Thinking about an electric vehicle (EV) for your next car? Here are the cheapest and most affordable electric cars and SUVs you can buy in Australia right now.
Electric
The best used electric cars and SUVs to buy
There are more electric vehicles to shop pre-owned than ever before. From small SUV and hatches to medium SUVs and sedans, these are the best used electric cars and SUVs to buy.
Thanks to the emergence of new and repositioned brands such as Tesla, BYD and MG, and falling prices for battery technology, brand new electric car sales in Australia have increased sharply in recent years. That also means many EVs on the used car market, something that opens up the prospects of fun electric motoring and lower running costs to those who are prepared to buy second-hand.
From entry-level small hatches below $30,000 to family-friendly mid-size SUVs, and even some performance and luxury models, there’s no shortage of great value and affordable used EVs on the market today.
More: Buying a used EV - what to look for
Australia's best used electric cars and SUVs to buy
Best used electric hatchbacks to buy
MG4
A relative newcomer – it only hit the market mid-way through 2023 – the MG4 is rightly a popular choice for those wanting an affordable used electric hatch. The core of the MG4 is solid and makes for a terrific car to drive thanks to its RWD layout. The MG4’s five-door hatchback cabin is also relatively spacious and practical, adding to its appeal. In entry-level Excite 51 guise – the numbers in the nomenclature refer to the battery capacity in kilowatt-hours – the MG4 is light-on for equipment, though. If you can upgrade to an Essence or Long Range variant of the MG4 range you’ll not only get a bigger battery pack with more range between charges but also more trinkets in the cabin, including rear speakers (the base car misses out) and wireless phone charging. Whichever MG4 model you choose (there's also the performance MG4 XPOWER), you’re buying into one of standouts in the entry-level electric car space.
GWM Ora
The GWM Ora has long been the cheapest way to get into a brand new EV, and that value-focussed motoring flows through to the used electric car market. You can now take delivery of used five-door GWM Ora for less than $30K. Given the GWM Ora only arrived in Australia in 2023, used examples should have about six years of factory warranty remaining. That partially makes up for the GWM Ora’s so-so driving manners, which can’t match rivals like the MG4. The GWM Ora is a hatch that is fine for trundling around town and makes a good option for downsizing – with ample pull from its single electric motor – but less impressive once you start slicing through some bends.
The MG4 is spacious, practical and an affordable choice for those entering the used EV market
Mini Electric
With claimed range of 222km the Mini Electric wasn’t an electric car designed for a long road trip. But nor are most Minis, for that matter. Keep it to the suburbs and busy city areas and the all-electric take on the iconic Mini Cooper makes a lot more sense. The electric Mini is a fun car to drive, too, living up to the brand’s reputation for dynamic handling with sharp steering and a firm, yet agreeable ride. Early examples of the Mini Electric from 2020 are now hovering the $35K mark on the used car market, too, making for a second-hand electric vehicle that’s a little bit different from similar-sized cars like the GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was one of the early EV arrivals to Australia, and mounts a solid case for those wanting one of the cheapest electric cars on the used market. However, be aware that early examples of the Nissan Leaf were prone to heavy battery degradation, something that could decrease the already-slender 175km of driving range. So, if the budget permits, you’re far better opting for the ZE1 generation Nissan Leaf that arrived in 2019 with a bigger body and more features. There are still plenty of sub-$20K Nissan Leafs on the used car market. And while it’s basic EV motoring without too many thrills – the driving experience is nothing special – there’s zippy around-town acceleration and a spacious body that makes it a good second car.
BMW i3
The BMW i3 was a very special car when it arrived in Australia in 2014. The tiny hatchback – with its super skinny EV tyres chosen for efficiency - was built on a lightweight carbon fibre frame and had rear-hinged back doors that work perfectly with its quirky nature. The quirkiness continued into the cabin of the BMW i3, with exposed recycled plastics and an airy dashboard brimming with sustainable materials. Plug-in hybrid versions used a diminutive two-cylinder motorbike engine to extend the range, but it’s the pure EV examples that are the better bet due to their lower maintenance requirements . Shop for a BMW i3 with a bigger battery capacity for the best used buy (BMW quoted the battery capacity in amp-hours, or Ah – the bigger the better), but even the early 60Ah examples for less than $30K are tempting propositions for those who want a short-range entry to electric motoring.
