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I recently sat is a number of new EVs at dealers and shows, and test drove one - more soon hopefully. I am tall from seat to top of head.
You may want to visit the sellers' pages in a browser you don't use for farcebook. Try: Brave, and/or use the F.B. Purity browser plug in on the browser you use FB in, to "bust the fluff" (ads, "sponsored content", and other junk): https://www.fbpurity.com/
Any range is the more accurate Global WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) system, but remember pushing a brick-like SUV through air at at highway speeds will reduce this number somewhat, be it petrol, DIEsel, gaseous fuels, or electric. As well as a number of km, economy can also expressed in a number of kWh per 100km, or Wh per km.
The alternative is the less realistic NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). The China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) relies heavily on regenerative braking in a simulation of dense urban traffic to generate even more inflated figures. The US's EPA uses the bizarre miles per gallon gasoline equivalent, mpg-e or MPGe, with any total range figures likely lower than WLTP.
All prices are NSW delivered with private use registration unless noted. While registration for business use is higher, the seller may provide "ABN-holder" pricing. Religious agencies and local and other government may get GST rebates. Most states have primary producer concessions, and WA has farm plates.
Chinese cars are doing very well on NCAP crash testing. A Zeekr dealer pointed out that their design was done in Sweden, as both they and Volvo are part of Geely.
A term you may see from China occasionally is NEV, for New Energy Vehicle, a vehicle with any form of partial or full electrification in the drive train. A global term is ZEV, a vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions.
BYD Auto is part of a wider electronics, vehicle and stationary battery, vehicle parts, and mass transit systems company, named for the road it was founded on, Yadi Rd, with a B added to be near the beginning of western alphabetic lists, established in 1995. It is pronounced "Bǐyàdí" (BeeYarday) if speaking with Chinese people.
The smaller BYD has recently been released in Australia as the ATTO 1 to start at around $24k for the Essential. However, avoid this jobbie, and get the $28k Premium with a more powerful motor, and better range, it really goes from a potentially inconvenient slug requiring multiple charging stops, to a useful, pleasant to drive car for $4k.
The ATTO 2 is a small SUV at $35k or $39k.
The popular FWD Atto 3 SUV is $43k in Essential form (345 km), and $48k in Premium (420 km). The rear of my friend's is comfortable, and roomy.
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| BYD Atto 3 in the wild, used for rural commuting. |
The Dolphin is an FWD SUV. The 340 km range Essential is $32k, and the 472 km essential $40k, which can hold 1.3 cubic metres with the seats down.
The Seal is a premium sedan at $50k for the 470 km RWD Dynamic, the 570 km RWD Premium at $56.5k, and $66k for the AWD Performance which does 520 km, and a 0-100 of 3.8 seconds. Sealion 7 is a fastback type SUV at $58k to $68k. Some nice demonstrators are listed here. They have dealers in rural cities, and in Canberra which would help many in the Snowy, etc. Visit: Dealer map, noting no cookie opt-out.
New items are an AWD go-fast ATTO 3.
The T3 is a perhaps limited availability van available in the secondary market. The Transit size E-Vali is hopefully coming soon.
Note that they also have hybrids with 6 in the model. Who needs the complexity of an grotty engine, plus a socket? The Shark 6 hybrid pickup is selling well, causing ICE-only brands to take a hit.
Their luxury brand is Yanwang. The U7 is a sedan (equivalent to A$135k to $152k), the U9 is a supercar in coupé form, the latter costing around A$360k. It can even "bunny hop" over potholes! The YangWang U9 Xtreme has just claimed the World's fastest production car status from Bugatti, at 496 km/h (or 308 MPH). These have 4 motors. I saw a doofus claim his fuel car could beat any BYD. Maybe he also has a tiny Yangwang, or something like that...
From their Fangchengbao product range, the large B5 and B8 off-road hybrids are sold here using the Denza brand. However the pure electric off-road Ti7 (from the symbol for Titanium) may make it here too, perhaps as a Denza. It has a wading depth of 600 mm, like other serious 4WDs - and might remind some of a latter-day Land Rover.
SAIC Motor Corp., Ltd, was previously the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (renamed in 1995 from the Shanghai Internal Combustion Engine Components Company, started in 1955). They have multiple brands, and several joint ventures, including with VW and GM. The Volkswagen Santanas I travelled in as taxis in 2012 were made by them.
MG is a brand which has changed hands a number of times, now residing with SAIC. It came with the rights to the XPOWER name, which was used on some V8 prototypes in Britain before Phoenix Venture Holdings was robbed by its management, and collapsed.
The new entry level is the MG4 SUV Urban. The two variations are the Essence 43 and Essence 53, for the kWh capacity, with 316 and 405 km WLTP range. The 43 is $31,990. It appears the only other change is a marginal increase in power, and thus acceleration.
Existing ME4 EVs are well prices in the used market. There were several range options, with front drive, and the XPOWER AWD version.
The MGS5 EV in RHD only ranges from $43k to $51k. Red is +$700, because in MG should be red, right?
MG's Cyberster is a roadster or similar sports car, at $109k in RWD, $129k in AWD. Red is $1200 extra.
The MGU9 EV is coming soon, an AWD dual cab ute with strong towing capacity, a good sized tray, and a frunk.
IM is a joint venture between SAIC and others, "presented" in Australia by MG. The MG IM5 high quality sedan with 4 wheel steering, and with models at $61k RWD, $68k RWD with 655 km range, and $78k 575km WLTP. The upper model include advanced air suspension and variable damping, a $4k option at the intermediate level. The IM6 is an SUV with the same pricing points: $61k RWD, $68k RWD with 550 km range, and $78k for AWD with advances suspension. The suspension upgrade is a $5k option at the intermediate level. In all cases the interior is dark grey, with a light interior $990 extra. These appear as a model under MG on insurance sites.
Overseas the L7 is a high end, long range full size sedan. Additional SUVs are also available.
MG and IM: https://mgmotor.com.au/collections/explore-all-vehicles?&filter.p.tag=Electric. There is a free "Chargehub" on the the 5 and IMs at the moment.
As the Rover brand didn't come with the MG name and IP, they have used Roewe for a range of light vehicles, spinning out Rising Auto for EVs, with the F7 5 door executive level liftback, and an SUV (all currently China only).
Originally initials for Leyland DAF Vans in the UK, under SAIC LDV is now only used in Australia and NZ, with Maxus used elsewhere.
The eDelivery7 is $67k to $74k, with a few grand off for ABN holders. The SWB Low Roof has 318 km range and a 1350 kg payload. The LWB low roof has a slightly lower payload. The high roof version has a 328 km range, and 1175 kg payload. A cab-chassis is also available.
The eDelivery9 is a larger van, price on application. The eT60 is a 330 km range rear drive dual-cab Pickup truck, also POA. The MIFA 9 is a 7 seater van, POA.
Visit: https://www.ldvautomotive.com.au/ and click ELECTRIC.
