For years, the biggest hurdle for Aussies looking to make the switch to electric was the “EV Tax”—that pesky $20,000 premium you had to pay just to ditch the petrol pump. But as we close out 2025, that hurdle hasn’t just been lowered; it’s been demolished.

We are officially living in the era of Price Parity. In December 2025, you can now drive away in a brand-new electric vehicle for less than the cost of a high-spec Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3.

At EV Evolution, we believe that “Mastering EV Ownership” starts with making a smart, informed purchase. Whether you’re looking for a zippy city runabout, a tech-heavy SUV, or a stylish European hatch, the budget end of the market is currently the most exciting place to be.

Here are the 15 cheapest EVs in Australia today, ranked from the absolute “Budget King” to the best value-for-money entry-level models.

🏆 The “Budget King” (Sub-$30k)

1. BYD Atto 1 Essential

• Price: $23,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: This is the car that changed everything. Known overseas as the “Seagull,” the Atto 1 is Australia’s first sub-$25k EV.
• Key Specs: 30kWh Blade Battery, 220km WLTP range, 65kW motor.
• Why we love it: It’s small but mighty. Despite the price, it still gets BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery tech and a 10.1-inch rotating screen. Perfect for city commuters and first-car buyers.

2. BYD Atto 1 Premium

• Price: $27,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: For an extra $4k, the Premium variant turns the Atto 1 into a legitimate highway-capable hatch.
• Key Specs: 43.2kWh battery, 310km WLTP range, 115kW motor.
• Why we love it: That extra range makes weekend trips to the coast a reality. You also get a 360-degree camera and more punch off the lights (0-100km/h in 9.1s).

3. BYD Dolphin Essential

• Price: $29,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: Before the Atto 1 arrived, this was the king. It’s a larger, more traditional hatchback that feels much more substantial on the road.
• Key Specs: 44.9kWh battery, 340km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: It feels like a “real” car. The suspension is tuned for Aussie backroads, and the cabin is surprisingly spacious for a family of four.

🚙 The “SUV Sweet Spot” (Sub-$35k)

4. BYD Atto 2 Dynamic

• Price: $31,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: Australia’s cheapest electric SUV. It bridges the gap between the small Dolphin and the mid-sized Atto 3.
• Key Specs: 51.3kWh battery, 345km WLTP range, 130kW motor.
• Why we love it: It has the “Command” seating position Aussies love without the bulky footprint. Standard features include V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and a full ADAS safety suite.

5. GWM Ora Lux

• Price: $34,990 (Driveaway)
• The Lowdown: The “Funky Cat” has matured. The Lux is the entry-level for GWM’s newly reshuffled 2025 lineup.
• Key Specs: 48kWh LFP battery, 310km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: The retro-futuristic styling is a head-turner. Inside, you get a premium-feeling cabin with dual 10.25-inch screens and a 5-star ANCAP rating.

⚡ The “Performance & Tech” Contenders (Sub-$40k)

6. BYD Atto 2 Premium

• Price: $35,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: Same battery and motor as the Dynamic, but loaded with “Big Car” luxuries.
• Key Specs: 51.3kWh battery, 130kW/290Nm.
• Why we love it: It adds a panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, and multi-color ambient lighting. It feels like a $50k car for $15k less.

7. BYD Dolphin Premium

• Price: $36,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: This is the “Hot Hatch” of the budget world.
• Key Specs: 60.48kWh battery, 427km WLTP range, 150kW motor.
• Why we love it: It’s significantly faster than the Essential (0-100km/h in 7.0s) and offers over 400km of range, making it a genuine long-distance contender.

8. Chery E5 Urban

• Price: $36,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: Chery’s first all-electric SUV for Australia is all about luxury and massive screens.
• Key Specs: 61kWh battery, 430km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: The 24.6-inch curved dual-screen is the best in its class. It also offers one of the quietest rides at this price point.

9. MG4 Excite 51

• Price: $37,990 (Driveaway)
• The Lowdown: Still the “Driver’s Choice.” The MG4 is rear-wheel drive, giving it a sporty, balanced feel that the front-wheel-drive BYDs can’t quite match.
• Key Specs: 51kWh battery, 350km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: It’s a modern classic. The 50/50 weight distribution makes it genuinely fun to drive through corners.

