Every day, humanity inches closer towards being all-electric when it comes to the vehicles we drive. Even though that vision is more of a reality today than ever before, we’re still a long way from getting rid of all combustion engine cars and replacing them with electric vehicles. Australia trails behind countries that are banning fossil fuel vehicles in the next few years. For now, our cars still come as combustion-engine types and several variations of hybrids.
Still, if you feel like skipping to the front of the line (and you have the money to do it), there are several pure EVs already on the market, even in Australia.
That’s why, in this article, you’re going to discover which pure electric vehicles are already available in Australia in 2020. Rest assured that there are plenty more on the way, with how manufacturers try to outdo one another.
But for now, enjoy this list which goes well beyond just Tesla models in Australia, and also includes some approximate pricing to give you a sense of how much they might cost you.
Pure Electric Vehicles Already Available in Australia
Here are the pure electric cars that are already available in Australia, with some approximate costing for you to refer to. In this list, you’ll find all sorts of pure EVs, from hatchbacks to utility vehicles and even luxury, high-end pure electric cars.
Bear in mind that this list isn’t exhaustive, as manufacturers continue bringing in new models all the time.
Here they are:
1. Tesla Model S
It might be best to kick off this list with the most familiar pure EVs on the market: the ones from Tesla. Here, we’re looking at the Tesla Model S, which is a liftback sedan with five doors and a range of 647 kilometres.
The Tesla Model S will set you back anywhere between $120K and $250K.
2. Tesla Model X
Next, we have the mid-sized luxury-SUV sibling in the Tesla family, the Tesla Model X. This one is well-known for its falcon-wing doors that open vertically and the fact that it can go up to 597 kilometres in range.
You’ll have to fork anywhere between $150K and $260K for this EV.
3. Tesla Model 3
If you’re looking for a four-door fastback sedan instead, then you’re going to love the Tesla Model 3. This model has a slightly shorter range compared to the previous two, at 423 kilometres, unless you get the Long Range model that can go up to 568 kilometres instead.
The Tesla Model 3 is way more affordable than its two siblings at around $66K.
4. BMW i3
Aside from Tesla, a lot of the typical luxury brands have also jumped into the pure-EV fight. In Australia, if you’re looking for something with a luxury German vibe, you can check out the BMW i3.
This car has a slightly more futuristic vibe compared to other BMWs. It’s a hatchback with a high roof with a small enough footprint to fall into the B-segment category.
Ranges vary according to the model you purchase, but at the most, it’ll cover 322 kilometres of distance.
It will cost you at least $68,700 to drive home an i3.
5. Mercedes EQC
The Mercedes EQC is also available in Australia, which is excellent news for buyers looking out to buy a compact luxury SUV with Mercedes-style and a pure-electric motor.
How far can you go with all that luxury? Well, at the most, you’ll get as far as 417 kilometres.
You’re going to need at least $138,000 to get started with this one. That’s a lot but, remember, you’re paying for a Merc.
6. Jaguar I-Pace
Last but not least in the luxury list is the Jaguar I-Pace. This crossover SUV is a trailblazer in its own right, being the first electric SUV from a high-end European automaker.
Thankfully, it doesn't just look fantastic; it also performs well. You can go as far as 470 kilometres in this model.
Luxury vehicles demand luxury prices, so you’ll need at least $120,000 to afford this beautiful pure EV.
7. Renault Zoe
If you’re looking for something small and cute with a French kind of style to it, look no further than the Renault Zoe. It’s a five-door supermini with ranges of up to 400 km.
You’ll be glad to know that this one is more affordable (at least relatively) compared to the previous models so far, at only $50,000 minimum.
8. Renault Kangoo
Renault has also made the Kangoo EV available in Australia. That’s the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) model under the Renault brand that’s typically used as a work vehicle.
This van only has two seats, but that’s because it’s a panel van that’ll fit all your cargo or tools in the back. In total, the Kangoo can go as far as 270 kilometres in range.
If you run a business or you’re a tradesperson, this one is a real workhorse that’ll serve you well.
Price-wise, it’ll set you back about $52,500, give or take.
9. Hyundai Ioniq Electric
This list would be incomplete if we didn't mention the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. It's a five-door liftback with a range of up to 310 kilometres.
This model is one of the most affordable ones on this list and in general, running at about $46,000.
Are There Any Government Incentives for Electric Cars in Australia?
According to some sources, Australia seems to be one of a few developed countries that lack direct government encouragement for people to buy pure electric cars. It seems that Australia is not ready for EVs. Why that is, who knows? But in spite of it, manufacturers are still importing these cars into the country, which is an indication of a growing demand for these cars regardless.
If you’d like to keep up to date with whatever’s going on in the Australian world of cars, be it EV Australia or good old-fashioned combustion engine cars, be sure to follow Carpart.com.au and its Blog. There’s always a constant flow of new articles coming out. While at it, you could also browse the car parts listing and do a little shopping, or if that’s too tedious, you can always request a part and wait for quotes to come your way. It’s a must-try method for locating car parts – just fill out this form!
By Ray Hasbollah