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Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia: BYD Atto 1 Drops to $19,990 Drive-Away

By zecar|November 12, 2026

Key Points

  • The BYD Atto 1 Essential is Australia's cheapest electric car and cheapest new car at $19,990 drive-away until 15 December 2026, then $23,990 plus on-road costs
  • The Leapmotor B03X Style is the cheapest electric SUV at $29,990 drive-away until 31 December 2026, undercutting the BYD Atto 2 ($31,990 plus on-road costs)
  • The Geely EX2 is the cheapest five-seat EV from $26,490 plus on-road costs, and the BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 plus on-road costs

The cheapest electric car in Australia is the BYD Atto 1 Essential, priced at $19,990 drive-away until 15 December 2026, unless BYD extends the offer. The normal price is $23,990 plus on-road costs, or roughly $26,000 to $27,000 drive-away depending on the state. It is also the cheapest new car of any type on sale in Australia.

The Leapmotor B03X Style is the cheapest electric SUV at $29,990 drive-away until 31 December 2026 ($26,990 before on-road costs). It replaces the BYD Atto 2 as the cheapest electric SUV. The Geely EX2 is the cheapest five-seat electric car from $26,490 plus on-road costs, and the BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 plus on-road costs.

The GAC Aion UT and MG4 Urban both start from $31,990 drive-away. GAC has confirmed a cheaper short-range Aion UT for late 2026, with Australian pricing still to be announced. Updated 12 November 2026.

Prices below are shown two ways. Before on-road costs is the maker's list price. Drive-away includes registration, CTP insurance, stamp duty and delivery. Drive-away offers are promotions and can end, so confirm the current price with the dealer.

At $19,990 drive-away, the Atto 1 Essential undercuts petrol rivals such as the Kia Picanto Sport manual, which lists at $19,190 before on-road costs and costs more than $22,000 drive-away in several states.

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Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia at a Glance

Ranked by entry price. Drive-away prices are shown where the maker or a major outlet has published one. Drive-away offers are promotions and can change or end.

Model (entry grade)BodyPrice before on-road costsDrive-awayRange (WLTP)
BYD Atto 1 EssentialCity hatch$23,990$19,990 (offer to 15 Dec 2026)220km
Geely EX2 CompleteSmall hatch$26,490About $29,800 (Vic)252km
Leapmotor B03X StyleSmall SUV$26,990$29,990 (offer to 31 Dec 2026)292km
BYD Dolphin EssentialSmall hatch$29,990$28,888 (advertised offer)340km
GAC Aion UT PremiumSmall hatchDrive-away only$31,990430km
MG4 Urban Essence 43Small hatchDrive-away only$31,990316km
BYD Atto 2 DynamicSmall SUV$31,990About $35,500 (Vic)345km

Sources: BYD, Geely, Leapmotor, GAC and MG Australia pricing as reported by RACV, CarExpert and carsales. Prices checked 12 November 2026. Victorian drive-away figures are for private buyers.

1. BYD Atto 1

BYD Atto 1

The BYD Atto 1 Essential is Australia's cheapest new car at $19,990 drive-away, with 220km of WLTP range and DC fast charging up to 65kW.

The BYD Atto 1 starts from $23,990 plus on-road costs, making it Australia's most affordable electric vehicle. Available in two models, the Essential and the Premium, with a 30kWh and 43.2kWh battery respectively, the Atto 1 is perfect for urban settings with fast-charging capability, with DC charging from 10%–80% in approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for city dwellers and first-time EV buyers.

BYD cut the Atto 1 Essential to $19,990 drive-away until 15 December 2026, unless it extends the offer. The Premium ($27,990 plus on-road costs) is not part of the national offer. Read our Atto 1 price cut report or the Atto 1 Premium review.

The Atto 1 is a compact city hatchback, measuring approximately 3,780mm in length, making it one of the smallest EVs available in Australia. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for urban driving and parking, while still offering practical interior space for city commuters and small families.

SpecificationEssentialPremium
Price (plus ORC)$23,990$27,990
Drive-away offer (to 15 Dec 2026)$19,990No national offer
Battery30kWh43.2kWh
Range (WLTP)220km310km
DC Charging65kW (10-80% in ~30 min)85kW (10-80% in ~30 min)
MotorFront-wheel driveFront-wheel drive
V2LNoYes

The Atto 1 is known as the Dolphin Mini in Latin America, Dolphin Surf in Europe, and Seagull in the domestic Chinese market.

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2. Geely EX2

Geely EX2 electric hatchback, MY26 three quarter view

The Geely EX2 is Australia's cheapest five-seat electric car, with rear-wheel drive and up to 345km of WLTP range.