The Taycan is a terrific example of Porsche design with the Turbo and Turbo S delivering brutal performance
Best used electric sedans to buy
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3, the Californian brand’s most affordable car, was also the first electric car to sell in big numbers in Australia . The first examples of the Model 3 arrived in 2019 and there are now plenty on the used car market. While EV residual values have generally softened, Teslas are still among the best, so don’t expect to find a bargain. The cheapest Tesla Model 3 used examples tend to hover around $30K. But they are for the earlier US-made cars, which had iffy build quality. Look for one of the later Chinese-made Tesla Model 3 models – which also adopted black door handles and the Rear-Wheel Drive moniker to replace the Standard Range Plus – and you’ll get an EV that’s better put together. Those Tesla Model 3 RWD models also get a lithium-ferrous phosphate (LFP) battery that was happy to be charged regularly to 100 per cent (more common nickel manganese cobalt batteries typically recommend a lower daily charge limit).
Polestar 2
Spun off from Volvo and borrowing many of its Swedish-influenced design attributes from that brand, Polestar was one of the early start-ups to take the fight to Tesla. Underneath the Polestar 2 electric car is plenty of Volvo hardware – including the architecture of the XC40 – but the Polestar brand differentiates with design and details elsewhere. The emphasis on quality created an upmarket interior with some innovative materials and clever but subtle design touches (the reflection of the illuminated Polestar logo in the optional panoramic sunroof is just one example). What the Polestar 2 lacks in back seat space – think of it as acceptable rather than spacious – the car makes up with attention to detail elsewhere. Front-drive Polestar 2 models are brisk while dual-motor versions are quick. If you can sneak into one of the later rear-drive Polestar 2 models it’s arguably the pick, although they’re not as affordable as the circa-$45K earlier examples.
Porsche Taycan
Residual values haven’t been kind to the top end of town when it comes to EVs - which bodes well for those prepared to consider a used car. And the Porsche Taycan is a terrific used electric car. The sleek five-door design of the Taycan exudes lashings of Porsche design, something that flows through to the 911-inspired cabin. But it’s the driving experience that makes the Porsche Taycan such a terrific used EV. Pick the Taycan Turbo or Turbo S models and you’re in for a brutal level of acceleration that embarrasses many supercars. The Porsche Taycan’s poise and dynamic abilities cements it as one of the best options for keen drivers and enthusiasts. Negotiate a deal on rear-drive Porsche Taycan for around $130K, but it’s the more potent dual motor models north of $150K that step up the driving thrills.
The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in Australia, making it a popular used-car choice
Best used electric SUVs
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y, the higher-riding SUV sibling to the Model 3, delivered more interior space and a higher seating position that instantly gelled with buyers that favour medium SUVs. The Tesla Model Y quickly went on to be the top selling electric car in Australia (and the world for that matter ), so is a popular used EV. Early Tesla Model Ys from 2022 had quite a firm ride, but Tesla introduced a running change early in 2023 that made those variants a better bet. It’s the Rear-Wheel Drive model that is by far the most popular – and the most affordable – and you can expect to pay upwards of $45K for a used example. With an excellent sound system and class-leading tech the Tesla Model Y is a terrific family car. Be wary of high-kilometre cars, though; they may have done ride share duties (which in itself isn’t an issue) but Tesla’s sub-standard four-year, 80,000km warranty could leave you exposed.
More: BYD Atto 3 vs Tesla Model Y specs comparison
BYD Atto 3
New Chinese manufacturer BYD is the only brand that is challenging Tesla for outright global EV sales, and it’s the mid-size Atto 3 SUV that’s done the early heavy lifting. The five-seat SUV borrowed the Tesla formula for tech and packed it into an affordable package with respectable driving range. The BYD Atto 3 is also reasonable to drive, although the standard fitment Batman tyres weren’t anything special, especially on a wet road. The ocean-themed interior treatment of the BYD Atto 3 was also a tad over the top from a design perspective – check out the guitar strings in the door pockets – but it’s at least a change from the grey plastics that dominate in so many mainstream medium SUVs. The BYD Atto 3 also has decent range and a huge centre screen that can rotate through 90 degrees. And with plenty of BYD Atto 3 examples on the used car market, it’s easy to get one for around $35K.
