As fuel prices continue to rise, it's clear to see that a lot of Australians are considering the shift to an electric car - also known as electric vehicles or EVs. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they're also cheaper to run in the long term than petrol vehicles.
If you're thinking of making the switch to electric, one major question to ask yourself is “which car should I choose?” That’s where we come in since we know there is a wide range of cars to choose from. Here are some of the cheapest electric cars available in Australia and their value.
Why consider an electric car in Australia?
While electric cars have been an established product in the vehicle market for a good number of years - first appearing about a decade ago - they were never commonly seen or purchased due to the steep price tags. This is to be expected, as many new technologies come with a big cost that usually only early adopters can afford.
The cost of electric vehicles has come down in recent years, however, and they are now becoming a more popular choice for drivers all over the world. An electric vehicle has a ton of benefits that make it an attractive option for Australian drivers. Here are some reasons why you should consider making the switch to electric when looking at new cars:
Lower running costs
Electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars, with most models costing significantly less per kilometre to drive - even more so than a plug-in hybrid. With fuel prices rising fast, reduced on-road costs are becoming even more of a major selling point for EVs.
Going green
EVs are environmentally friendly, emitting no pollutants from the tailpipe and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More and more charging stations are popping up across Australia to encourage EV uptake and help make the country greener.
Less hassle and maintenance
Maintaining a car is just as important as the initial purchase of a car. Services, replacement parts, and more can stack up quickly - but this isn’t an issue for EVs. There's no need for regular tune-ups or oil changes – once you've installed your battery charger, your electric car is good to go!
Best value electric vehicles in Australia
Hyundai IONIQ
Hyundai’s IONIQ range is among the cheapest EV ranges in Australia today, with prices starting around $49,000. They're also some of the most popular models on the market, thanks to their impressive range of features and great value for money.
The IONIQ comes standard with a host of features including heated seats, cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen display. Plus, it has a driving range of up to 200km – more than enough for everyday use.
If you're looking for a low-cost electric vehicle that doesn't compromise on quality or features, the Hyundai IONIQ is hard to beat.
Nissan LEAF
The Nissan Leaf is another great option if you're looking for one of Australia’s cheapest electric car models in Australia. Its prices sit around $51,000, making it one of the most affordable EVs on the market.
The Leaf comes with a range of features including automated emergency braking, e-Pedal - which allows you to start, accelerate and brake using just the accelerator pedal - and a seven-inch touchscreen display.
It also has a driving range of up to 270km, which should be more than enough for most people's daily needs. If you're looking for an electric car that's packed full of features and is still reasonably priced, the Nissan Leaf is a great option.
Hyundai Kona Electric
If you're after something a little bigger, the Hyundai Kona’s electric offering is another great option as a small SUV. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of this all-electric version starts from $54,500, and comes with a range of features including autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
The Kona Electric also has a driving range of up to 305km - making it perfect for long trips. Hyundai has outdone themselves in providing an affordable electric SUV with the works included that make it so alluring.
Tesla Model 3
If you're looking for something a little more luxurious, the Tesla Model 3 is always a popular choice. However, it's important to note that this car does come with a slightly higher price tag - although recent price drops bring the Model 3 closer to the most affordable electric cars, with prices starting at $57,400.
The Tesla Model 3 has been on Australian shores for a few years now and is still one of the most loved electric cars on the market. It comes packed full of features like autonomous driving, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Not to mention, it has an impressive range of up to 490km on a single charge!
Get an affordable electric car with a novated lease from easi
The team at Easi have 20 years of experience in the industry of car leasing - meaning we can use our knowledge to deliver effective business car solutions every time. Our wide range of vehicle lease options - electric vehicles included - come under flexible contract terms ranging from utes, to large SUVs, to hatchbacks.
To find out more about how Easi can assist with your novated leasing or business car leasing needs, contact one of our staff today.