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Four Tesla Alternatives

Four alternative electric cars available now or coming this year

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Ben Gribbin
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Only Tesla make electric cars (EVs) right? Wrong! There are a surprising number of cheaper alternatives to cars from Elon Musk’s company. Over the next few years, more and more mainstream car making giants are launching EVs and Tesla is going to have a fight on its hands.

Nissan Leaf 2.0

This year, Nissan is updating its popular and successful Leaf electric car. The Leaf is currently the world’s best selling EV, with over 300,000 units shipped. It's also one of the most affordable. The original Leaf launched in 2010 whilst Tesla were still converting rebadged Lotus cars to electric.

The original car featured numerous aerodynamic design features, including sweeping headlights that deflect air around the wing mirrors, reducing drag. The underside also had smooth panelling, making the car more slippery and further lowering drag. Nissan opted for LED headlights to lower power usage and increase efficiency. The Leaf was sold in Australia for a time and you may be able to find an original first-generation demo model for sale at dealers today.

The Leaf 2.0 should arrive sometime this year or in early 2019. The updated car promises to double the distance between charges to 400km, with some refinements to improve acceleration. The Leaf 2.0 will also boast driving assists like automated parking.

The expected retail price is between $40,000 and $50,000.

Tesla Alternatve: The Nissan Leaf

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BMW i3

For those looking for a luxury EV at half the price of a Tesla, the i3 and i3s sports models by BMW fit the bill nicely. 95% of the i3 is recyclable, with BMW stating they tried to design with sustainability in mind. BMW package a 33kWh battery into the i3, however, this includes a non-usable, battery life-prolonging safety buffer of 6kWh. Still, the zero-emission German car boasts a 310km range.

The interior is deceptively spacious, but the external styling may divide opinions. The accompanying BMW smartphone app even helps drivers set off at the optimal time, how very German!

The list price for the BMW i3 is $68,700 excluding on-road costs.

BMW i30 Tesla alternative

Source: BMW.com.au

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Renault ZOE

French carmaker Renault is bringing its EV supermini to Australia this year. Renault will fit the ZOE with a 41 kWh battery, giving a real-world driving range of 280 km. The small car accelerates quite leisurely for an electric vehicle, taking a lengthy 13.5 seconds from 0 - 100kph. Flat out, the ZOE will hit 135 kph and it should receive a five-star ANCAP rating when launched. Features include smartphone connectivity and a 7” touchscreen with TomTom navigation as standard.

Owners of the ZOE will be able to rapid charge the battery from flat to 80% in 30 minutes and top up the energy pack in 3-4 hours at home. Interestingly, the ZOE was originally launched back in 2012, after engineers carried out hot-weather testing in Australia. The expected retail price is $45,000.

Renault Zoe is a Tesla Alternative

Source: Renault.com.au

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Hyundai Ioniq

One of Australia's biggest selling automotive brands, Hyundai, plans to launch an EV model here this year. The Hyundai Ioniq is a 5-seater hatchback, that appears pretty conventional externally but the car receives widely positive reviews. Hyundai claims a range of 300kms, with a top speed of 165kph.

The Ioniq ships with an array of extra safety features like emergency braking and blind-spot detection. Its battery carries a lifetime warranty and 4.5-hour recharge time on a domestic plug. Local engineers from Hyundai Australia will no doubt tweak the suspension and ride to suit Aussie roads better. Speculation puts the Ioniq retail price at around $50,000.

Hyundai Ioniq

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Tesla finance options
Tesla car insurance providers

Compare the Tesla finance options below

Data updated regularly
$
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) Monthly Repayment View Details CTA
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
From
4.67%
(fixed)
5.22%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
Go to site
View details
Plenti Car Loan
Plenti Car Loan
From
4.89%
(fixed)
5.44%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
Go to site
View details
Wisr Secured Car Loan
Wisr Secured Car Loan
From
4.74%
(fixed)
4.75%
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 4.74% p.a. to 16.01% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $63,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.

*Special Offer: New loan applications approved and funded through Finder will get the $595 establishment fee waived off. Offer ends on 30 June 2021. Eligibility criteria, fees and T&Cs apply.

You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 4.74% p.a. to 16.01% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $63,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.

*Special Offer: New loan applications approved and funded through Finder will get the $595 establishment fee waived off. Offer ends on 30 June 2021. Eligibility criteria, fees and T&Cs apply.