Those ads with SUVs driving dangerously off-road? Turns out spraying up sea water in ads, then having your punters' vehicles rust if they do do this gets you in the doo-doo with the ACCC
The SAIC-GM JV makes vehicles such as the Buick Electra L7, a high performance (502 HP) sedan, sold in China. However this appears to be a range extender ICE car, but there are certainly pure EVs under this nameplate there. Maybe they could restart Holden, although the fastest ever Commodore being electric might upset a few folks. Or the fastest ever Torana.
Their SAIC-GM-Wuling JV makes the Baojun Yunduo compact hatchback in West Java, Indonesia as the Wuling Cloud EV. It is also the MG Windsor when made in India. Both of the last two are RHD countries. In India the Windsor costs A$15.5k plus 6.1 cents per km under a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) arrangement; it has V2L. The Wuling Air EV is a microcar sold in India as the MG Comet EV, at A$7069 plus 4.9 cents per km; it is also made in Indonesia, but I am unsure if it meets ADRs.
BAIC Group, founded in 1958, is based in Beijing, with as a luxury EV brand supplying vehicles from hatchbacks to full sized sedans; and BAIC Motor with the Beijing EU5 electric sedan. Stelato S9 is a full sized sedan, the S9T a full sized wagon, produced as part of a JV with Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), owned by Huawei. Range is around 700 km. BAIC is also the parent of the Foton, with ICE pickups and larger trucks sold here. ArcFox has confirmed its intention to supply the T5 mid-sized SUV, with good range. They are in several JVs.
The Foton T5 Electric Truck, which they really want you to know was formerly iBLUE, is available placarded at 4500 or 6000 kg gross. It is a cab - chassis truck, to which you can add a tray or pantech box, etc. The wheelbase is 3360 mm or 132¼″. See: https://www.fotonevsydney.com.au/t5-electric-truck/
These are not (yet) available here, although among other things, they demonstrate that hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons are popular there.
JAC Group, in association with MIMA produces the Maextro S800, a full-size ultra-luxury sedan with reclining rear seats which include leg rests, a drinks fridge, active suspension, and all wheel steering. It has 600 km range, and a charge time (10-80%) is 12 minutes! Pricing might be towards $250k, but this is likely commensurate with the features and quality of the vehicle. Features include power operated doors with radar to prvent contact with other objetcs. I'll take the purple and silver two-tone. Meaxtro article
Cadillac's first offering here is the Lyriq. This is a roomy crossover SUV, with all-wheel drive the single option here, now available. The Luxury trim is $128k, the Sport $130k, with the differences being wheels and trims. As of early March 2026 both are available to order from $95k! "Crystal White Tricoat" is reduced to $1500, but may be free on current stock. A tow pack is available in the US. Range is 530 km, and 0 to 100 km/h is 5.3 seconds. It is build in Spring Hill, Tennessee, as a factory RHD. Wheelbase is 121.8". Visit: https://shop.cadillacanz.com/. Carsales lists a couple of demonstrators at $90k.
One comment was that they brake if pedestrians are anywhere nearby when they are parking. They have 22 kW AC charging.
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| Cadillac Lyriq at the Sydney showroom. |
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The have LiDAR equipment on board, but only use it for lane keeping, however, SuperCruise needs our roads to be mapped before it can be used here. LiDAR is far better than the deadly camera-only (and illegal in Victoria) system, which Tesla uses.
Future plans include the high performance Lyriq-V, the a larger Vistiq SUV, and smaller Optiq SUV.
The AWD Optiq is made in Wuhan or Mexico. It has a range of 425 km, and is offered at $86k. The Vistiq is a tall three row SUV made in Tennessee or Shanghai, with a 461 km range, priced from $124.5k. One option does 0-100 in 4.2 seconds.
The Celestiq is a super-luxury full-sized car, hand built in Michigan, sadly in LHD only, at ~US$400k. The Escalade-IQ is likely not coming over, even if slow vehicle fans were spraying "Escalade" comments over the local fb page, wanting the ICE.
GM is however mining your data and giving it to companies engaging in the legalised fraud otherwise known as insurance: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PAfjQKT3vBU. Yes, a hungry cat running up to his car is a recorded as a daily "near collision with small object".
GMC is the commercial vehicle division of GM. They share platforms with Chevrolet's largest vehicles, such as the Silverado; and historically produced heavy vehicles and buses. Denali is their luxury nameplate. GMC Australia converts several of their vehicles including the GM Sierra EV Pickup. This has 724 km of range and a towing capacity of 4082 kg. 0-100 is around 4.5 seconds. It includes a large front boot for a your groceries, etc. See: https://www.gmcaustralia.com/
This company's other EV import is the ridiculously heavy Hummer EV. This has 613 km range and 3.5 second 0-100. It is available in SUV and Pickup.
The Chevrolet Silverado importer (GM Special Vehicles) does not do the EV, but maybe you can suggest it: https://www.gmspecialtyvehicles.com/contact-us
Note that these commercial vehicles may require a Light Rigid licence, and/or require National Heavy Vehicle plates, thanks to a cash grab by the sQomo government.
Other overseas models are Chevrolet Blazer EV (including cop and SS versions (Super Sport, not the SS which ICE is learning from)) is a battery electric mid-size crossover SUV, while the Equinox EV is an EV. Both are on the BEV3 platform like the Lyriq, and are hecho en Mexico. US built RHD ICE Blazers were sold in Japan for a period, and was one way to get a Chevy here, but I am not sure if there are plans to repeat this with the EV. The GMC E300 is a microvan and Kei truck made in Taiwan (an LHD market).
Buick has so far forgotten to build EVs for North America. This brand is however used in China. The latter has the Electra L7 full sized sedan (rear or all wheel drive), the Electra Encasa people-mover, and the Velite 6 front-drive compact 5 door wagon.
For those who think EVs are not for serious drivers, try a Lotus! The Emeya is a fully electric Hyper-GT in All-wheel drive. The 600 has 600+ horsepower, and up to 580 km range. 0-100 is 4.15 seconds. The base is around $186k. The 600 GT SE is around $190k. GT stands for Grand Tourer, or gran turismo, meaning a car able to cross a large European country in a day, operating an fatigue preventing speeds over longer distances. The Sport SE is around $225k. The 900 has 900+ horsepower, and a 2-speed transmission for the rear motor, with 0-100 in 2.78 seconds. The Sport is ~$250k and the Sport Carbon $275k with Solar Yellow paint an included option. A towbar is $3k. LiDAR is $11.5k. An extensive range of interior and performance options are available, with a carbon fibre roof being an example. The side mirrors can be replaced with more aerodynamic cameras.
