Australia has been slow to embrace the electric car revolution, but as world oil prices increase, more and more drivers are expressing interest in purchasing electric cars and 2022 promises to witness an exciting influx of electric vehicles into the Aussie auto marketplace. The country’s hesitancy to trade in their gas-guzzling autos for electric or hybrid vehicles hasn’t necessarily been because of a passion for combustible engines. The high price tags of electric cars put them out of reach for many Australians. Other drivers were concerned about the small network of charging stations available.
Fortunately, that’s changing. With more electric vehicles entering the Australian market, prices are becoming more competitive and affordable. Charging stations are springing up everywhere, including households where EV owners can “refill” at home just by pulling into their garage and plugging the car in, most people agree that electric vehicles are smooth, quiet, and dependable and that they never require their drivers to stop at a gas station to refuel and just enjoy the benefit of doing it from home.
The improvements to electric vehicles mean that Aussies can get more driving in on a single charge. If you’re interested in going electric, you’ll have lots of new options to consider this year. Here, we’ll explore some of the new electric cars coming to Australia in 2022, as well as some of the most affordable electric vehicles that are available now.
Australians can expect a diverse array of electric cars to appear at select auto dealerships in 2022. Here, we’ll explore which electric vehicles you can expect to test drive this year.
Cost: under $55,000 AUD
58.0 kWh
150 km
166 Wh/km efficiency
Though not expected to hit Australia’s electric vehicle market until late in the year, the Cupra Born is a highly anticipated model. This sporty electric hatchback has been named this year’s Best Small Electric Car of the Year by WhatCar? and boasts exceptional range and excellent battery storage.
This completely electric twin of the Volkswagen ID.3, the Born gets its name from Barcelona’s El Born district. If you decide to purchase this electric car, you’ll have a choice of three different battery sizes. Other noteworthy features of the Cupra Born include its outstanding steering, five door-design, dynamic handling, sharp response times, and advanced connectivity solutions.
Cost: Starting at $35,000 AUD
Technical details: to be announced
Designed by Great Wall Motors, the GWM Ora is coming to Australia; however, at this time, the market is unsure which Ora model to expect. Experts point to the Ora Good Cat, a slick city-styled hatchback that is likely to come with a choice of two battery options: 48kWh lithium-ion phosphate pack or the larger battery 63kWh ternary lithium unit.
Ora, which stands for open, reliable, and alternative, first hit global car markets in 2018. Aussies are incredibly excited for an Ora model to arrive on its shores because of the low-entry price point. Those monitoring the Ora arrival expect the model to feature many of the attributes of Oras exported to the UK. Some features to look for include LED headlights, remote smartphone functionality, facial recognition software, 360-degree surround camera, and, possibly, wireless phone charging. Because the price will undercut most if not all Aussie electric vehicles, expect to see lots of Ora autos gliding around city streets in the year ahead.
Cost: $249,700AUD
83.7 kWh
522 HP
The E-Tron GT is Audi’s first all-electric RS. Yes, it’s pricey, but it comes with a slew of onboard bells and whistles. Its get-up-and-go acceleration has Car and Driver, likening it to “an intergalactic hum.” The vehicle heads from zero to just shy of 40 kph in 2.5 seconds. It’s a smooth ride as you lean back in the leather-free interior designed with upscale recycled materials.
The E-Tron GT features four doors and seats five passengers while offering ample legroom. Other hot features on this electric car include: seats with massage function, dynamic steering, LED headlights, Audi laser light and animation, and integrated navigation system. A Porsche rival, the Audi E-Tron GT combines luxury, speed, and eco-friendly driving into an exceptional luxury vehicle.
Cost: $72,000AUD
66.5 kWh
420km
203HP
Expected to become available in Australia sometime this year, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is an all-electric SUV that offers room for seven. Popular with families and drivers who need plenty of cargo space, this electric SUV doesn’t come with many options, but it makes up for that with its smooth handling and outstanding performance.
Drivers are sure to love the dashboard’s resources that depict real-time numbers, including power regeneration. It also features an onboard navigation system, making it an excellent pick for drivers who enjoy getting out of the city to explore the backcountry. The best part of the system is that it also offers real-time numbers for calculating how much battery charge is required to reach your destination.
Cost: just under $60,000AUD
62kWh
545km
Touted as a more practical model than the Tesla 3, the Model Y is expected to become available to Australians toward the end of the year. The 3 has a bigger battery and range, but the Y has a more extensive interior and cargo space. The Y comes with Tesla’s Autopilot driver assistance program as well as features such as wireless charging for up to two devices, a tinted glass roof, a 14-speaker audio system, and power-adjusted front seats.
While electric cars have a reputation in Australia for being pricey, more affordable electric cars are expected to hit the marketplace in 2022. We’ve already detailed the GWM Ora, which is likely to be among the most affordable electric cars of the year; others are also expected to appeal to drivers in search of lower pricing. Here are some of the top affordable electric vehicles to watch for this year:
Cost: $49,000
62kWh
385km
Expect the Leaf to rise in popularity this year because of its competitive pricing and because Nissan has increased the range between battery charges by 40% and boosted the charging time functionality and vehicle acceleration. Leaf comes with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology and e-Pedal software that promises a smoother drive experience.
Other noteworthy features of the Nissan Leaf include its NissanConnect infotainment system that comes standard on these models. The car has an eight-inch touch screen as well as smartphone connectivity. Buyers can also look forward to the Leaf’s bi-directional charging, heated seats, and steering wheel.
Cost: $47,380AUD
60kWh
420KM
The BYD Atto 3 is both speedy and energetic. Its affordable pricing only adds to its popularity. A compact SUV, it makes up for with safety and efficiency features. The Atto 3 comes standard with Blade Battery technology, renowned for its energy-efficient performance.
Buyers should expect to see bold colour options for the Atto 3 as well as intelligent cruise control, built-in audio, collision warning sensors, a 12.8 rotating intelligent touch screen, and a 3D parking camera. With generous legroom and auto emergency brake room, the Atto 3 is no slouch when it comes to standard features.
Cost: under $44,000AUD
72kWh
440km
The MG ZS EV is one of Australia’s most affordable electric cars. It has three driving modes: eco, standard, and sport. While sporty mode gives drivers the most pep, the standard model does not disappoint with its level of acceleration.
The MG ZS EV comes with several notable features: blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, 360-degree camera, floating touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlights and taillights, and adaptive cruise control.
These are among the most highly anticipated if you’re thinking about purchasing a zero-emissions electric car this year. Even those vehicles billed as cost-effective models come standard with many must-have features that drivers love.
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