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Best Electric Cars Australia

Here are seven of Australia's best electric cars on sale in 2022.

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With the automotive industry moving towards electrification at a rapid rate, more and more EVs are coming out all the time. With all these new vehicles coming to market and technology advancing all the time, it can be hard to keep on top of and understand which vehicles are actually best. Want to know which electric cars are the best?

These are some of the best electric cars in Australia

Make & ModelRangeAcceleration (0-100km/h)Charge timeFinder ratingAverage running costsPrice (from)
Hyundai IONIQ EV311km9.7 seconds54 minutes (100kw to 80%), 57 minutes (50kW)82.25%$2,961.36$54,591.46
Polestar 2 Standard range Single Motor EV440km7.4 seconds35 minutes (130kW 10-80%), 59 minutes (50kW charger to 80%)83.25%N/A$64,608
Hyundai KONA EV484km7.9 seconds47 minutes (100kW to 80%), 64 minutes (50kW)82%$2,749.92$59,346.46
Nissan Leaf 2270km7.9 seconds60 minutes (20-80% 50kW)81%$3,444.48$54,187
Porsche Taycan420km2.8 seconds (Taycan Turbo S)22.5 minutes (5-80% with 270kW charger, 93 minutes with 50Kw)86.33%N/A$174,702
MG ZS EV320km*8.6 seconds*36-42 minutes (100kw, 0% to 80%)*82%$3,410.40$46,990*
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus491km6.1 seconds56 minutes (50kW charger 10% to 80%), 28 minutes (150kW to 80%)83.50%N/A$69,079

Average running costs from RACV

*New model, coming second-half of 2022

Seven of the best electric cars on sale in 2022

The Hyundai IONIQ, one of the best electric cars

Hyundai IONIQ

Hyundai's IONIQ is a highly rated electric car that delivers decent range and performance for the money. It's a car with heaps of safety tech and equipment. As standard, on the base model, you get the following:

  • 7 airbags
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen
  • Satellite navigation
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 8-speaker Infinity premium sound system (and external amp)
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors
  • Automatic dusk-sensing headlights
  • Smart key with push-button start
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Hyundai SmartSense:
    • Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)
    • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
    • Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) – city, urban, interurban and pedestrian
    • Lane Keep Assist - line (LKA-L)
    • High Beam Assist (HBA)
    • Lane Following Assist - line (LFA)
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
    • Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go (S&G)
Read our Hyundai IONIQ review

Effective price per KM of range: $318.17

Annual running costs (Rego, insurance, membership, fuel, servicing and tyres – 15,000km annually): $2,961.36

Pros

  • Rapid, smooth performance
  • Comfortable
  • Practical
  • Adjustable energy recuperation
  • Cheap EV servicing costs
  • Big battery
  • Reasonable boot space
  • Interior layout and styling
  • Safety system
  • Sports mode

Cons

  • Booth depth
  • Price rise (has risen again since review)
  • Lane Keep Assist eagerness
  • Range
  • ECO+ mode

Polestar's first model in Australia, the 2. Definitely one of the best-looking electric cars

Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 is one of the most recent Electric Vehicles to arrive in Australia. It's received glowing reviews. The main highlights for the Polestar crossover have to be its looks, build quality and tech specs.

Standard specs include:

  • 8 airbags
  • 19-inch alloy wheels
  • 8-speaker 250W audio system
  • Michelin Primacy 4 tyres
  • LED headlamps
  • 4 x USB-C sockets
  • DAB
  • Lifetime Over-The-Air updates
  • 11.15-inch centre display
  • 12.3-inch driver's display
  • Android Automotive-based infotainment system
  • Bluetooth® connectivity
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Keyless entry with hands-free tailgate
  • Rearview camera
  • Semi-powered driver's seat (with memory)
  • Front and rear parking assist
  • Dual-zone A/C
  • Heated front seats
  • Frameless mirrors
  • Polestar digital key
Read our Polestar 2 review

Effective price per KM of range: $129.36-156.47 (depending on model)

Annual running costs (Rego, insurance, membership, fuel, servicing and tyres – 15,000km annually): N/A

Pros

  • Astounding interior
  • Excellent ride & dynamics
  • Superb build quality
  • Attention-grabbing looks
  • Solid pricing
  • Google-based infotainment system
  • User-friendly tech

Cons

  • Apple CarPlay coming sometime in Spring 2022
  • Top-end model doesn't have Pilot Package by default
  • Optional packs price
  • Cheap-feeling key
  • Glass roof has no shade
  • Ride is firm

Hyundai's Kona qualifies as one of the best electric cars thanks to a blend of value, range and practicality

Hyundai KONA

Several reasons combine to make the Hyundai Kona one of the best electric vehicles going. It's well-priced, practical, has a realistic real-world range and is quite stylish too. In its favour, it's also packaged into an SUV body, which Aussie car buyers adore.