The Eletre is an SUV. Built on the same platform, the options and pricing are as above. Range maybe suffers by 10 km with the greater frontal profile, maybe a little more in actual GT use. The 600 does 0-100 in 4.5 seconds, the 900 in 2.95. Interestingly, the top speed is a few km less legal, given the CLP regime in the NT is only doing the concentrating kids into camps bit, but not the (//) open limit applying historically. See: https://www.lotuscars.com/en-AU
The company is a co-owned with Etika Automotive, part owner of Proton, although there is recent news re Proton upping its investment.
Volvo sells a sedan, and 3 SUVs. The ES90 is a large rear drive sedan with 1600 kg towing capacity. It has a 550 km range, and two trim levels, at $100k to $121k. The EX30 is the smallest SUV. In rear drive it is $67k or $74k. AWD is only available in the higher trim, with the stupid glass roof, at $79k. There is a bright "yellow moss" option at all levels. The EX40 has a single high trim level, with rear drive at $85k, and AWD $90k. The largest is the AWD 7-seat EX90 at $140k to $151k. Wander over to: https://www.volvocars.com/au/build?engineType=bev
Volvo trucks are below (a different company).
The C40 is a recently discontinued "crossover" SUV. While 2024s are $64k to $80k as dealer demonstrators, one 2022 is available under just $40k as I type this.
Polestar was once the go-fast tag of Volvo, before it become the brand used for electric sedans. The 2 is the long-standing sedan. I've ticked the $1500 heat pump option which includes rear seat heating, as using resistive heating is a major range killer in cooler weather, and thus stupid. Thus the RWD base model becomes $70k. The RWD Long Range (659 km) is $75k. The AWD is $79k. White paint instead of ugly grey is $1500. Adding a towbar costs $2600 and allows up to 1500 kg of braked trailer. Yikes, they know how to charge for a charging cable! $480 for an 11 kW one.
The 3 is an SUV with up to 706 km range, or 0-100 in 4.7 seconds. The range number is for the $127k Long range Single motor (with a long wait time). The LR is on clearance of available models $102 to 140k. The Performance pack is around $155k. See what is on the site, I suppose.
The 4 is a fastback. It replaces the rear windscreen with a camera, but has an LCD based electrochromic glass roof. The 620 km single motor is $86k. The dual motor pulls 0-100 in 3.8 seconds, and costs $96k.
The 5 is marketed as a combination of sports car and high performance Grand Tourer (GT). The Dual motor - Launch edition is $187k and will travel 670 km between charges. 0-100 is 3.9 seconds. The Performance - Launch edition goes 565 km, but makes "100" appear on the speedo in just 3.2 seconds in exchange for $210k. A tow pack is available for $3200, although if you're just taking stuff to the tip a few times a year paying a local with a ute might be cheaper!
Drop by: https://www.polestar.com/au/
Incidentally another piece of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) from the anti-EV brigade was that Volvo was selling out of Polestar. Apparently there was a (partial?) transfer to Geely itself. Oddly the FUD brigade don't comment on the fact VW owns Porsche, but Porsche owns VW, and any associated share trading. (They are in fact different entities).
Zeekr is another Geely brand, with the 7X SUV at $65k for RWD, $70k in Long Range RWD (615 km), and $80k for Performance AWD (3.8s 0-100 km/h). White or other coloured paint is currently a free option, as is a light interior on the AWD, but will have fees at some point. Cables are also included in the pre-order offer. They are designed in Sweden, and have as 5 star NCAP rating.
The X is listed as a sedan, but is more like a hatch. The RWD is $50k, the AWD $63k. Range is over 400 km.
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| The Zeekr X in "Pine Green" above, and White below, The 009 is in the background. |
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The 009 is listed as a Luxury MPV (Multi Person Vehicle), a brick on wheels capable of gapping a VF Commodore with its 4.5 second 0-100 figure. The 2+2+3 7 seater is $146k, and the 2+2+2 6 seater $150k. Range is 686 km, using the ADR method. It even has an 8.6 litre fridge or warmer. The X is a rather compact "Luxury Urban Cross SUV", with rear drive $55k, and AWD $69k. See: https://www.zeekrlife.com/en-au/
Geely itself sells the EX5 mid-sized SUV, now called the "Extended Range" as they have extended the range! The "Complete" with 475 km is up ~$1k to $45k, ditto the 450 km Inspire with a glass roof for $49k. They currently have a free wall charger and cable, although it is 7 kW, implying the car doesn't support fast 3 phase charging - while the description indicates a lower rate 3 phase charger (11 kW). Maybe it can do 7 kw on single phase or 11 on 3 phase. The base model only has a dark interior - certainly something you wouldn't want with the glass roof. That version includes the light interior is the default. The Aquatic Green paint looks nice. They have dealers in Orange, Shepparton, Wodonga, Launceston, Cairns, Townsville, and Bundaberg as examples of rural locations, with Shellharbour, Geelong, Canberra, and Darwin available, in addition to all state capitals. Check out: https://www.geely.com.au/models/EX5
The 007 GT is a long range, high performance luxury wagon some call a shooting brake, despite an excessive number of doors, shown in LHD at the Sydney show. A true shooting break is a luxury 3 door vehicle with rear seats, and the storage area of a wagon (to hold "sporting equipment" and perhaps small game).
Geely also has a Panda overseas: Wikipedia: Geely Panda Mini EV
Geely also manufactures in the RHD Indonesia, such as the 7-seat Aletra L8 EV, with 400 and 500 km options. Chinese builds are also sold in RHD Malaysia as a Proton.
RIDDARA has just launched in NZ, and is hopefully coming soon here. Globally there are 4WD and 2WD options. The 4WD can even do a "tank turn". See images and info on the various pages here: https://www.riddara.com/, then prod them here: https://www.geely.com.au/contact-us
LYNK&CO is an internal JV between Geely and Volvo, mostly ICE, except the 02.
Farizon sells goods vans which can be driven on a car licence. The SV is the original and larger van. It has 376 km range. I photographed it at Mobility Live 2025 - Sydney. Several colours are available, with the price is $70k to $77k. The V7E is a newer van, a little more compact, with 329 km range, available from May 2026. The larger SV could be a mobile library, the V7E good for distributing material around a multi-branch system or network.
The H9E is a series of trucks. The SWB Cargo is a pantech rated at 4500 kg for CAR drivers. Two cab-chassis are rates at 8000 kg for LR licence holders, the first has a 3360mm (132¼″) wheelbaase like the Cargo, the second 4500 mm (177″). None will fit under "Monty", the truck and bus destroying Montague Street Bridge in Melbourne!
See: https://farizonauto.au/.
$8000 to $15,000 towards fleet conversion per vehicle is availabe in NSW, up to the end of May 2026: Details
Geely also owns the London EV Company, which not only builds the hybrid taxi, but the VN5 van. See: Wikipedia: LEVC VN5
The Smart JV is discussed below.
Volkswagen AG (Aktiengesellschaft = shareholder owned company) is the overall company, with owners including Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE), and the State of Lower Saxony. "Volk" means the people, "Wagen" car, with the W is generally pronounced as a V.