The Geely EX2 starts from $26,490 plus on-road costs, making it Australia's second-cheapest electric vehicle behind the BYD Atto 1. Available in two variants, Complete and Inspire, with a 35.35kWh and 47.14kWh LFP battery respectively, giving WLTP ranges of 252km and 345km.

The EX2 is a compact hatchback built on Geely's Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture, the same platform as the Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i. It is larger than the BYD Atto 1, running 145mm longer and 85mm wider on a 150mm longer wheelbase, with a 70-litre front boot and a 375-litre rear boot.

SpecificationCompleteInspire
Price (plus ORC)$26,490$30,990
Drive-away (Vic, private buyer)$29,807$34,501
Battery35.35kWh LFP47.14kWh LFP
Range (WLTP)252km345km
Motor60kW / 150Nm85kW / 150Nm
AC Charging6.6kW6.6kW
DC Charging60kW80kW

The EX2 arrived in Australian dealerships from late July 2026. In China it is sold as the Geely Geome Xingyuan and was the country's best-selling car of any type in 2025, with more than 459,000 units delivered.

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3. Leapmotor B03X

Leapmotor B03X small electric SUV, overseas model shown

The Leapmotor B03X is Australia's cheapest electric SUV at $29,990 drive-away, with up to 382km of WLTP range.

The Leapmotor B03X starts from $26,990 before on-road costs. A national launch offer cuts the Style to $29,990 drive-away and the Design LR to $33,990 drive-away. The offer applies to cars purchased and delivered by 31 December 2026 in the standard Acorn Brown paint, or while stocks last. It undercuts the BYD Atto 2 Dynamic, which starts from $31,990 before on-road costs.

The B03X is a front-wheel-drive small SUV from Leapmotor, a Stellantis-backed Chinese brand. The Style has a 39.8kWh battery and up to 292km of WLTP range. The Design LR has a 53kWh battery, up to 382km of range and 145kW of power. Cars reach dealerships in November 2026.

SpecificationStyleDesign LR
Price before on-road costs$26,990$30,990
Drive-away (offer to 31 Dec 2026)$29,990$33,990
Battery39.8kWh LFP53kWh LFP
Range (WLTP)292km382km
Power130kW145kW
Drive typeFront-wheel driveFront-wheel drive

The drive-away prices are a promotion, not permanent pricing. Leapmotor can change, withdraw or extend the offer, and it excludes government, fleet and rental buyers. Read our B03X price and specs report or the launch offer details.

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4. BYD Dolphin

BYD Dolphin Pr

The BYD Dolphin features great in-car technology, a high quality interior and good passenger and storage space.

The BYD Dolphin starts from $29,990 before on-road costs. It is available in two variants: Essential and Premium, with ranges from 340km to 427km WLTP.

SpecificationEssentialPremium
Price$29,990 (before ORC)$36,990 (before ORC)
Battery44.9 kWh LFP Blade Battery60.5 kWh LFP Blade Battery
Range (WLTP)340 km427 km
DC Fast Charging60 kW (30-80% in 29 min)80 kW (30-80% in 29 min)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)12.3 seconds7.0 seconds
Drive TypeFront-wheel driveFront-wheel drive
Motor Power70 kW150 kW
Torque180 Nm310 Nm

The BYD Dolphin represents exceptional value compared to traditional petrol alternatives. At $29,990, it undercuts the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid ($38,120) and Mazda 3 G25 Astina ($42,320) while offering zero emissions and lower running costs. The Premium variant's 427km range makes it suitable for both city commuting and weekend trips.

Following the introduction of the "Essential" trim, the BYD Dolphin range is now priced from $29,990 before on-road costs (about $32,000 drive-away depending on the state, with BYD advertising $28,888 drive-away in recent offers). On list price it sits behind the Atto 1, Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B03X. All Dolphin variants are eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease.

Built on the same dedicated EV platform as the popular BYD Atto 3, both models use BYD's 'Blade Battery' based on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology.

All variants feature a 12.8-inch tablet-style rotatable infotainment system running its own 'DiLink' software and a complete suite of safety assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera.

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5. Aion UT

Aion UT

The Aion UT offers 430km of WLTP range, a 150kW motor and strong value with a 60kWh battery from $31,990 drive-away.

The Aion UT starts from $31,990 drive-away, making it one of Australia's most affordable electric vehicles. It is one of the larger vehicles in the compact hatchback segment, bigger than the Atto 1, EX2 and Dolphin. Available in two variants: Premium and Luxury, both powered by the same 150kW/210Nm front-mounted electric motor and 60kWh battery pack delivering a WLTP-rated 430km of range.

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The Aion UT is a compact hatchback from GAC, China's fourth-largest automaker. It becomes GAC's second BEV model in Australia, joining the Aion V. The UT features AC charging up to 11kW and DC fast charging up to 87kW, with a 10-80% charge achievable in approximately 40 minutes.