The Hyundai Kona Electric Elite has the following specification:

  • 5 year, unlimited-kilometre warranty
  • 10.25-inch satellite navigation system with live traffic updates
  • DAB+ (digital radio)
  • 10.25-inch display for driver
  • Harman Kardonâ„¢ 8-speaker premium sound system
  • Dual frontal, driver/front passenger thorax and first/second row curtain airbags
  • Hyundai SmartSense:
    • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
    • Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) – city, urban, interurban and pedestrian
    • Blind-spot Collision Warning (BCW)
    • Lane Keep Assist - Line/Road-edge (LKA-L/R)
    • Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
    • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC with S&G)
  • 17-inch alloys
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines
  • Smart key with push-button start
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TMPS - individual tyre readout)
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity
  • USB audio input
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Heated, power-folding and adjusting side mirrors
Read car Hyundai Kona Electric review

Effective price per KM of range: $194.57

Annual running costs (Rego, insurance, membership, fuel, servicing and tyres – 15,000km annually): $2,749.92

Pros

  • Big battery
  • Long range
  • Aussie-tuned ride and handling
  • Well-specified
  • Safety features
  • Achievable real-world range
  • Animated powertrain
  • Comfortable and practical
  • Value for money
  • Easy-to-use infotainment system
  • Quiet
  • Settled handling

Cons

  • Premium price
  • Noisy, low-rolling-resistance tyres
  • Cabin materials
  • Rear room tight for adults
  • Charging network

Nissan Leaf, one of the oldest names in the EV world and one of the best

Nissan Leaf 2

In electric car terms, the Leaf nameplate is one of the oldest going. It's been in production since 2010, a long time in the EV world. Nissan's goal was to make an electric car with mass-market appeal. The result is the Leaf hatch, now in its second-generation.

The Leaf is a decent performer for Nissan, going by sales figures. It's one of the least expensive electric models, plus it has a very high level of equipment. It's also a sensible electric car to buy, with a 270km driving range (a 385 km version is available, called the Leaf e+) and a standard specification that includes the following highlights:

  • 5 year, unlimited-kilometre warranty
  • 40kWh battery
  • 17-inch alloys
  • Black leather-accented seats with ultrasuede panels
  • ECO Mode and drive selector
  • Heated leather steering wheel
  • Heated seats (front and second row)
  • LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • Privacy glass
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Satellite navigation
  • DAB digital radio
  • Bose® 7 speaker premium sound system
  • 7-inch digital display for driver with analogue speedometer
  • Voice recognition
  • 1 x USB port
  • 8-inch touchscreen display
  • Power-folding and adjustable heated door mirrors
  • Dusk-sensing LED headlights with auto-levelling
  • Climate control
  • Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Intelligent cruise control
  • Smart key with push-button start
  • High beam assist
  • Hill start assist
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Intelligent around-view monitor
  • Intelligent trace control
  • Intelligent ride control
  • Intelligent driver alert
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Lane intervention
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
  • Blind Spot Warning
  • Traffic Sign Recognition
  • Airbags:
    • Front driver and passenger
    • Side chest front seats
    • Side head protection front seats
    • Side head protection second-row seats
Read our Nissan Leaf review

Effective price per KM of range: $200.69

Annual running costs (Rego, insurance, membership, fuel, servicing and tyres – 15,000km annually): $3,444.48

Pros

  • Long roadside assistance included
  • Whisper quiet driving
  • Straightforward, roomy interior design
  • Sales, charging and maintenance network
  • Silky smooth
  • Intelligently designed E-pedal
  • Standard equipment

Cons

  • No telescopic steering wheel adjustment
  • Passenger compartment lacks storage options

Want to go fast in something that isn't a Tesla? Porsche's Taycan is the best electric car for that

Porsche Taycan

If you want a performance electric luxury sports car, the Taycan Turbo 4S is the car for you. Yes, some Teslas are faster from 0-100km/h, but the Taycan is a product of Porsche's experience building fast and agile traditional sports cars for 74 years (as of 2022).

