Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining in popularity, with more buyers wanting them and more manufacturers producing their own versions. Still, EVs are known to be pricey, and that can discourage buyers. So, are there any you can get for under $60,000 in Australia?
Yes, there are electric cars under 60K in Australia. Polestar 2, MINI Cooper SE, Hyundai Kona Electric, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and MG ZS EV are all viable options for that budget.
Find more details about these EVs in this guide.
What Electric Car Can You Get for Under 60k in Australia?
People tend to assume that electric cars are pricey, and that’s partially true. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that there are plenty of relatively affordable models, even under the $60,000 price mark.
Here are 7 electric cars that you can get in Australia for under $60,000:
#1 Polestar 2 ($59,900)
First on this list is the Polestar 2, a Swedish electric car brand owned by Volvo. While the manufacturer is based near Gothenburg in Sweden, the Polestar 2 is produced in China.
The Polestar 2 is a hatchback with five doors, and it's been available since 2020. For approximately $59,000, it offers you a range of 470 kilometres, with an output power of 300kW and 660 Nm of torque.
#2 Mini Cooper SE ($55,650)
If you've been shopping for an electric car, you're likely familiar with the Mini Cooper SE (a.k.a. The Mini Electric). This 3-door subcompact is another electric hatchback, but smaller than the Polestar 2.
It offers an output of 135 kW, 270 Nm of torque, and a range of 235 kilometres.
The Mini Cooper SE has been in production since 2019 and remains popular, thanks to its performance and relatively affordable price tag.
#3 Hyundai Kona Electric ($54,500)
Even Korean automakers are getting into the electric car game, with Hyundai as the perfect example. In this case, we’re talking about the Hyundai Kona, a subcompact crossover SUV that’s been around since 2017.
Kona has two battery capacity options, 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh.
With the 39.2 kWh battery, you’ll get a maximum output of 100 kW, 395 Nm of torque and a range of 305 kilometres.
Meanwhile, the 64kWh option offers 150 kW, 396 Nm of torque, and a range of 484 km.
#4 Nissan Leaf ($49,990)
Of course, a list of affordable EVs wouldn't be complete without the Nissan Leaf. In case you weren't familiar, Nissan is a Japanese auto manufacturer producing the Leaf model since 2010.
So, as you can see, this car has been around for a long time. The 5-door compact hatchback is well-recognised and appreciated, with plenty of automotive awards under its belt.
Currently, the Nissan Leaf is in its second generation since 2017. The model has a maximum power output of 110 kW paired with 320 Nm of torque.
#5 Hyundai Ioniq Electric ($41,390)
Here’s another Korean auto manufacturer with an excellent EV to offer. It’s the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, a compact, 5-door liftback with plenty of value to offer.
The current version, available in 2019, has a maximum output of 100 kW with 295 Nm of torque.
Range-wise, you can take this car as far as 200 km on a single charge.
#6 MG ZS EV ($44,990)
As you can tell, this list has no shortage of subcompact crossover SUVs. For example, this 5-door model by MG has been around since 2018, carrying a 44.5 kWh battery.
With that power onboard, the MG ZS EV can reach a maximum output of 105 kW with 350 Nm of torque.
In November 2020, the MG ZS EV was recognised in Australia as the cheapest electric car available, thanks to a price cut issued pre-launch.
Even at its current prices, this EV is undoubtedly one of the more affordable ones and rightfully earned its spot on this list.
#7 BYD Atto 3 ($48,081)
Lastly, we have BYD’s addition, the Atto 3. If the name doesn’t sound familiar to you, that’s because it’s a Chinese auto manufacturer specialising in electric vehicles. You may have seen or used one of its earlier models, the BYD e6, which was used as a Sydney taxi.
That company produces an EV called the BYD Yuan. Its second generation is called Yuan Plus, but it’s marketed in Australia as the Atto 3.
BYD Atto 3 has been around since 2021 and comes with two battery options: the 49.92 kWh battery for the standard range version and the 60.48 kWh option for the extended range version.
Once you charge it up, the car can go as far as 410 kilometres and produce an output of 152 kW with 310 Nm of torque.
Is It Worth Buying a Cheap Electric Vehicle?
The cars listed above are cheaper than many other EVs on the market. So, car buyers will naturally wonder if buying a relatively inexpensive electric vehicle is a good idea, or if they should commit to a more expensive model instead.
The answer to that problem depends on your personal needs and expectations.
Firstly, we must all remember that these cheaper EVs are still products of world-renowned automotive companies. That means they are high-quality vehicles offering plenty of value despite their lower cost.
Quality is not really what you should be concerned about when it comes to choosing a cheaper EV.
Instead, you should ask yourself if the car suits your needs, especially in terms of the following:
- Range: First and foremost, does your chosen EV have enough range to suit your needs? If you have a busy life that involves plenty of driving, an EV’s range is crucial, so you don’t have to stop and charge so often.
- Performance outputs (power and torque): EV or not, what you’re buying is still a car. As a driver, you must ensure the vehicle has enough power and torque to meet your expectations.
- Charging performance: Some EVs charge faster than others. That’s something to keep in mind, as it could impact your daily schedule.
- Interior and exterior design: Buying a cheaper EV isn’t just about what’s under the hood. You must ensure that the model you choose suits your needs. You should like how it looks, and the interior should be comfortable and spacious enough for you and your passengers.
For more information about electric vehicles, check out the Blog at CarpartAU. You’ll find frequent updates on everything to do with the automotive world within and beyond Australia.
By Ray Hasbollah