Škoda, pronounced something like "shkowda", is a long-standing company in the Czech Republic, aka Czechia, bought by VW, and thus shares the MEB platforms with other VAG makes. If the government of as country affects how you vote with your dollars, as this is uploaded, the country has just elected a right wing populist and pro-Russia party which will likely form government with extreme right groups, and will cease support of Ukraine. Their single local offering is 4 door they call a Coupé, the Enyaq. The 2WD Sportline is $70k, the AWD RS is $77k, adding a very visible Mamba Green as a zero-cost option. Elroq is an all-electric SUV, at $60k in "85 Select" trim, and $70k in the "130 Years Edition". Offered in Ireland, Malta, and Cyprus (the remaining right-hand drive EU markets, following the UK's self-relegation), the Enyaq is also available in a wagon format, with 580 km range. See: https://www.skoda.com.au/
Volkswagen itself sells SUVs and vans. The ID.4 Pro is a 544 km range RWD SUV, at $65k with an extra kilobuck for white. The ID.4 GTX is the go-fast AWD, at $76k. The RWD ID.5 SUV is $68k, with the AWD ID.5 GTX $79k. Oddly the Pro and GTX versions are listed as different models on their site.
Overseas the ID.3 is a large hatchback, while ID.6 is a crossover SUV, and the ID.7 is available in Saloon or Tourer (wagon). ID. UNYX 06 is a cross-over SUV. Coming soon, the ID.1 will be a small hatch, ID.Polo and ID.Polo GT will be medium hatches, and ID.Cross a small crossover.
The 7-seater ID. Buzz comes in short wheelbase "Pro" at around $100k, and long wheelbase GTX for $123k. Two-tone paint is an option. The ID.Buzz Cargo is a 3 seater van at $86k to $93k, which holds 2 Europallets. Pomelo Yellow Metallic is an option.
Visit: Electric VWs
Audi has 3 sizes of SUV and SUV sportbacks, with 2WD and AWD (quattro) options: Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron are SUVs. The Q6 SUV e-tron, SQ6 SUV e-tron, Q6 Sportback e-tron and SQ6 Sportback e-tron are larger. Q8 e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron, SQ8 e-tron, and SQ8 Sportback e-tron. $110k to $180k.
The Audi e-tron GT is a range of three all-wheel drive Grand Tourers on the J1 platform in the $225k to $333k range.
For EVs click "Fully Electric" here: https://www.audi.com.au/en/models/
For those seeking Iberian passion, Cupra is a brand of the SEAT division of VAG. The initial Born hatchback offering is listed as sold out, but used are listed from just under $37k to $49k. A 4 seat premium version is listed now at $44k. Others are 5 seat. Range is 500 km.
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| Blue Cupra Born shown in a rural NSW city. The copper coloured highlights are a brand hallmark. |
Their new products is the Tavascan SUV. The 210 kW RWD Endurance is $66k, the 250 kW AWD VZ is $80k. See: https://www.cupraofficial.com.au/cars/tavascan, The ЯAVAL is a "coming soon" mini car.
Their Bentley brand has electric vehicles under development, and currently sells plug-in hybrids. Visit: https://www.bentleymotors.com/en/about-bentley/beyond-100/coming-this-way.html
Majority owned by VAG, Porsche (pronounced with a schwa (ə), as in "car", on the end) also have a range of EVs on the same platforms as Audi. Oddly, they use "Turbo" to indicate higher performance versions, an ICE carry-over. S (sport) also indicates go-fast versions. A 4 means all wheel drive.
The Tycan is a sports sedan with 4 doors. The standard version has 4 seats, with an addition centre rear seatbelt and headrest available for $1k. Examples include the base in white at $200k; the 4 at $210k; the 4S, $242k; the GTS, 287k. Turbo GT can exceed $0.5M. Custom paint can be up to $46k! (Maybe buy a low income person an affordable EV, and get a $5k paint option instead). They look great. The Taycan Cross Turismo is termed a shooting brake or estate. The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is $334k. Available overseas, the Taycan Sport Turismo is a shooting break. Range can be up to 600 km. The roof over the rear of the sedan does drop, so some will find the headroom a little low.
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| Porsche Taycan. The wheels are 21-inch Mission E Design wheels, a $3,940 option. |
The Macan is an SUV which is now all electric in the second generation, with the ICE first generation dropped in Australia. The base rear-drive Macan Electric is $145k, and does 0-100 in 5.7 seconds, but tops out at 220 km/h. Adding air suspension lifts ground clearance from 185 to 205 mm (while in tippy-toes mode), and fording height from 300 to 305 mm. The 5.2 second 4 is $153k. The 4S goes 0-100 in 4.1 seconds, and is $165k, with a rear wiper as a $0 option on this and the Turbo. The 4 Turbo reaches 100 in 3.3 seconds, and costs $205k. Bramble is a leather colour option, darker than V-set seats. The rear seat headroom is good, for all but the most overgrown teenagers. There is a substantial centre console in the front makes stretching for guys difficult. The Frozenblue Metallic from the Dreams range is lovely, and a $2,880 option. Unfortunately my 'phone camera photo blurred.
The larger fourth generation (2026) Porsche Cayenne, coded E4, is all-electric. All here are all-wheel drive, with rear-drive an option overseas. Rear steering is an option, allowing tighter turning. Driveaway is $184.5k for the version with a 0-100 of 4.8 seconds. The "Turbo" does this in 2.5 seconds. With things like the ventilated seats, optional on the base, standard, it is $281k. I think I'd add black/sage trim, and Aero wheels with bright element, maybe with Mystic Green paint.
Their site is shy on range, but apparently over 500 km is possible on some models.
See: https://www.porsche.com/australia/
XPeng are listed on the NY and HK stock exchanges. Many are 5 stars on C-NCAP, preformed at a higher speed then Euro-NCAP. Model names are usually one letter, one numeral. Sedans, are P, presumably for Passenger. SUVs are G, perhaps not for Geländewagen, but who knows? Maybe Guangzhou or Guangdong, the city and province they are in; or Graz, Austria were the European models are built under contract. Bonnetted people movers are X.
The G6 is a fastback style vehicle, in RWD, with an 800 volt battery. It is $55k for 435 km Standard Range; $60k for a 570 km Long Range. A towbar is $1880 fitted. The G9 is more wagon-like, and very quick in AWD, but is at the "Keep me informed" stage here.
The X9 seats 7. Range is very good, and charging fast. There are rear and AWD models. With a 0-100 figure of 5.7 seconds, anyone trying to get to a slip lane first from lights is going to discover it isn't a Tarago very quickly.
Americans get the P7, a large sedan, looking rather Volvoish. The smaller FWD Mona M03 sedan doesn't make it here ether.
The Downunder site no option to decline cookies, so copy this to a browser you don't use for other uses: xpeng.com.au
The P7+ 5-door executive liftback sedan was shown in LHD in Sydney too. The P7 pulls 4.1 second 0-100 times.
