Australia’s new EV price war – BYD vs MG vs GWM
The EV price war among BYD, MG, and GWM is heating up, especially in Australia, as these brands aggressively compete to attract buyers with lower prices and simplified offerings. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
BYD: Pushing Affordability
- BYD Dolphin Essential: Now the cheapest EV in Australia, priced at $29,990 (before on-road costs). To cut costs, BYD stripped features like heated seats and a sunroof while keeping the 44.9kWh battery with a range of 340km.
- BYD Atto 3 Essential: Its price dropped to $39,990 by removing luxury features like a powered tailgate and a large touchscreen.
BYD is clearly targeting budget-conscious buyers by trimming non-essential features. For information regarding BYD Dolphin Chargers and Portables click here
MG: Setting New Benchmarks
- MG4 Hatchback: The price for the entry model was reduced to $30,990 drive-away for a limited time, helping it become Australia’s top-selling EV for a period. Currently, it’s priced at $32,990 drive-away.
- MG ZS EV: Prices have been slashed by up to $10,000, with some models now costing less than $40,000.
MG’s aggressive pricing strategy has helped it grab significant market share, even challenging Tesla’s dominance in some months. For information regarding MG4 Chargers and Portables click here
GWM: Staying in the Game
- GWM Ora Hatchback: Prices dropped across the board. The Standard Range now costs $33,990 drive-away, and GWM is sweetening the deal by throwing in a free charger worth $1,690.
GWM is making sure it remains competitive in the budget-friendly EV segment.
What This Means for the Market
- For Buyers: It’s a win. EVs under $40,000 and now $30,000 are becoming more accessible, making the switch to electric more appealing.
- For Automakers: Profit margins are shrinking. Some industry insiders warn that this level of competition might not be sustainable in the long run. This has been evident with both Japanese and European EV charging brands being decimated by the Chinese car makers.
This price war is reshaping the EV market, forcing manufacturers to innovate and cut costs while giving buyers more affordable choices than ever.