What's an Electric Car?
Electric cars are energy-efficient automobiles that run on electric motors powered by electricity from batteries or a fuel cell.
Today, there are three kinds of electric cars on Australian roads, and the extent to which these vehicles use electricity is what makes them different.
Battery Electric Vehicles [BEV]
Powered solely by an electric motor and battery. Has no gas engine parts whatsoever. Perfect for climate-conscious people or commuters that take short-distance trips.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles [PHEV]
Powered by a larger battery and electric motor. Also built with a gasoline tank with lower refueling costs than conventional vehicles.
Conventional Hybrids
Low-emission vehicles that use gas-powered engines to power electric batteries. All energy comes from gasoline.
Electric vehicles [EVs] are fast becoming popular globally, with sales doubling to over 6.6 million in 2021. Last year, electric vehicles accounted for 3.39% of new cars sold in Australia, that’s a 65% increase in car sales from 2021.
If you’re looking at an Electric Vehicle as an option for your next new or used car purchase but don’t know what’s available in Australia, we’re here to help. We’ve narrowed down the top 5 EV’s on the market and highlighted what we think makes them such a great buy, based on price, efficiency and convenience.
The Top 5 Electric Cars Available in Australia
Nissan Leaf - Driveaway from $53,535*
If you are in the market for an all-electric car that's practical, efficient, and spacious, then the Nissan Leaf is a great place to start.
It impresses in pretty much every area with a decent range of features that deliver a superb driving experience.
Comfortable and easy to drive, the Nissan Leaf falls under a BEV as there is no combustion engine. Instead, it's purely powered by a 39-kWh Li-ion battery with a range of up to 270km on a single charge.
Given how much it costs, the Nissan Leaf is an electric car that's bound to save you a lot of money in the long run compared to similar Internal Combustion Engine vehicles (ICE)
Pros
Affordable - It’s one of the most budget-friendly EVs on the market.
Easy driving - With its smooth, quiet operation and instant torque, the Leaf provides a driving experience that's both exhilarating and relaxing.
Spacious interior - The Nissan Leaf has a spacious interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo of 23.6 cubic feet.
Packed with tech - It has a state-of-the-art infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, navigation, and a range of connectivity options. Other tech features of the Leaf include a 360-degree camera system, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
Cons
Ordinary looks - Its design features don't make it stand out from other cars on the road. It's a fairly classic hatchback with a standard shape and no particularly bold or unique styling elements.
Slow charging - Depending on the model you get and the charging equipment you use, it can take anywhere from 7.5 hours to fully charge at a standard charge station (DC fast charging can significantly reduce this time) to 21 hours, utilizing the car's 6.6kW max AC charging rate, found in most typical new AC home chargers.
Numb brakes - The brakes of a Nissan Leaf EV aren't powered by the engine. Instead, they rely on the car's electric motor to slow the car down, which can make the brakes feel a bit softer and less responsive.
Poor range - The Leaf has a range of 60 miles on a single charge, which is fine for many people's daily driving needs. However, if you plan on taking longer trips or driving in areas with limited access to charging stations, the Leaf's range may not be sufficient.
Tesla Model 3 - Driveaway from $66,786*
Compact designed for electric-powered performance; the Tesla Model 3 is one of the best all-around electric cars in 2023. It combines first-rate technology with cutting-edge innovation to provide a buttery-smooth driving experience.
With its smooth acceleration and minimalist design, the Tesla Model 3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to go fully electric.
Very few electric cars come close to matching the exciting features and all-around ability of the Model 3. It's powered by a 54-kWh battery pack under the floor that can go from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. You can enjoy an EPA-estimated 491km of electric range on a full charge.
Pros
Fast charging - The Tesla Model 3 is also designed for long-distance travel and one of the key features that make this possible is its fast-charging capability. With the Supercharger network, you can charge the Model 3's battery pack to around 80% in just 30 minutes.
Rear heated seats - If you love staying warm and cozy, you'll love the rear-heated seats. It's a game changer for long journeys, and it's just one of the many comfort features that the Model 3 has to offer.
Two wireless chargers - This electric vehicle comes with two wireless chargers, which means you can place your device on one of the charging pads and let it do its thing. No more tangled cords or wasted time, just convenient, effortless charging.
Impressive driving range – 491km’s on a single charge.
Innovative tech features - From its advanced navigation system to its intuitive touchscreen interface, the Model 3 is designed to keep you connected and in control. With features like Autopilot, you can relax and let the car handle some of the driving for you.
Comes with Over-the-Air-Updates – With frequent wireless updates you can enjoy the hassle-free benefit of new features, more entertainment, high performance, range and increased comfort and safety updates.
Cons
Quite exy - If you're looking to buy a Tesla Model 3, you should be prepared to spend a pretty penny. This electric vehicle is quite expensive compared to many other cars on the market and may not be within everyone's budget.
Controls can be a little fiddly - The Model 3 has a large touchscreen display that controls many of the car's functions, and some people may find it a bit overwhelming at first.
Polestar 2 - Driveaway from $68,960*
Built to reflect Volvo's history, the Polestar 2 is one of the best electric cars money can buy today.
