New Affordable EV Arrivals: The electric vehicles landscape in Australia is experiencing a game-changing transformation in 2025. Thanks to brands like BYD, GWM and MG, electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly affordable in Australia, with new players like Leapmotor and Chery shaking up the market with seriously competitive pricing.
Gone are the days when EVs were luxury toys for early adopters. You can now hit the road in an electric small hatch or mid-size SUV for a similar price as a top-of-the-range Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 or Hyundai i30. Let’s dive into the most exciting budget-friendly electric arrivals that are making waves across Australia.
Meet the New Players: Leapmotor Takes the Stage
Leapmotor has burst onto the Australian scene with serious backing and even more serious pricing. Unlike some rival Chinese brands that are going it alone on the Australian market, Leapmotor is backed by Stellantis, the international automotive conglomerate comprising such brands as Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep.
This partnership means you’re not just buying from a startup – you’re getting established dealer networks and proper parts distribution. The company has 12 sales, service and parts dealerships in mainland Australia, including two in South East Queensland, with plans to expand rapidly.
Leapmotor C10: The Tesla Model Y Fighter
The C10 electric SUV is Leapmotor’s opening gambit, and it’s hitting exactly where it hurts most – your wallet. BEV from $45,888 before on-roads cost & REEV Ultra Hybrid from $45,900 Driveaway including all on-road costs. That’s seriously competitive when you consider the Tesla Model Y starts at around $55,900.
Key C10 Specifications:
- Range: 420km based on the WLTP cycle
- Power: 160kW/320Nm from single electric motor
- Battery: 69.9kWh battery
- Features: 14.6-inch high-definition central display, 360-degree camera, over-the-air update capability
What’s really impressive is Leapmotor’s vertical integration approach. The company claims more than 70% of the value of its vehicles produced in-house, including its own EV batteries and integrated electric vehicle architecture. This isn’t just marketing speak – it means better quality control and potentially lower prices.
Chery Omoda E5: Australia’s Cheapest Electric SUV
If the Leapmotor impressed you, wait until you hear about the Chery Omoda E5. The latest offer sees the E5 start at $36,990 before on-road costs, down $6,000 over the launch pricing. This aggressive pricing strategy has made the Omoda E5 the most affordable electric SUV in the Australian market.
Chery’s Game-Changing Numbers:
- Starting Price: From $23,990 Driveaway for the basic model
- Range: 430 km under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP)
- Acceleration: 7.6s acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h
- Efficiency: 15.5kWh/100km WLTP
What Makes the Omoda E5 Special?
The Omoda E5 isn’t just cheap – it’s properly equipped. Dual 12.3″ LCD Instrument Cluster and Intergrated Multimedia Touchscreens displays vehicle information and controls the intuitive infotainment system. You’re also getting 50W wireless charging pad and an impressive 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Fast Charging Capability: The Chery E5 has the ability to recharge from 30-80% in just 28 minutes, which puts it right up there with much more expensive EVs.
The Broader Budget EV Battlefield
The affordable EV space is absolutely heating up in 2025. Three manufacturers are currently leading the way on affordable EVs in Australia: BYD, GWM and MG, but the newcomers are forcing everyone to sharpen their pencils.
Current Cheapest EV Rankings:
1. BYD Dolphin: Currently, the cheapest EV for sale in Australia is the BYD Dolphin Essential, available from $32,138.45 driveaway for Victorian buyers
2. GWM Ora: The GWM Ora takes second prize with its slightly higher driveaway price of $33,990
3. MG4: The MG4 51kWh Excite is next most affordable with a list price of $36,990 driveaway
4. Chery Omoda E5: Now slotting in as a serious contender with its price cuts
Technology and Features: No Compromise Approach
These budget EVs aren’t stripped-down economy cars. The feature lists would make premium car buyers jealous. The ‘Hello Chery’ Intelligent Voice Command allows you to experience a new level of convenience and focus on the road while controlling your environment.
Standard Features Across Budget EVs:
- Large touchscreen displays (typically 12+ inches)
- Wireless phone charging
- Advanced driver assistance systems
- LED lighting packages
- Premium audio systems
- Over-the-air updates
Safety Isn’t Compromised
Don’t think budget means unsafe. The Omoda E5 is backed by Chery’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while most budget EVs are achieving 5-star ANCAP safety ratings.
Charging Infrastructure and Practicality
Range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past with these new arrivals. Most budget EVs now offer 400km+ real-world range, which covers the vast majority of Australian driving needs.
Charging Times Are Impressive:
- DC Fast Charging: Most new budget EVs can charge from 30-80% in under 30 minutes
- Home Charging: Connect to AC at the E5’s maximum 9.9kW capacity
- Charging Networks: For ‘early adopters’, a one-year free charging offer is available via the Chargefox network
Practical Considerations
These aren’t just city runabouts. The Omoda E5 is rated to tow a 750kg unbraked trailer, and most come with proper spare wheels – something even Tesla doesn’t offer.
The Chinese EV Revolution
What’s driving this affordability revolution? Chinese manufacturing efficiency and economies of scale. BYD is the fastest-growing “new energy vehicle” company in the world and last year overtook Tesla for global electrified vehicle sales.
Quality Has Improved Dramatically: Build quality and aftersales support have improved significantly for the latest generation of Chinese EVs, with these brands offering some of the best warranties on the market.
Competition Benefits Everyone
This fierce competition is fantastic news for Australian car buyers. The trend of falling EV prices from 2024 has continued in 2025 with the first sub $30,000 MSRP model being launched.
What’s Coming Next?
The budget EV revolution is just getting started. Leapmotor already has three models locked in to launch locally in 2025, but the new Chinese brand suggests many more could be on their way.
Upcoming Models to Watch:
- Leapmotor B10: The B10 will be the third Leap model to go on sale internationally
- Hyundai Inster: Hyundai will soon have an affordable challenger with the all-new Hyundai Inster, priced from $39,000 plus on-road costs
- More Chery Models: The brand is expanding rapidly with multiple new launches planned
Market Impact
These affordable EVs are forcing traditional manufacturers to rethink their strategies. When you can get a feature-packed electric SUV for under $40,000 driveaway, the value proposition of petrol cars starts looking pretty ordinary.
The Bottom Line
The affordable EV revolution in Australia is real, it’s happening now, and it’s changing everything. Whether you choose the tech-heavy Leapmotor C10, the value-champion Chery Omoda E5, or one of the other budget contenders, you’re getting genuinely impressive electric vehicles at prices that finally make sense.
The days of EVs being expensive toys are officially over. These new arrivals prove you can go electric without breaking the bank, and with ranges exceeding 400km, fast charging, and impressive feature lists, there’s really no excuse not to make the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these cheap Chinese EVs reliable?
A: Modern Chinese EVs offer excellent build quality with comprehensive warranties, often 7-8 years unlimited kilometers.
Q: How long do these budget EV batteries last?
A: Most come with 8-year battery warranties and are designed to retain 80%+ capacity after 8 years.
Q: Can I charge these EVs at home?
A: Yes, all support home charging with standard wall outlets or dedicated charging units.