Small electric cars are becoming more popular in Australia, as they offer many benefits such as lower running costs, zero tailpipe emissions, and a fun driving experience. However, not all electric cars are created equal, and some are better suited for the Australian market than others. In this article, we will look at five of the best small electric cars that are available or coming soon in Australia in 2023, based on factors such as price, range, performance, features, and design.
| Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric | Tesla Model 3 | Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Kia EV6 | MG ZS EV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price: $75,000 (estimated) | Price: $63,900 – $92,900 | Price: TBA | Price: TBA | Price: $43,990 |
| Power: 300kW | Power: 211kW – 377kW | Power: 125kW – 225kW | Power: 125kW – 430kW | Power: 105kW |
| Torque: 660Nm | Torque: 375Nm – 639Nm | Torque: 350Nm – 605Nm | Torque: 350Nm – 740Nm | Torque: 353Nm |
| Range: 418km (WLTP) | Range: 491km – 657km (WLTP) | Range: up to 480km (WLTP) | Range: up to 510km (WLTP) | Range: 263km (WLTP) |
| Charging speed: up to 150kW DC | Charging speed: up to 250kW DC (Supercharger) | Charging speed: up to 350kW DC | Charging speed: up to 350kW DC | Charging speed: up to 50kW DC |
| Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 4.9s | Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 3.3s – 5.6s | Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 5.2s – 8.5s | Acceleration: 0-100km/h in |
1. Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric
Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric is the company’s first all-electric car, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. It is based on the popular XC40 compact SUV, but with a powerful dual-motor electric drivetrain that delivers 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds, and has a top speed of 180km/h. XC40 Recharge has a 78kWh battery pack that provides a claimed range of 418km on the WLTP cycle, and can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in about 40 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger. XC40 Recharge also comes with a host of features, such as a 9-inch touchscreen with Google services, wireless smartphone charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety systems. XC40 Recharge is expected to arrive in Australia in late 2023, with a starting price of around $75,000.
2. Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 is arguably the most iconic electric car in the world, and for good reason. It offers a sleek and futuristic design, a spacious and minimalist interior, and a high-tech infotainment system with a 15-inch touchscreen that controls almost everything in the car. Model 3 also boasts impressive performance and range, with three variants to choose from: the Standard Range Plus (491km), the Long Range (657km), and the Performance (628km). Model 3 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in as little as 3.3 seconds (Performance), and has a top speed of up to 261km/h (Performance). Model 3 can also access the exclusive Tesla Supercharger network, which allows for fast and convenient charging across Australia. The Model 3 is available in Australia now, with prices starting from $63,900.
3. Hyundai IONIQ 5
Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a stunning electric car that combines retro styling with modern technology. It is based on the Hyundai 45 concept car that was inspired by the Hyundai Pony, the first car produced by the Korean brand in the 1970s. IONIQ 5 has a distinctive angular shape, with pixel-like LED headlights and taillights, flush door handles, and large alloy wheels. The IONIQ 5 also has a spacious and versatile interior, with sliding and reclining seats, a flat floor, and a movable centre console. IONIQ 5 offers two battery options (58kWh or 72.6kWh) and two drivetrain options (single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD), with different combinations of power, torque, range, and performance. The IONIQ 5 can achieve up to 480km of range on the WLTP cycle (72.6kWh RWD), and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in as fast as 5.2 seconds (72.6kWh AWD). The IONIQ 5 also supports ultra-fast charging at up to 350kW, which can add up to 300km of range in just 18 minutes. IONIQ 5 is expected to launch in Australia in March 2023, with prices yet to be announced.
Also Read: 5 Best Kids Electric Balance Bikes in United Kingdom 2023
4. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is the sister car of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, sharing the same platform and technology but with a different design and personality. EV6 has a more sporty and dynamic look, with a sleek coupe-like silhouette, slim LED headlights and taillights, and aerodynamic features. EV6 also has a premium and futuristic interior, with dual curved displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, ambient lighting, leather seats, and a Meridian sound system. The EV6 offers similar battery and drivetrain options as the IONIQ 5 (58kWh or 77.4kWh; RWD or AWD), but with slightly more power and torque in some variants. EV6 can achieve up to 510km of range on the WLTP cycle (77.4kWh RWD), and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in as fast as 3.5 seconds (77.4kWh AWD). EV6 also supports ultra-fast charging at up to 350kW, which can add up to 300km of range in just 18 minutes. The EV6 is expected to launch in Australia in mid-2023, with prices yet to be announced.
5. MG ZS EV
MG ZS EV is the most affordable electric car in Australia, with a starting price of just $43,990. It is based on the MG ZS petrol SUV, but with an electric motor that produces 105kW of power and 353Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 140km/h. ZS EV has a 44.5kWh battery pack that provides a claimed range of 263km on the WLTP cycle, and can be recharged from 0 to 80 percent in about 40 minutes using a 50kW DC fast charger. ZS EV also comes with a generous amount of features, such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, a leather steering wheel, and a suite of safety systems. The ZS EV is available in Australia now.
These are some of the best small electric cars that you can buy or look forward to in Australia in 2023. They offer different levels of performance, range, features, and design, but they all share the common goal of providing a greener and smarter way of driving. If you are interested in any of these electric cars, you can find more information on their official websites or visit your nearest dealerships.