10. GWM Ora Ultra

• Price: $37,990 (Driveaway)
• The Lowdown: The “Everything Included” version of the Ora.
• Key Specs: 63kWh battery, 420km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: Heated and ventilated seats with massage functions—features usually reserved for BMWs—are standard here.

11. Fiat 500e (La Prima)

• Price: $38,990 (Driveaway – Special Promotion)
• The Lowdown: The style icon of the group. Originally priced much higher, Fiat has repositioned the 500e to compete with the Chinese giants.
• Key Specs: 42kWh battery, 311km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: It’s Italian chic. If you want a car that’s easy to park in Bondi and looks like a piece of art, this is it.

12. GWM Ora GT

• Price: $38,990 (Driveaway)
• The Lowdown: The Ora with an aggressive body kit and red accents.
• Key Specs: 63kWh battery, 400km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: It looks like a baby Porsche. While it’s not faster than the Ultra, the styling makes it feel much more purposeful.

13. Leapmotor B10 Style

• Price: $39,990 (Driveaway)
• The Lowdown: The new kid on the block, backed by the giant Stellantis (Jeep/Fiat) group. It’s a tech-forward wagon/SUV.
• Key Specs: 56.2kWh battery, 361km WLTP range, 160kW RWD.
• Why we love it: It uses a high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for its infotainment, making it one of the smoothest tech experiences under $40k.

14. Hyundai Inster

• Price: $39,990 (Driveaway)
• The Lowdown: A funky, pixel-themed micro-SUV. It’s tiny on the outside but huge on the inside thanks to sliding and folding seats.
• Key Specs: 42kWh battery, 327km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: It includes V2L (you can plug a kettle into the car!) and the best safety tech in the business (Hyundai SmartSense).

15. BYD Atto 3 Essential

• Price: $39,990 (+ ORC)
• The Lowdown: The “Gold Standard” of entry-level electric SUVs.
• Key Specs: 49.9kWh battery, 345km WLTP range.
• Why we love it: The Atto 3 is the benchmark for a reason. Great space, great reliability, and a quirky “guitar string” interior that kids love.

🏁 The EV Evolution Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

The “best” car on this list depends entirely on your lifestyle:

• The Commuter: BYD Atto 1 Essential. You simply cannot beat the value.
• The Family: BYD Atto 2 Premium or Chery E5. You need the SUV space and safety.
• The Enthusiast: MG4 Excite 51. Rear-wheel drive is just more fun.
• The Road-Tripper: BYD Dolphin Premium. With 427km of range, the highway is yours.

One thing is certain: In 2025, there is no longer a financial excuse to stick with petrol. These cars are cheaper to run, cheaper to service, and—thanks to FBT exemptions—cheaper to lease.

🤖 Confused? Let the AI Sort it Out.

15 models, dozens of variants, and a lot of technical jargon. We get it—it’s a lot to take in.

Should you go for the Leapmotor B10 with its European tuning, or stick with the proven BYD Atto 3? Does your local dealer have the Hyundai Inster in stock for that $39,990 driveaway price?

Start the conversation with the EV Evolution AI chatbot today. Our AI has the latest live data on Australian dealership stock, current state-based rebates, and “real-world” range tests for every car on this list.

Ask the AI:

• “Which of these EVs has the best safety rating for a family with two toddlers?”
• “Compare the service costs of the BYD Dolphin vs the MG4 over 5 years.”
• “Is the Leapmotor B10 eligible for the FBT exemption in my state?”
• “What is the real-world highway range of the BYD Atto 1 Premium?”

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is the leading online platform dedicated to Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts. We foster a vibrant community, delivering essential EV news and insights, and enhancing user engagement through our innovative, AI-powered chatbot for dynamic discussions. Our mission is to empower Australian electric vehicle owners and enthusiasts by fostering a vibrant, AI-driven online community that connects, informs, and advances the nation’s electric vehicle landscape.