They also sell the Voyager X2 and XPeng Voyager X1 eVTOL multicopters, and a 6×6 "Land Carrier" van to carry it them.
While American, Ford also has major operations in Europe, especially Germany. And, yes, they did build for military purposes when the nastly little moustache guy was in charge, with Henry's full blessing, and for his gain. UK vehicle production ended in 2013, with only diesel engines and transmissions still being made, and petrol engine production ending concurrently with Brexit in 2020 (oops). Interestingly they did use "Blue Oval" as the name of the holding company for a period.
The Mustag E-Mach is a high performance 5 door fastback SUV. The rear drive Select is $63k, the 600 km range RWD Premium is $77k. The GT is $107k, unless an offer applies. Those who say that if it isn't a V8 then it isn't a Mustang might hear differently from owners of First and Third generation inline-6 and V6 models; ditto the various I-4s. It was originally a mi-sized "Pony" car. It is however more rounded than the more angular ICE versions. The front seats are roomy enough, with a lower centre console allowing some lateral stretching (man-spreading). The rear seat is quite good, although what appear to be large speakers in the door do intrude a little for chunky passengers.
The E-Transit Custom Trend is a long wheelbase rear drive van. E-Transit Custom Sport is the short wheelbase version, with stripes. The big option is the high roof 11.5 cubic metre, 1.6 tonne E-Transit, with a mid-roof option available. Read more: https://www.ford.com.au/showroom/electric/
The F-150 Lightning is a large dual cab pickup, dropped from $170k to $109k, with good towing capacity. I sat in one at Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Summit 2025, and it is certainly roomy for the driver. The rear seats fold away allowing significant internal storage. The cost is partly down to local conversion: https://ausev.com.au/ - This site has failed to display content as of 1 April, and their facebook is unavailable. I suppose some will become available used...
Like the original European (and not the chronically leaky downunder-built front-drive convertible) the Capri is a rear-drive fastback vehicle, built on the MEB platform, and available in RHD countries such as Ireland and the UK. A towbar is available. If they arrive downunder, ensure you tick the heat-pump option. There is a 286 PS (metric horse power) option. I'd love to see them, even of they may have hit a bit of a retro car obstacle - those who remember the original likely want the old GT bodied V6, while to younger EV buyers the name means little, or has negative connotations thanks to the soggy rag-top. Or maybe they look like the second generation US Mercury Capri from the 1980s. Richard Hammond is a fan, saying it handles well. Ford Australia was very reluctant, but that was before the FTA with the EU — give them a prod. It might work out around A$71k. See: Ford UK - Capri or Ireland - in metric.
Other overseas models are the Puma Gen-E, and "All-Electric" Explorer.
Their luxury Lincoln brand is only at the concept stage of electrification, with the cool looking L100.
Mercury, the intermediate level brand, ceased with the 2008 sub-prime mortgage debacle triggered GFC. (BTW, not only did the Australian response save the economy, it is saving Australians $billions on heating and cooling). Ford also divested of the brands within their Premier Automotive Group over this period.
GWM stands for Great Wall Motor. The only pure EV here is the ORA, a small 5 door hatch with a somewhat distinctive front, especially around the headlamps. It is branded as the ORA Goodcat in some markets (as in the make is Ora, the model Goodcat). This 2WD car has a 400 km range. The Lux trim is $36k, the GT $39k. This also changes the battery chemistry. Rock on over to: https://www.gwmanz.com/au/config/ora/
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| GWM Ora. This vehicle can be "defected" due to no "EV" blue triangle on the plate. NSW is now providing plates with the EV tag built in. |
The have a couple of good looking pick-ups in pure EV in China, one with 400 km range.
Their HAVAL branded ICE vehicles are popular here, as well as Russia where they have a factory...
Chery promised an affordable small SUV or tall car in Australia a few years ago, and has recently delivered is the E5.
The E5 is a 430 km front drive SUV. It has a Full Size Spare Wheel. It can tow a 750 kg unbraked trailier. The Urban is $39k in Titan Gree, white and other colours extra. The ultimate is $43k. Only the Ultimate has the heat pump (taking up the 19 litres of front starage for Sarah Aubrey to store her wine in); and heated seats. AC charging is 6.6 kW on single phase, or 10.3 kW using three phase. DC is up to 130 kW.
A more recent promise is that the iCar range will be available, branded iCAUR. The V23 is a boxy SUV, with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. The Malaysian price equates to A$43k. The 03T is an SUV in rear or all wheel drive. It appears to be an off-road capable.
Overseas Chery New Energy has the Arrizo e sedan, the e Q1 city car (although with decent range), and eQ7 SUV. The Chery QQ Ice Cream is a cute but limited range city car. With pastels including pink maybe it is for women, and only the manliest of men. :-)
Also overseas only, the Karry Little Elephant EV single cab can carry an 8 foot (2.44 metre) long hay bale, unlike a RAM tray-backed SUV (which they call a "truck"). The Porpoise is a rear drive van.
What is being delivered is the Jaecoo J5 EV. Note that the brand is mostly selling combustion vehicles - including a flamable liquid powered J5. Pricing is just under $37k, with introductory free "premium" paint. It is an SUV appearing similar to a recent Range Rover. WLTP is a useful 402 km. It is front drive, and there is space for a spare tyre. Value is good; look at this too if looking at the ATTO 2. "Electrify This" was upbeat about it. A towbar is available.
This FTA was signed on 24 March 2026. It removes the 5% Tarriff on EU built cars, while the Luxury Car Tax threshold for zero emission vehicles has risen to $120,000.
The LCT is currently 33% the price in excess of $91,387 for cleaner cars. For all EU cars this means a 4.762% drop in landed price to which profit and GST is added, and for high end cars roughly $9500 drop on the LCT. Some cars will drop out of the LCT all together. If you were the boos of the car importer, of high value car and brought one in for your self, so profit was zero, I think the total current price might work out something like the following: $200,000 + 5% = 210,000 landed. Add GST and get $231,000. LCT is (231,000 - $91,387) × 10 / 11 × 0.33 = $41883.90. 231,000 + 41,883.90 = 272,883.90. New system: $220,000 inc GST + $30000 LCT = $250,000.
The 10/11 bit is to exempt the GST component from LCT, yet oddly they don't exempt the excise on fuel ordinary folks pay from GST when calculating the bowser price.
If you buy a $40k Jeep Avenger from Poland the price might drop somewhere around $1500, depending on how much is profit and dealer fees, etc.
Prices are below are under the current system. Remember also that the UK self-relegated from the EU, but already benefitted from their own FTA and ZEV LCT concession.