SpecificationPremiumLuxury
Price (drive-away)$31,990$35,990
Battery60kWh60kWh
Range (WLTP)430km430km
Motor Power150kW150kW
Torque210Nm210Nm
DC Charging87kW87kW
AC Charging11kW11kW
Drive TypeFront-wheel driveFront-wheel drive

The Luxury model adds a powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, wireless phone charging and a ventilated driver's seat over the base Premium.

GAC backs the Aion UT with an 8-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, while the Magazine Battery 2.0 pack is covered for 8 years/200,000km. Five years of roadside assistance is included. Deliveries commenced in Q2 2026.

GAC has confirmed a cheaper short-range Aion UT for late 2026, with a 44kWh battery and up to 320km of WLTP range. Australian pricing is not confirmed. See our short-range Aion UT report.

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6. MG4 Urban

MG4 Urban

The MG4 Urban is MG's most affordable EV, featuring a all-new electric drive system, 150kW DC fast charging and a larger boot than the standard MG4.

The MG4 Urban starts from $31,990 drive-away, making it the most affordable MG electric vehicles in Australia. Available in two battery options: a 43kWh Standard and a 54kWh Long Range, with WLTP ranges of 316km and 405km respectively. Both variants are front-wheel drive with a single electric motor.

The MG4 Urban is a new entry point to the MG4 family, designed for daily commuting, school runs, and weekend errands. It uses MG's 6-in-1 electric drive system, which integrates multiple drivetrain components into a single compact unit, reducing weight and freeing up interior space. MG says this increases passenger and luggage space by 20% compared to the standard MG4, with a 568L boot.

SpecificationStandardLong Range
Price$31,990 drive-away$34,990
Battery43kWh54kWh
Range (WLTP)316km405km
Motor Power110kW118kW
DC Charging150kW150kW
AC Charging6.6kW6.6kW
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)9.0 seconds8.7 seconds
Drive TypeFront-wheel driveFront-wheel drive

A high-efficiency heat pump is standard on all MG4 Urban variants. Test drives at dealerships began from 1 April 2026.

All MG4 Urban models are backed by MG's 10-year/250,000km warranty when serviced within the MG dealer network. The standard warranty is 7 years/unlimited kilometres, with the high-voltage battery covered for 8 years/160,000km. MG has over 100 dealers nationwide.

All variants are eligible for the various state government incentives and the FBT exemption which is available through a novated lease.

MG has also released a limited MG4 EV Urban Special Edition, with 750 units at $33,990 drive-away. Read our MG4 EV Urban Special Edition report.

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7. BYD Atto 2

BYD Atto 2

The BYD Atto 2 combines SUV comfort with urban practicality and 345km of WLTP range. It was Australia's cheapest electric SUV until the Leapmotor B03X arrived.

SpecificationDynamicPremium
Price (plus ORC)$31,990$35,990
Battery51.3kWh51.3kWh
Range (WLTP)345km345km
DC Charging10-80% in 39 min10-80% in 39 min
MotorFront-wheel driveFront-wheel drive
V2LYesYes

The BYD Atto 2 is priced from $31,990 plus on-road costs, which made it Australia's cheapest electric SUV until the Leapmotor B03X launched at $29,990 drive-away. The larger Atto 2 combines SUV comfort with urban practicality, featuring a 51.3kWh battery across both the Dynamic and Premium models. It offers a blend of performance, space, and efficiency, with DC charging from 10%-80% in approximately 39 minutes.

The Atto 2 is a compact SUV that sits between a small hatchback and a mid-size SUV. With dimensions larger than the Atto 1 but smaller than the Atto 3, it offers a practical balance of urban manoeuvrability and interior space, making it suitable for small families and those who need extra cargo capacity without the bulk of a larger SUV.

The Atto 2 is on sale now. BYD is offering a 6% novated lease discount on the Atto 2 for orders placed until 21 December 2026.

If you are open to a plug-in hybrid, the Atto 2 DM-i starts from $24,990 before on-road costs. See the Atto 2 DM-i price and specs.

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Electric Cars Australia 2026 Price List

Beyond the seven cars above, these electric cars also start under $40,000 drive-away. The Honda Super-One is the newest, with first deliveries from October 2026.

ModelBodyDrive-away from
GWM Ora 5 LuxSmall SUV$33,990
Hyundai InsterSmall hatch$35,990
Honda Super-OneCity hatch$36,900
Jaecoo J5 EVSmall SUV$36,990 (launch price)

Source: RACV and manufacturer pricing, checked 12 November 2026.

Prices checked on 12 November 2026. For the latest prices of all electric cars available in Australia visit zecar's electric car database. Compare more options in our lists of the cheapest EVs in Australia and the longest range electric cars, or see the fastest electric cars.

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