Electric vehicles are hitting headlines again as petrol prices surge towards and above $2.20.
The Queensland state government has finally joined NSW, Victoria and South Australia in offering an electric vehicle rebate, and says its aim is to have electric cars make up all of new car sales by 2036, and to convert the entirety of its government fleetby 2026.
Scott Morrison’s LNP federal government has even announced $243 million in grants for EV-related manufacturing projects despite (incorrectly) declaring in 2019 that electric cars couldn’t tow boats or get you to your favourite spot for the weekend.
And so, as more drivers look to go electric to escape the bowser, and because Queenslanders can also now apply for a $3,000 rebate for new EVs priced at $58,000 and below, we’re taking a look at what you can get for that amount.
As noted by The Driven on Wednesday, there are currently just six electric vehicles, with a total of seven variants, available to order in Australia for under $58,000.
They are the BYD Atto 3 (available with two battery/range choices), Hyundai’s Ioniq fastback and Kona EV, the MG ZS EV, the short range Nissan Leaf and the Renault Kangoo electric van. We’ll give you a quick rundown on each and make sure to check the comparison chart at the end of this article.
The first entry to market from China EV giant BYD, the Atto 3 is a rebadged Yuan Plus electric crossover and is the only vehicle currently available to order that comes with vehicle-to-load bidirectional charging via a mobile adapter that acts as a power generation source.
There are two battery options: a 50kWh battery for the Superior model, which has a 320km (WLTP) driving range, and a 60kWh battery for the Superior extended-range model, which has a 420km (WLTP) operating range. Both vehicles will be equipped with a lithium iron phosphate Blade battery, which BYD claims to be the safest battery on the market.
The Atto 3 with short-range battery costs a minimum of $41,381.35, and $44,381.35 for the long-range option before on-road costs and after a $3,000 rebate is applied.
The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq electric fastback is one of three electrified Ioniqs available from Hyundai (it is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid).
Not to be confused with larger Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 crossover, this zippy EV has a 38.3kWh battery (usable capacity) battery and longer range than its original 2019 model.
Now sitting just below $50,000 before on-road costs, it delivers 110kW power and 295Nm torque. While it is now one of the older EV models available from Hyundai it still presents a good option for budget-conscious drivers wanting to go electric.
Inside, ambient lighting and an updated dash plus a redesigned grille area makes the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq distinct from its 2019 predecessor.
The refreshed Kona Electric got a refresh design in 2021, doing away with old honeycomb” grille” in favour of a sleek nose and new location for the charging port.
It is available in Australia with two battery options, and it is the 42kWh battery with 100kW motor that starts at just $54,500.
Unlike Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kona EV sits on what was originally a combustion engine platform and thus has reduced room in the back due to a higher floor to accommodate the battery.
However, it has won the hearts of many EV drivers and claimed in 2020 the place of second-most bought EV behind the Tesla Model 3.
The 2022 MG ZS EV is slated for first deliveries in mid-2022 and is already available to order in an Excite grade from $46,990 drive-away and more luxurious Essence grade from $49,990 drive-away – subtract $3,000 from these amounts for NSW, SA, Victoria and Queensland rebates.
Both new variants will come with a 51kWh battery with up to 320km driving range on a single charge, complemented by a new electric motor and better battery management.
The ZS EV has a fresh new look on the outside, with a closed-in grille area with hidden charge port, 21-module auto-dimming LED lights on the front and 9-module LED lights on the back, and new milled 17-inch rims.
Inside, the 2022 ZS EV features a 7-inch virtual cluster on the dash, as well as a new 10.1-inch floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which distinguishes it from its predecessor, which had a more traditional built-in screen.
Nissan short range Leaf is an EV mainstay, having now been around for over a decade and reintroduced to Australia in 2019.
While also available as a Leaf e+ with longer range 62kWh battery, this variant has a 40kWh battery which brings its electric to 240km range – enough for everyday use.
The 2019 electric Nissan Leaf makes a compelling argument in the lower pricing category of the EV industry, with double the range of its predecessor, bidirectional charging (which we must note is still in the process of trialling by the ANU), and a roomy flexible interior.
Renault’s only EV available in Australia after it pulled the Zoe citing a lack of supportive EV policy in Ausrtalia, the Kangoo ZE electric van is designed for local business and delivery.
It has ample of cargo capacity in the back (4 metres cubed) however its charging options are quite limited: there is no DC fast charging, and AC options include 3kW (16 amp single phase) or 7kW (32 amp single phase) using a Type 2 IEC 62196 socket.
While a new version released in Europe, there is no word as yet on a local release.
This article has been updated to clarify there is a shorter-range Kona EV available in Australia.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.
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