I remember when BMW had 4 or 5 models, with a few engine options, and the badge on my 318i could be decoded as a small coupé with a 1.8 litre injected engine, before one size with different software meant a range of digits, especially in diesels. Odd prefixes became 4 door or Touring (except 2 & 3 door 3 series), even was coupés, M means Motorsport, and the X/x such as xDrive means all wheel drive, as in the 325iX I would have liked. e was a performance level, but now means rear drive and cars, or front drive on SUVs, a travesty to a a brand built on rear-drive. A leading i means "innovation" aka electric; a trailing i is injected (petrol), with non-injected petrols ending in the 1980s, it is no longer on some cars now in the car yards. A trailing d is diesel. An "s" is or was an indication of performance (perhaps "sport").
The group's vehicles, including RR, and especially Mini are very big sellers in Europe.
The iX is a medium sized SUV with 4WD. Oddly they number them with some sort of engine size equivalent. The 45 suffix is $155k, the 50 is $200k, the M60 $250k. They are one of the vehicles used bu the Federal parliament for transporting politicians.
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| A 2023 BMW iX xDrive40 station wagon, used rurally. |
The iX1 is medium AWD SUV. The front drive eDrive20 is $87k. xDrive30 is $94k. An M version is $101k. [Hey BMW, making selections on your site is awful].
The iX2 is medium SUV, with the xDrive30 (AWD) at $94k. The eDrive20 FWD is $91k. They were pointing out these are below the luxury car tax.
The i4 is a "Gran Coupé", somehow meaning 4 doors. Someone from Canberra visited town in one, and it certainly looks nice - plus no need to worry about fuel, or highway failures. The RWD eDrive35 is $95, and the eDrive40 is $111k. The AWD M50 is $144k.
The i5 eDrive40 Sedan is an upper middle sized car at $169k in RWD. The go-fast version is the i5 M60 xDrive Sedan at $240k. Someone else visited my town in one.
For wagon fans, $146k gets you the i5 M60 xDrive Touring.
The i7 xDrive60 Sedan is the largest option, at $327k. The i7 M70 xDrive Sedan is $367k.
For some "Sheer Driving Pleasure" visit: https://www.bmw.com/en-au/electric-cars.html
Unfortunately BMW has discontinued the smaller i3. Used models range from under $20k to $41k. While some are pure electric, the REx added a 0.6 litre 2 cylinder generator.
Alpina, was a company which builts things like high performance engines to be placed into vehicles on the BMW lines which were then sold with an Alpina badge in place of the usual roundel. Due to its failure to embrace electrification, despite national and sub-national bans or very tight restrictions kicking in from last year to 2030, and the EU wide ban from 2035, BMW has bought the company, with staff moved to other parts of BMW. There are no vehicles on the new BMW-Alpina site, so who knows. One challenge is that driving on an Autobahn with the 250 km/h speed limiter most German cars have disabled chews through battery capacity very quickly. (I suppose the only Alpina products sold in Norway are liquor, ski shoes, and bikes from other companies, using a word meaning "of the Alps").
The ban has since become a very tight restriction, allowing only a small number of high cost sports cars, and the like. I doubt there will be a noisy ICE VW GTI hatch, or fuel burning Škoda for the Reform / AfD types cheering this "defeat of the EV agenda", or whatever they see this as.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a glorious fastback coupe, seating 4. It is all wheel drive, with a real world range of 450km, and a WLTP figure of 530 km with careful driving. The price is $770k plus on-roads, with options potentially taking it to over $1.1 million. These are generally built to order, with interior and exterior colours customisable. See: Specte - in detail
Mini has several EV option. Range is enough for most rural users, although not for the remotest areas. The Aceman is an all-electric 5 door, with the SE at $67k. The All-Electric JCW Aceman is $72k (JCW is John Cooper Works, named for the racing car builder). The Cooper SE (3 door, the closest to the traditional version), with up to 400 km range is $65k, and the All-Electric JCW is $70k. The Countryman E (5 door SUV) is $71k, the SE ALL4 $80k. Click on: https://www.mini.com.au/
Alpine, pronounced (al-peen) is a long standing French sports car company from Dieppe, merged into Renault S.A., and now relaunched as a brand. The A390 is an "Elegant Sport Fastback", aka mid-sized SUV. Range is 520 to 555 km. It gas a Wound-rotor synchronous motor at the front, and a permanent magnet synchronous motor at each rear wheel. The colour? "bleu Alpine vision", close to the mid-blue Bleu de France, although others are available. The prices will likely be north of $130k for the GT (4.8 seconds), and north of $150k for the GTS (3.9 seconds). The A290 Hot Hatch is not listed here, but seriously guys, get rid of the X headlights and driving lights; I certainly don't want to look like I'm simping Musk. See: https://www.alpinecars.com.au/new-vehicles/a390/. They also have merch for both the brand, and the BWT Alpine F1 team.
Renault itself in Australia has the Megane E-Tech and the Kangoo E-Tech. The former is an listed as a car in Wikipedia, although is more of a hatchback / "crossover". Range is 454 km, and acceleration 7.4 seconds, better than most things ICE, and especially when you consider the current offer is just $54,990 driveaway. See: https://www.renault.com.au/vehicles/megane-e-tech/
The Scenic E-Tech is a fairly conventional front-drive SUV. The techno is $60k with a 430 km range. The techno - Long Range is $64,5k. Both are red at that price, pearl white or other colours are $900 extra. The esprit Apline is $71k. The latter two have a range of 625km WLTP. A safety kit which includes a vest, first aid kit, and warning triangle is $30. Visit: https://www.renault.com.au/vehicles/scenic-e-tech/
For commercial users or others wanting a bonnetted van, Kangoo E-Tech is available with metal panels or glass windows, and rear doors or a tailgate. It is front drive, freeing space in the rear. There are short and long wheelbase options, and various "packs" adding things such as timber lining. They can tow 1500 kg. See: https://www.renault.com.au/vehicles/kangoo-e-tech/
They have a range of passenger EVs available outside Australia, including the 5 E-Tech car, and 4 E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech SUVs. The Trafic Van E-Tech is a large van with 297 km range.
The 5 E-Tech is a front-drive hatch based on the earlier ICE of the same name. The "Turbo 3E" version uses motors into the rear wheels, also termed hub motors. Renault 4 E-Tech is a crossover on the same platform. The Megane E-Tech Electric is a front drive 5 door family hatch.
These share platforms with Nissan in Europe. New to Australia, Ariya is an SUV with 2WD and "e-4ORCE" AWD options. The "Evolve" AWD is $77k; $79 for with the rather nice copper paint. "How much is the 2WD (at Advance level)?" is the $64,000 question. Advance+ claims 504 km range, and costs $69k. The base Engage model claims 385 km and costs just under $61k.
Last year they were advertising an SUV as an EV, but it was just an ICE with a generator and a motor, instead of a driveshaft, something copied from Owen Magnetic from 1916 (Jay Leno has one which spent its life in Norway). The Kangoo is also the Nissan Townstar EV in some overseas markets. I am unsure if any Leaf cars remain in stock, but these UK built models were on clearance at earlier this year for $35k. Otherwise models with various ranges should be available used, some from those who bought them from the Good Car Co, imported used from Japan, as well as local deliveries. We miss out on the French built 400 km range Micra, now EV only, sold in RHD in Ireland and the UK. these markets, with a NISMO version available.
