The Australian electric vehicle landscape is shifting gear. If 2025 was the year of the price war, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of choice. From high-performance track weapons to rugged commercial workhorses and hyper-efficient family haulers, the next wave of EVs is diverse, exciting, and ready for our roads.
At EV Evolution, Australia’s premier digital platform for EV enthusiasts, we have curated the definitive list of the most anticipated models landing in 2026. Whether you are waiting for the hydrogen revolution or a sub-$40k city runabout, here is what’s coming and why you should care.
Q1 2026: The Year Starts Fast
Kia EV9 GT (January)
The family bus gets the supercar treatment. Building on the massive success of the EV9, this GT variant takes the 7-seat layout and injects it with pure adrenaline.
- Specs: Dual-motor AWD producing an estimated 373kW+ (501hp). Expect 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds.
- Why it matters: It’s a 2.6-tonne school-run hero that can shame sports cars at the traffic lights.
Kia EV4 Sedan (January)
Kia’s answer to the Tesla Model 3. This sleek, low-slung sedan prioritizes aerodynamics and efficiency.
- Specs: Likely to share the 150kW single-motor setup with the EV3, offering a range of 430km+ (WLTP) from a ~58kWh battery.
- Why it matters: A stylish, dedicated EV sedan that focuses on efficiency and design over raw power.
Jaecoo J5 BEV (February)
A fresh face from the Chery group, the Jaecoo J5 targets the compact SUV crowd with a rugged, boxy aesthetic.
- Specs: Front-mounted 150kW motor paired with a 67kWh battery for a range exceeding 400km.
- Why it matters: It brings “tough” styling to the small EV segment, challenging the BYD Atto 3 on vibe and value.
Leapmotor B10 (Q1)
Backed by Stellantis, Leapmotor is aggressive on price. The B10 is a mid-size SUV designed to undercut the establishment.
- Specs: Features a 160kW rear motor and a choice of 56kWh or 67kWh batteries, delivering 442km-516km (NEDC) of range.
- Why it matters: Expect sharp pricing to make this one of the best-value mid-size SUVs on the market.
Q2 2026: Mainstream Heavyweights Arrive
Mazda 6e (Q2)
The return of a legend. Mazda finally enters the mainstream EV sedan market with a stunning successor to the Mazda 6, built on a shared platform with Changan.
- Specs: Rear-wheel drive with 190kW, an 78kWh LFP battery, and a range of over 500km.
- Why it matters: It combines Chinese EV tech efficiency with Mazda’s legendary “Jinba-Ittai” driving dynamics.
Suzuki e Vitara (Q2)
Suzuki’s first global BEV stays true to the brand’s ethos: compact, rugged, and lightweight.
- Specs: Available with 49kWh or 61kWh batteries, offering ranges between 344km and 400km. Available with genuine “AllGrip-e” electric 4WD.
- Why it matters: Finally, a small electric SUV that promises genuine light off-road capability.
Toyota bZ4X Touring (Q2)
Toyota updates its pioneer. The 2026 “Touring” update is expected to address range and charging critiques.
- Specs: Dual-motor AWD with 160kW and an improved WLTP range of roughly 411km, with faster DC charging curves.
- Why it matters: Toyota’s reliability promise with updated tech makes this a safer bet for conservative buyers.
H1 2026: Speed, Work, and Style
Polestar 5 (H1)
A stunning 4-door GT that targets the Porsche Taycan.
- Specs: A monster dual-motor powertrain delivering 650kW (884hp) and 900Nm, targeting a range of over 600km.
- Why it matters: It’s the halo car Polestar was born to build.
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N (H1)
The sedan sibling to the acclaimed Ioniq 5 N.
- Specs: Same bonkers 478kW dual-motor setup, but in a slippery sedan body. 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds.
- Why it matters: It will likely be faster and more track-capable than the 5 N thanks to a lower centre of gravity.
Toyota HiLux EV (H1)
The worksite goes quiet. Toyota’s first electric ute is strictly for fleets and urban work.
- Specs: Dual-motor AWD with 144kW, carrying a 59.2kWh battery for a modest 240km range.