The Taycan received high praise from car reviewers.

The Taycan has two body styles in the line-up, a sporty sedan or the Cross Turismo wagon. The self-titled Taycan is theleast expensive model in the range, with a 0-100km/h of 5.4 seconds. The Turbo S, the most pricey Taycan, zips to 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds. That model will do 260km/h flat out!

The standard Taycan, has the following equipment:

  • 150W 10-speaker sound system
  • Digital radio
  • 14-way comfort seats with memory package
  • 19-inch Taycan Aero alloy wheels
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto
  • Online navigation with Porsche Connect
  • 10.9-inch HD infotainment display
  • 16.8-inch curved display for driver
  • Integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control
  • Porsche Active Suspension Management
  • Aluminium bonnet, doors, front guards and roof panel
  • Front and rear centre armrest
  • Regen braking (Porsche Recuperation Management - PRM)
  • Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) with adaptive rear spoiler and air intake flaps
  • Sport and Range modes
  • Advanced, dual-zone climate control
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Proximity/keyless entry
  • Safety:
    • Adaptive Cruise Control
    • Lane Change Assist
    • Lane Keeping Assist
    • Front and rear park assist including surround view
    • Airbags: Driver, driver's knee, passenger's knee, passenger, head for first-row seats (front), head for second-row seats, side for first-row occupants (front), side for second-row occupants (rear)
  • Privacy glass
  • Auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors

Effective price per KM of range: $415.95

Annual running costs (Rego, insurance, membership, fuel, servicing and tyres – 15,000km annually): N/A

Pros

  • Startling performance and acceleration
  • Refined road manners
  • Thrilling Porsche handling and grip
  • Standard of technology
  • Comfortable ride
  • User-friendly design

Cons

  • Slim rear headroom
  • Not as much range as claimed Tesla Model S figures
  • A/C vent design
  • No ANCAP rating (though it does have five-stars from ANCAP's European counterpart, NCAP)
  • Pricey options

MG ZS EV: The best electric car for those on a budget

MG ZS EV

The MG ZS EV is the cheapest electric vehicle on sale in Australia (discounting an incoming EV model from China's Build Your Dreams (BYD), which in some states may undercut the MG). It's hard to believe the ZS is some $7,197 cheaper than the Nissan Leaf! One reviewer said the price was eye-opening.

Despite the low price, it's punching above its weight in terms of equipment.

An updated model is coming, with improved range. The features below are for the original ZS EV.

The MG ZS, Australia's cheapest EV, has the following specs as standard:

  • 8-inch multi-function colour touch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat
  • Leather-bound steering wheel with contrast stitching
  • Panoramic sunroof with sunshade
  • Push-button starting
  • Front centre armrest with storage
  • Satellite-navigation
  • Day/night rear-view mirror
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Power windows
  • Steering wheel audio controls
  • Synthetic leather interior trim upholstery
  • MG Pilot Driver Safety:
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Forward collision warning
    • Automatic emergency braking
    • Lane departure warning
    • Traffic jam assist
    • Intelligent cruise assist
    • Blind spot detection
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Intelligent headlamp control
    • Speed assistance system
    • Pedestrian alert
  • Front seat heating – driver and passenger
  • Rear-view camera
  • Direct tyre pressure monitoring system
  • 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
  • LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Exclusive grille with chrome surround
  • Three driving modes (Normal, Eco and Sport)
  • Adjustable brake regeneration
  • 6 airbags
Read our MG ZS EV review

Effective price per KM of range: $146.84*

Annual running costs (Rego, insurance, membership, fuel, servicing and tyres – 15,000km annually): $3,410.40

*Reflects new model, which has a slightly higher price, but improved range.

Pros

  • Outstanding value for money
  • Well-engineered drivetrain
  • Stylish and refined
  • Comfortable ride and handling

Cons

  • Bumpy road comfort
  • Plastic trim pieces
  • Range

Some will say the Tesla Model 3 is the best electric car overall.