How about the platform's co-developer, Mitsubishi? Nope, despite the eK X EV minicar, and the MiEV mini-van and mini-truck being sold in Japan. (Apparently the lack of a 5-star rating means fleet managers would avoid the eK X). Maybe the minitrucks can be imported via Iron Chef Imports, as they'd make great road registered farm vehicles. Ask Iron Chef Imports. Luxgen n7 aka Foxtron Model C mid-sized crossover SUV may be built by Yulon under licence in Taiwan, and badged Mitsubishi, available from 2026. Try: https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/
The i-MiEV does have air-conditioning for the battery, so 16 year old versions are still on the road here. They are really only suitable for running around town in, unless you get the ~$16k third party upgrade to get 250 km range.
For completeness re the Renault group, Dacia is the budget brand, based in Romania. Thankfully not sold here, the Dacia Spring is an very much entry level EV, with just 225 to 305 km range, and a battery which takes an hour to charge, annoying any other fast charger user waiting, as it only pulls 30 kW in DC mode. The top speed is 78 MPH or 125 km/h, slower than the typical motorway traffic flow in many countries, and one version takes 19 seconds to get to 100 km/h! It might work as a runabout on a holiday island (Malta has a top limit of 80 km/h), but that is about it. ICE only, the Duster has been promoted to a Renault badge here. A variant was sold by Nissan as the NP200 in South Africa, being one of the last true utes, with a single panel for the cab and body, but called a bakkie, from bak meaning bowl.
However the 3 diamonds are available in electric, if you buy a FUSO ECANTER. Maybe a truck is a better choice for a farmer than a ute or a bloated US pick-up which may raise certain questions... For those with only a car licence: the e515 comes in City Cab and Wide Cab. The City Cab has 2500 mm (98"), 2800 mm (110"), and 3400 mm (134") wheelbases. The Wide Cab in 3400 mm only. These have the smallest battery to allow a useful payload within the 4495 kg GVM. However, the rear axle limit is 4500 kg, and the front 2600 kg, meaning the 4495 is a legal fiction to allow CAR licence holders to drive it (but on private land you can probably fully load it). For Light Rigid licence holder vehicles a medium battery is fitted. The 6 tonne e615 City Cab as a 3400 mm wheelbase, and e615 Wide cab has this or a 3850 mm (152") option. The 7.5 t e818 Wide Cab has more power, and 3400 mm or 3850 mm options. Medium Rigid options have an 8.55 tonne GVM. The e918 Wide Cab with a medium battery and 3850 mm, 4450 mm (175"), or 4750 mm (187") options. The 4450 mm can be downgraded to a 7000 kg compliance plate, to be driven by an LR driver. Also 8.55 tonne GVM, the e918 Wide Cab Long Range has the biggest battery. Many include an ePTO option.
See: https://www.fuso.com.au/range/electric/
The inches were for my benefit, to compare with the historic 101" FC and 109" Series IIB forward control Land Rovers.
The NSW Labor government is funding heavy vehicle training (MC or HC) for people who own a farm, or who can get a letter offering employment on one if they get the upgrade. AgSkill 3.0
Stellantis is a major joining of automotive groups, formed in 2021. Their "Dare Forward" strategic plan is their move to electric vehicles. Brands are: Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram Trucks, and Vauxhall. There is a great deal of platform sharing. The also own 20% of Leapmotor, and are the European distributor. They are in other joint ventures, and own various financial and lease / rental companies. They also own Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot (Museum of the Peugeot Adventure), and a museum and archive in Torino (Turin) dedicated to their Italian brands.
Opel and Vauxhall were transferred from General Motors when they quit the right-hand drive world. Sadly Holden was instead "terminated with extreme prejudice". Vauxhall is the UK brand, while Opel is sold in Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta in RHD; and Germany, Norway, and other markets in LHD. Frontera is a front drive SUV. Corsa-e is a hatchback, which should have been an electric Barina. The Mokka-e is a small SUV, sharing the platform. Most models names end in "a" to honour Adam Opel. The Combo is available for goods or passengers. Apparently Opel is considering setting up here again.
One brand sold here is Fiat, and its go-fast cousin Abarth. The Fiat 500e is a 3 door at $39k. It does 0-100 in 9.0 seconds, and goes 311 km. It has Level 2 automated driving, such as lane-keeping and maintaining spacing from other vehicles. The Arbath 500e does 0-100 in 7.0 seconds, but only gets 253 km, and costs $44k, including hyperactive paint. (The early 500e was a 185 km range compliance car in California). What don't we get? The 600e SUV, the Grande Panda small SUV, the e-Scudo / e-Ulysse medium van, and e-Ducato long wheelbase van. See: https://www.fiat.com.au/
Citroën is a French brand sadly only in parts supply and servicing mode at the moment. If reactivated products we might get the ë-Berlingo people mover and hatches, SUVs, and vans.
DS Automobiles was spun out of Citroën as a luxury brand, with the name a nod to the iconic Citroën DS. The DS N°8 is an all-electric model, an SUV crossover. The DS 3 is a luxury supermini. No, we don't get these either.
Better news it that the Jeep Recon will be made in Mexico, and sold here. Apparently it is a larger, more off-road SUV. The Cherokee (KM) and Wagoneer S may be LHD only for now. The New Jeep Compass has a pure electric option available in the UK, at a price suggesting A$80k+ here.
The Avenger is a front drive small SUV made in Poland, with a range of up to 390 km, available now, with specials at $40k, and potentially demonstrators for less (some $35k, some $38,888, at the moment). The front is roomy, and rear seats have good headroom. Avenger: https://www.jeep.com.au/avenger.html. It however only got 3 stars in NCAP, indicating that the Junior below may perform poorly. It may well be the best option for an affordable non-Chinese EV.
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| Jeep Avenger, showing the traditional grille design. Matt black plastic appears to provide the wheel arches with protection from minor scrapes. Image of a person using a telescope on a tripod, printed in the black window edge of the Avenger. Hopefully some low-IQ donut consumer won't decide it is a sticker and issue a fine. |
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For those avoiding US products the only US aspect is the name. Maybe I'd put a "Made in Poland" sticker on it. However, parts of Poland, especially the south east is highly homophobic and transphobic, even if anti-LGBT declarations were ruled unlawful. Ironically for a supposedly off-road brand, the rural dealer network is weak, although generally little service is needed for an EV.