- Why it matters: It’s not a tourer, but it will revolutionize mining and council fleets overnight.
Genesis GV60 Magma (H1)
The luxury brand goes hardcore.
- Specs: A track-focused version of the GV60 with 478kW, lowered suspension, and aggressive aero.
- Why it matters: Proves that Genesis can do “nasty” just as well as “nice.”
Mid-Year 2026: The Premium Shift
Lexus RZ Update (Mid-Year)
Lexus refines its electric SUV with a focus on range and engagement.
- Specs: Updated 76.96kWh battery boosts range by ~14% to ~500km. New “F Sport” variant brings 300kW of power.
- Why it matters: Addresses the biggest criticism of the original RZ (range) while adding sporty flair.
BMW iX3 ‘Neue Klasse’ (Mid-Year)
A generational leap for BMW. This is the first car on their dedicated “New Class” architecture.
- Specs: 800V architecture, a massive 108kWh battery, and incredible efficiency targeting 800km (WLTP) of range.
- Why it matters: This car resets the benchmark for German EVs, moving away from “adapted ICE” platforms to pure electric dominance.
Q3 2026: Vans and Value
Kia PV5 (Q3)
Kia reinvents the van. The PV5 is a purpose-built electric “PBV” (Platform Beyond Vehicle).
- Specs: Cargo and passenger variants with ~416km range and a futuristic, modular design.
- Why it matters: A stylish, highly customizable work tool that makes the Toyota HiAce look prehistoric.
Leapmotor B05 (Q3)
A smaller hatchback sibling to the B10, targeting the MG4.
- Specs: Rear-wheel drive 160kW motor with battery options delivering up to 434km range.
- Why it matters: Another strong contender for the “best budget EV” title.
H2 2026: The Europeans Strike Back
Kia EV2 (H2)
The baby of the family. A boxy, compact city SUV designed to be affordable.
- Specs: Compact 42kWh or 62kWh batteries targeting a $35k-$40k price point with 300-440km range.
- Why it matters: It could be the car that finally kills the petrol hatchback.
Kia EV4 Hatchback (H2)
The sportier, European-flavoured sibling to the EV4 sedan.
- Specs: Mirrors the sedan with 150kW power and ~430km range, but with a practical liftback boot.
Mercedes-Benz GLC EV (H2)
The electric successor to the best-selling GLC.
- Specs: Dedicated EVA2 platform with a 94kWh battery targeting >700km of range and 360kW of power.
- Why it matters: Mercedes finally has a dedicated-platform fighter for the Model Y and Audi Q6 e-tron.
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV (H2)
The “1-litre car” of the electric age.
- Specs: 800V architecture for ultra-fast charging (235kW) and extreme efficiency delivering >750km (WLTP) range.
- Why it matters: Redefines what we expect from EV efficiency.
2026: The Wildcards
Haval Jolion Max (2026)
GWM’s popular small SUV gets a dedicated electric powertrain.
- Specs: Expected 150kW motor and LFP battery delivering ~400km range.
- Why it matters: Will likely be one of the cheapest electric SUVs in Australia.
Hyundai Nexo (2026)
Hydrogen isn’t dead. The second-generation Nexo arrives with a bold new look.
- Specs: A significantly more powerful 150kW motor and a massive 826km range from its hydrogen tanks.
- Why it matters: For those who need 5-minute refuelling and massive range, H2 remains the ultimate solution.
🤖 Join the Evolution
2026 is going to be a crowded year. With over 20 distinct new models launching, choosing between a Mazda 6e and a Kia EV4, or a Toyota HiLux EV and a KGM Musso, is getting complicated.
Don’t navigate the specs alone.
At EV Evolution, we encourage you to try chatting with our AI-powered chatbot today. It is trained on the latest specs, release dates, and pricing estimates for every car on this list.
- “Compare the boot space of the Kia EV2 vs Suzuki e Vitara.”
- “What is the estimated price of the Mazda 6e in Australia?”
- “Which 2026 EVs will have Vehicle-to-Load (V2L)?”
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.