More: BYD Seal: pricing and specs for Tesla Model 3 rival
Volvo XC40 Pure Electric
Volvo is fast moving towards and EV-only range around the world and the XC40 Pure Electric kicked the brand off on that journey. Borrowing its body and basics from the terrific Volvo XC40 compact SUV, the EV models stepped up performance courtesy of a dual-motor drivetrain. Early examples of the XC40 Pure Electric are now sliding below $60K or you can step into a later single motor model for a bit more. Decent driving range, a clean but functional cabin and thoroughly enjoyable driving manners make for the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric an easy used electric car to live with. If you don’t need the space of the XC40 body, check out the coupe-inspired C40 with its sleeker profile but identical underpinnings.
The Hyundai Kona Electric has a range of up to 557 kilometres with second-hand models available from around $30,000
Mazda MX-30 Electric
Effectively a more stylish version of the CX-30 compact SUV, the Mazda MX-30 Electric also brought with it snazzy rear-hinged back doors. Sure, that reduced the MX-30 Electric’s practicality – you need to open the front doors to access the rears – but it also creates a talking point and gives this EV a coupe-like appearance. The problem with the Mazda MX-30 Electric was the circa-$70K price tag at launch that made new examples slow to sell. It didn’t help that the driving range was a slender 224km. But with used prices now slipping below $30K, the Mazda MX-30 Electric is shaping up as a decent option for those wanting a basic, well-built used electric car. The nicely presented cabin and respectable driving manners also make the Mazda MX-30 Electric an easy car to live with for suburban duties.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The popular Hyundai Kona compact SUV spawned an electric version in 2018. Like all petrol-powered vehicles that have been converted to EV there are compromises, but at the same time the Hyundai Kona Electric – as it is unimaginatively badged – ticks the boxes with thoroughly respectable driving manners and a practical five-door body. With so much grunt going to the front wheels the Hyundai Kona Electric could sometimes trigger the traction control, but drive it more sedately and it’s an easy companion for singles, couples and families. The Hyundai Kona Electric also had terrific EV range, with up to 557km, making it an easy-to-live-with machine and a good road trip option. And with Kona Electric prices now hovering close to $30K there’s plenty to like with one of Hyundai’s most popular electric cars.
Early models of the Kia EV6 are available for less than $60,000 second hand, but expect to pay a premium for the performance GT variant
Kia EV6
Built on a dedicated EV architecture and with a spacious SUV body, the Kia EV6 was something of a revelation when it appeared in 2022. Expensive, yes, but the Kia EV6 delivered on tech and practicality and was a terrific car to drive, providing a nice counterpoint to Tesla Model 3 and Model Y models that dominated EV sales in Australia. These days, early examples of those Kia EV6s are selling for less than $60K, which still makes them a sizeable investment, but rest assured there’s plenty of substance, including vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability (the EV6 has a 230V power point that can power regular household appliances). Rear-wheel drive versions of the Kia EV6 are the most affordable, while dual-motor models step up the performance enormously.
More: Kia EV5 medium SUV: pricing and specs
Mercedes-Benz EQA
The smallest and most affordable of Mercedes-Benz’s expanding EV model range didn’t set any benchmarks when it arrived in 2021. But with EQA prices now sliding below $60K, it’s a good way to get some three-pointed-star luxury in a compact SUV package . Entry-level Mercedes-Benz EQA250 models – with a single motor driving the front wheels – were only OK, but the dual-motor EQA350 was a better bet courtesy of the additional performance and all-wheel drive. It’s the EQA250 that are more prolific – and affordable – on the used car market, and they still deliver with an upmarket cabin loaded with crisp, clear display screens and quality materials and finishes typical of Mercedes-Benz.
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