It blends the practicality of a hatchback and the styling of a sedan into one super sleek package. Designed for pure, progressive performance, the Polestar 2 features a 69kWh battery capable of up to 487kms and an electric motor that produces up to 170kW of power.
Pros
Distinctive design - From its sleek lines and aerodynamic contours to the bold color options, this EV is sure to turn heads.
Quick and enjoyable acceleration - With a 0-100km/h time of just 7.4 seconds, you'll feel the power as soon as you hit the gas pedal, making for an exhilarating and fun driving experience.
Stylish interior - Polestar 2's interior is just as stylish as its exterior, with high-quality materials, comfortable seating, and a minimalist design.
Android-powered infotainment system - Polestar 2's infotainment system is powered by Android, making it easy to use and customize. You'll have access to all your favorite apps, music, and other media, as well as voice control and other convenient features. Plus, the large touchscreen display is easy to see and navigate, making for a seamless driving experience.
Cons
Limited cargo space - If you frequently need to transport large or bulky items, you may find that the trunk and rear cargo area are a bit cramped. However, the rear seats do fold down to provide extra space when needed.
Uses more electricity compared to other electric vehicles - It uses more electricity than other EVs on the market. This means that you may need to charge it more frequently, depending on your driving habits.
Back windows only go down about halfway - The back windows only roll down about halfway. This can make it feel a bit stuffy in the backseat on hot days and may not be ideal for a family vehicle.
Audi e-tron - Driveaway from $160,623*
With a range of up to 365km on a single charge, the Audi e-tron can take you wherever you need to go. And with fast charging capabilities, you can get back on the road in no time.
The e-tron also boasts impressive performance, with a top speed of 124 mph and goes from 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. If you’re looking for an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise on speed and range, the Audi e-tron is the car for you.
Pros
At any speed, it is extremely quiet – With no traditional internal combustion engine, you’ll be able to enjoy a serene and peaceful ride, no matter how fast you're going.
The charging curve is very fast and flat - The charging curve is very fast and flat, so you won't have to worry about long charging times. The average charge time of 30 minutes at a public direct current (DC) charging station will get you 273km electric range.
Interior controls that are simple to use - The controls are intuitive and easy to understand, so you can focus on the road ahead instead of trying to decipher complicated buttons and displays.
Numerous luxury features - Massaging seats, window shades, fragrance function and adjustable seat bolsters to name a few, combined to make the e-tron a truly luxurious ride.
Heads-up Display (HUD) - The Heads-Up Display (HUD) on the is a cool feature that projects important information onto the windshield, this means you won’t have to take your eyes off the road to navigate or check your speed.
Cons
Expensive - The Audi e-tron does come with a hefty price tag. If you’re looking at the Audi e-tron, you’re shopping in the luxury car market, so be prepared to pay for the prestige.
Comparatively short range - The e-tron indeed has a lower range than other electric vehicles on the market. With an average range of 365km it should still be more than enough for most people's daily driving needs.
KIA EV6 - Driveaway from $78,435*
The KIA EV6 is an electric vehicle that's boasts a unique futuristic and sleek design.
With a range of up to 528km on a single charge, you can take even the longest road trips without worrying about running out of juice.
But the EV6 isn't just about practicality - it's also got some serious performance chops. With a top speed of 260 km/h and a 0-100 time of just 7.3 seconds, it's sure to get your heart racing.
And with its advanced safety features and luxurious interior, you can enjoy your ride in comfort and confidence.
That's not all - the KIA EV6 is also designed with sustainability in mind. Its exterior features recycled materials and its even equipped with a solar panel roof to help extend your range.
Pros
Fast charging – Has the ability to charge in 18 minutes with the 800v ultra-high-speed charger.
Lively acceleration - The EV6's electric powertrain delivers instant torque, which means it can accelerate quickly and smoothly.
Excellent ride - The EV6's suspension and handling are top-notch, which makes for a comfortable and smooth ride.
Modern design - The EV6 is a good-looking car. Its sleek and aerodynamic design is sure to impress people wherever you go. Plus, with a variety of color options to choose from, you can find the perfect look to suit your style.
Cons
Poor visibility - The thick rear pillars and small rear window make it difficult to see what's behind you, especially when backing up or changing lanes.
Charging equipment is not included - This means you'll have to purchase a home charging station or rely on public charging networks if you want to charge your EV6.
Less cargo space when compared to other EVs - Compared to some other electric vehicles, the EV6 has a relatively small cargo area. If cargo space is a top priority, you might consider an EV with a larger trunk or a hatchback design.
Wrapping Up
Investing in an electric car is a great way to save money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint.
Whether your reasons are economic, environmental, or anything in between, carconnect has got you covered with a trusted marketplace to buy the best electric cars online in Australia. Browse through our extensive range of new and used electric cars to compare deals and get the best price for your next vehicle. It's that easy with carconnect.
*RRP is representative of base models and may very based on final vehicle specifications, whilst carconnect makes every effort to keep these prices up to date these prices are subject to change based on manufacturer discretion. RRP may not be inclusive of on-roads, government charges, taxes or levies.
Whilst carconnect expects to be able to source these prices or better for our customers, actual prices will depend on use, final vehicle specifications, payment option, location and availability.