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View details
Credit Concierge Car Loan
Credit Concierge Car Loan
From
3.35%
(fixed)
4.41%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.35% p.a. with a comparison rate of 4.41% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.35% p.a. with a comparison rate of 4.41% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.
Go to site
View details
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
From
3.85%
(fixed)
4.05%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.85% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.85% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Go to site
View details
IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan
4.99%
(fixed)
5.34%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
Go to site
View details
RACV New Car Loans
RACV New Car Loans
From
4.99%
(fixed)
5.69%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
Go to site
View details
NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan
From
4.99%
(fixed)
5.69%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 3 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 3 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Go to site
View details
CarClarity Car Loan
CarClarity Car Loan
From
3.35%
(fixed)
4.95%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.35% p.a.
Get access to more than 30 lenders to finance a new or used car for personal or corporate use. Borrow up to $250,000 with terms from 1 to 7 years.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.35% p.a.
Get access to more than 30 lenders to finance a new or used car for personal or corporate use. Borrow up to $250,000 with terms from 1 to 7 years.
Go to site
View details
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
From
6.99%
(fixed)
7.91%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
Borrow from $5,000 to $55,000, with 1 to 7 year loan terms available. This loan comes with no fees for extra repayments and no early exit fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
Borrow from $5,000 to $55,000, with 1 to 7 year loan terms available. This loan comes with no fees for extra repayments and no early exit fees.
Go to site
View details
RACQ Bank Car Loan Special
RACQ Bank Car Loan Special
5.49%
(fixed)
6.16%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 5.49% p.a.
Borrow up to $60,000 for a new or used car and get a range of membership benefits.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 5.49% p.a.
Borrow up to $60,000 for a new or used car and get a range of membership benefits.
Go to site
View details
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
From
5.35%
(fixed)
5.65%
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 5.35% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Borrow between $2,001 and $75,000 to finance a new or used car up to 10 years.
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 5.35% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Borrow between $2,001 and $75,000 to finance a new or used car up to 10 years.
Go to site
View details
SocietyOne Car Loan
SocietyOne Car Loan
From
5.95%
(fixed)
5.95%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.95% p.a. and 17.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.95% p.a. and 17.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
Go to site
View details
Driva Car Loan
Driva Car Loan
From
2.85%
(fixed)
4.39%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 2.85% p.a.
Borrow up to $250,000 with loan terms from 1 to 7 years. Get access to a range of lenders.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 2.85% p.a.
Borrow up to $250,000 with loan terms from 1 to 7 years. Get access to a range of lenders.
Go to site
View details
NRMA Used Car Loan
NRMA Used Car Loan
From
6.24%
(fixed)
6.94%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.24% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.24% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Go to site
View details
Symple Loans Personal Loan
Symple Loans Personal Loan
From
5.75%
(variable)
6.47%
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
Go to site
View details
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Compare up to 4 providers

Compare Tesla car insurance providers

Name Product Roadside Assistance Accidental Damage Storm Choice of Repairer Agreed or Market Value
Coles Comprehensive
Coles Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: With Coles comprehensive car insurance, you could earn double flybuys points at Coles supermarkets and you can get $10 off your Coles grocery bill every time you redeem 2,000 Flybuys points. Also, get up to $200 for damaged or stolen groceries. Get 10% off your first year's premium when you take out a policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Coles customers and Flybuys collectors.
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View details
Australia Post Comprehensive
Australia Post Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Australia Post car insurance offers comprehensive cover for things like theft, fire, new for old replacement and emergency accommodation and transport. Cover also extends to anyone who uses your car, not just you. Get $75 online discount + $100 gift card when you purchase by 11 July 2021. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: If multiple people use the one car and you don’t want to worry about listing all drivers.
Get Quote
View details
Virgin Comprehensive
Virgin Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Finalists for the 2019 Finder Awards for Best Value Car Insurance, Virgin Comprehensive provides a good level of cover for a decent price. Get 15% off on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new eligible comprehensive car insurance online. T&Cs Apply.
Get Quote
View details
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Awarded the 2019 Finder Award for the Best Value Car Insurance, this policy offers solid coverage at a low cost plus you will get 15% discount on first year's premium when you take out a policy online. Budget Direct's claims service has received a 4.2/5 based on nearly 5,000 customer reviews.