Tesla Model 3

No list of electric cars would be complete without including at least one Tesla. The Model 3 is Tesla's least costly car on sale as of 2022. Tesla has a zealous following, which appears deserved judging by the comments of car reviewers. The 3 also has an excellent electric range and is fairly well-priced.

As standard, the Tesla Model 3 comes with the following:

  • Rear-wheel drive
  • 18 aero wheels
  • 15-inch centre touch screen
  • Power-adjustable front seats
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Premium seat material and trim
  • Upgraded audio system, with immersive sound
  • 30 days of Premium Connectivity included
  • Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
  • Power-folding and heated side mirrors
  • Bluetooth® audio streaming
  • 4 USB ports, 2 wireless charging pads
  • Airbags:
    • Driver
    • Passenger
    • Front side chest protection
    • Front head side protection
    • Second row head side protection
  • Regen braking
  • Rear vision camera
  • Keyless entry
  • Front and rear parking distance control
  • Smart cruise control
  • LED Daytime Running Lamps
  • Digital instruments for driver
  • Satellite navigation
  • Remote climate and two-zone A/C
  • Keyless starting
  • Voice recognition
Read car review

Effective price per KM of range: $140.69

Annual running costs (Rego, insurance, membership, fuel, servicing and tyres – 15,000km annually): N/A

Pros

  • Rapid acceleration
  • Practical, high-level interior
  • Build quality
  • High power charging capability
  • Powerful drivetrain
  • Range
  • Servicing costs
  • Safety
  • Handling
  • Touchscreen implementation

Cons

  • Stability of Tesla
  • Firm ride with 20-inch alloys fitted
  • Rear-seat design
  • Subdued interior
  • Build quality (evidently, some reviewers weren't happy with the quality of their test car)
  • Weight
  • Quality control
  • Ability to match official range claims
  • No spare wheel

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How to pick the best electric car for you

With dozens of different models on sale, how do you choose the best electric car to suit your needs?

Speaking very generally, reliability is less of a concern with electric cars. Their design means there are significantly fewer things to maintain and fewer moving parts – though that doesn't factor in each manufacturer's quality control.

But when looking for an EV, you should concentrate on the following:

  • Range
  • Charging
  • Charging network
  • Running costs
  • Reputation

Range is the distance you can travel before the car needs recharging (oftentimes, the quoted figure is to the point of the battery being completely flat, which is not good for long-term battery health). A larger capacity battery obviously helps, though if the car is more powerful, it might sap the power quickly – so don't use that as the only deciding factor. It's a bit like having a V8 with a massive tank versus a diesel with a smaller one – the V8 is going to burn more fuel in comparison. Energy efficiency is something to look out for, just as you would check the fuel economy of a fuel-powered car. Some EVs have more than one motor, which will scrub more kilometres from the range.

Remember, the average Aussie commute (before the COVID-19 pandemic) was just a 32km round trip. Most of the EVs here are theoretically able to cover that distance at least seven times (on paper).

In terms of charging, generally, you'll want a car that is capable of ultra-fast charging. Lower charge times are obviously more desirable, as you'll spend less time waiting in coffee shops while your car is plugged-in and more time driving. You can install charging points at home, though these are slower and best suited to overnight top-ups. With these, you wake up to a brimmed battery, just like you would with your smartphone.

With a fuel-powered car, you probably don't worry so much about how many petrol stations there are. But with EVs, charging point location and availability are quite important. Tesla operates an impressive charging network that spreads from Adelaide, to Melbourne and up through ACT to Cairns, via Brisbane and Sydney. There are chargers on the West coast too, but not as many as the East coast. Tasmania has quite a number also. Non-Tesla EV models need to use third-party charging providers, with some manufacturers including up to five years of unlimited charging with each EV purchase (Mercedes). Providers include Chargefox.

Running costs still factor into things as different car makers have their own service pricing schemes. Plus, the lower the range, in theory, the more you're going to need to charge the car – increasing charging costs. Also, the energy efficiency of the model impacts operating costs.

Reputation is another important one. Spend time reading reviews from verified owners of the cars and see what they think about the electric car you're considering buying.

All other buying considerations are really identical to purchasing a conventional vehicle. It helps if you make a list of things you need from a car, such as the following:

  • A large boot
  • Seats for five adults
  • Cruise control
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Wireless charging

Then make a shortlist based on your criteria.

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