for Australia, but have yet to be unveiled or aren't expected in the next 24 months, or battery-powered vehicles that are looking likely, despite no local confirmation.
- Audi A6 E-Tron: expected to debut later this year
- Audi Q6 E-Tron: expected to debut later this year
- BMW iX2: coupe-sibling to iX1 due next year
- BMW iX3: next-generation EV tipped to debut this year
- Chery Omoda 5 EV: due 2024, yet to be unveiled
- Cupra Tavascan: expected in 2025
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: unconfirmed, expected late 2024
- Hyundai Ioniq 7: set to debut in late 2023
- Mazda EV: first electric vehicle on dedicated platform expected in 2025
- Mini Cooper Electric: next-generation EV hatch due in 2024
- Nissan Ariya: unconfirmed, expected 2024
- Volkswagen ID.7: set to debut in late 2023
Wheels Media thanks former staff writers Jordan Mulach and David Bonnici for their work on building out this story in its earlier forms.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
COMMENTS