Who it might be good for: People who want a comprehensive policy without breaking the bank.
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View details
Bingle Comprehensive
Bingle Comprehensive
Market
Finder's summary:Bingle consistently comes up as one of the cheaper insurers out there. It only covers the basics, so you don't get to choose your own repairer, you're not covered for personal items in the car and unless you add it as an option, you won't get a hire car if your car is stolen. But this keeps its premiums low.

Who it might be good for: Someone who wants a low-cost option that covers them for the basics.
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View details
Qantas Comprehensive
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You'll be able to choose how comprehensive you want your cover to be with optional extras like choice of repairer and the option of agreed or market value. Plus you can also earn Qantas Points for joining and paying your premium. Sign up today and earn up to 20,000 Qantas Points (points awarded will be based on your premium). T&Cs and eligibility apply.
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View details
PD Comprehensive
PD Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed
Finder's summary: PD comprehensive car insurance policy lets you buy, manage, and start your claims process online. It includes cover for emergency repairs up to $500 and free windscreen chip repair. Ability to customise your extras cover. New policyholders can enjoy 15% off on their first year's premium. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Those with low claims history and the only driver.
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View details
QBE Comprehensive
Green Company
QBE Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: QBE is a sustainable insurance company and also Finder's Green Insurer of the Year 2021 Award winner. This policy offers the highest level of protection available from QBE including three-year new car replacement. You can also save $75 when you purchase a new comprehensive policy online. T&Cs apply.

Who it might be good for: Those that are looking for a more environmentally friendly insurance choice.
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Stella Comprehensive
Stella Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Stella’s a female-focused insurer. It'll cover you if your car is damaged as a result of domestic violence. It offers higher cover for baby gear than most, with up to $2,000 cover for prams, strollers and child seats. Get $50 cash back when you purchase online between 1 April – 30 June 2021 using the code STELLA50. T&C apply.

Who it might be good for: Someone who wants a female-centred car insurance policy (it will cover men too).
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Poncho Comprehensive
Poncho Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: Poncho works like a monthly subscription – you pay monthly and can cancel and leave at any time. You can also list multiple cars and drivers under one policy, making it ideal for families and groups living together under one household.

Who it might be good for: People who want their car insurance month to month.
Get Quote
View details
ahm Comprehensive
ahm Comprehensive
Optional
Both
Finder's summary: ahm comprehensive car insurance lets you choose higher excess to reduce your premiums plus you can get up to 15% off when you purchase a new car insurance policy. T&Cs apply. Additionally, their Fixed Kilometre Plan can save you up to 30% compared to their standard comprehensive cover.

Who it might be good for: People who drive less than 15,000 km per year.
Get Quote
View details
Youi Comprehensive
Youi Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Youi Comprehensive Car Insurance is one of the few providers to include roadside assistance in its policy. You'll also get access to YouiRewards which gives you discounts on furniture, parking and more. Youi also has a live chat feature on its site to talk through any questions.

Who it might be good for: People over 25 who want comprehensive cover with a focus on customer service
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Real Comprehensive
Real Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Real Comprehensive Car Insurance provides similar coverage to other insurers for the important stuff like looking after your car if it's stolen or you crash. They're also one of the few insurers who offer a Pay As You Drive policy, so you might be able to save big if you don't drive much.

Who it might be good for: Those that don't drive much can take advantage of their Pay As You Drive policy.
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Huddle Black Comprehensive
Huddle Black Comprehensive
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Huddle's black comprehensive is its cover with highest limits and exclusive benefits. It includes roadside assistance. You can also get up to $2,000 for emergency travel and accommodation and up to $30 million legal liability cover.

Who it might be good for: Someone who wants a 24/7 claims processing.
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Woolworths Comprehensive
Woolworths Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Woolworths catches our eye due to some unique perks like a price-beat guarantee, where it'll beat any current comparable comprehensive renewal notice if you're over 25. You'll also get 10% off your grocery shop once a month and can add roadside assistance onto your policy for just $7.35 per month.

Who it might be good for: Woolworths shoppers and those that want to take advantage of its price-beat guarantee.
Get Quote
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Car Loan Offers

Important Information*
Logo for IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one up to two years old.

More info
Logo for Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"
Beyond Bank Low Rate Car Loan "Special Offer"

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.69% p.a.
Take advantage of a competitive rate, pre-approval and no early repayment fees when you finance a car under two years old.

More info
Logo for RACV New Car Loans
RACV New Car Loans

You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.

More info
Logo for NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan

You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.

More info

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