Likewise, Alfa Romeo Junior in "Elettrica" form has 407 km range, on the same platform as the Avenger. It was to be the Alfa Romeo Milano, but the Italian government got grumpy about an Italian name being applied to a Polish built car. Others are now upset because "Junior" was used for entry level 1300 and 1600 cc versions of some cars. It is $65k. Various body colours are available, with a black roof. White (below a black roof) is included; red, etc extra. See: https://www.alfaromeo.com.au/models/junior
The Lancia Ypsilon HF and HF Line Electric is a hatch, but in LHD only There is the high performance HF 280HP version. Both have a range of 418 km.
For those wanting a Stellantis van, the good news is your Peugeot dealer is the person to see. The smaller, bonnetted E-Partner Pro Long has a 330 km range, and is $66k. The E-Expert Pro Long is a full sized van with a small bonnet. Range is listed as 330 km NDEC and there is currently a special of $79,990 in NSW. Dealers are located in various rural location, and remember they can often register vehicles in your state even if they are on the other side of the Murray, etc. See: https://www.peugeot.com.au/models/vans.html
You can see the E-206 GTi hot hatch, SUVs, hatches and wagons, and people movers at https://www.peugeot.co.uk/models/categories/electric.html, then nag the local mob.
Maserati is a luxury Italian brand, with a commitment to offering an electric version of every model imminently. Folgore, the word for lightning is the name for electric options of each model. The Grecale is a medium SUV with a great range of colours available, at around $200k in electric It does 0-100 in 4.1 seconds, with WLTP figure of between 426km and 501km. GranTurismo is a grand touring vehicle in coupé form, around $450k, with apparently very good range, despite having 3 motors. These provide a 2.7 second 0-100 figure. The GranCabrio is the open top version, at $517k. Visit https://www.maserati.com/au/en and click BEV.
On the yet-to-be-electrified list Ghibli is a 4 door sedan or saloon. Levante is a larger SUV. MCPURA is a sports car, MCPURA Cielo is "missing" its roof. GT2 Stradale is also a sports car.
Chrysler is currently in parts and service only mode in Australia. However globally the company is entering its "Electric Century", commencing with the very nice looking Airflow sedan: https://www.chrysler.com/chrysler-innovation/airflow.html
RAM is a rebranding from RAM trucks being a model made by Dodge. The RAM 1500 REV will have a 560 km range. Whether it comes here depends on the local conversion companies. The Ramcharger is an ICE powered serial hybrid (like a locomotive). They also have large vans, although I am not sure if there would be much point converting them to RHD when you can buy one from Pug. Prod them via the chat at: https://www.ramtrucks.com.au/
Leapmotor is part owned by Stellantis. The C10 is a chunky SUV. WLTP is likely around 400 km. Price is $46k to $51k, with some demonstrators at $44k. These have a very roomy rear seat. See: https://www.leapmotor.net/au/c10
The B10 is a fairly attractive smaller SUV. Range is 361 and 432 km. Price is from under $40k, including a current offer of $38,999 drive-away. I have a photo on my EV homepage. Costco members may get a better offer. Overseas they have a sub-compact and various sedans, in addition to the typical SUVs.
The S01 was a coupé with 2+2 seating. I would happily drive something like that, if it had not been discontinued.
Dodge has several Chargers in electric, with up to 3 motors. Perhaps it will escape the LHD world one day.
Changan dates back to 1862, and is a long term vehicle builder. It is the parent of several EV brands, and part of several joint ventures.
Deepal has factories in China and Thailand.
The S07 is a larger "all electric" crossover SUV in Australia, although still classed as "compact". The single option model will get the largest battery option here.
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| Deepal S07. The nearer one is closer to orange. |
The S05 (zero five) is a smaller SUV in pure EV, or ICE + battery, coming real soon now. It is a rear drive vehicle, with an AWD option in Europe.
The E07 Multitruck is a rebadged Changan Nevo E07, with a small rear area which can be uncovered or covered, forming a ute. It is rear or all wheel drive. I drove one a short distance at The Sydney EV Show. Feeling quite large, it was easy and comfortable to drive. For the rear drive the driveaway is $69969 in my rural location, just north of $70,170 in Sydney, $70,029 in Wodonga. The AWD Performance is $79,419 in Black for green, $81,309 in grey or orange (both for 2787 postcode). These have a high level of creature comforts, including electric seats with multiple motions. One on-screen option even places the passenger in the ideal position for make-up application. They also have a massage function.
Overseas they have several models including a sedan. The Deepal pickup is a hybrid at the moment, and a rebadged Changan. Changan and its other brands are often ICE, but the Changan Lumin is a 3 door "city car". Their AVATR brand (designed in Germany) has pure electrics and range-extender vehicles, including good sized sedans, and SUVs which actually look decent.
There is no cookie opt-out: https://www.deepal.com.au/ (Link)
Founded in 1969, this is one of the "Big Four" vehicle makers, involved in multiple joint ventures. The Dongfeng Box in available in New Zealand at NZ$29,990, or about A$26k. The boxy hatchback as a range of 317 km. The 007 is a 520 km range fastback sedan, with the site headlining performance. The Vigo is an SUV with 340 km range and a 30-80% charge time of 18 minutes. The "Aurora Purple + Stone White" option looks "interesting".
Again, no cookie opt-out: https://dongfeng.co.nz/ (Link)
Exor is an investment company which also invests in clean energy. They have an interest in Stellantis, and in the following:
Ferrari is held by Exor, Mr Ferrari, and other shareholders. It also has EVs coming, likely in 2026, named Elettrica. Try: https://www.ferrari.com/en-AU And https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/elettrica
Iveco is primarily a rigid truck, prime mover, and military vehicle company. They also sell several of the Stellantis vans. The eMoovy is a rebadged Korean van or cab-chassis if very unusual appearance. They are involved in Naveco with Nanjing Automobile (part of SAIC).
The local offerings are the eDaily van and eDaily cab-chassis. They are rear drive, with CAR and LR licence options.
They also have electric prime movers and rigid trucks, including for waste collection (likely meaning happy ratepayers, thanks to less noise).
Wander over to: https://www.iveco.com/au/eDaily
This was previously Daimler-Benz, then the disastrous DaimlerChrysler era.
Meredes Benz sells several electric versions of ICE cars. G-Class: The G 580 is an electric large 4WD, yet does 0-100 in 4.7 seconds. It includes a Low Range mode. $263k, with many options available.
The CLA is a 2026 sedan, with the electric option perhaps $87k.
Under the Mercedes-EQ brand, the pure electric vehicles have 3 letters, commencing with EQ. In Australia this is used only for SUVs. The final letter increases with size, and is roughly equivalent to the saloons, hatches, and van: A, B, E, S, and V. Any overseas SUV differentiator falls off here.
The EQV is an bonnetted 7 seat people mover. The range is ~400 km. Google's AI says "The price for a 2025 Mercedes-Benz eVito in Australia starts at around $98,951 for the Panel Van variant and approximately $137,515 for the eVito Tourer [windowed van for people], excluding on-road costs. Panel van means a taller van with metal, rather than the Holden product of some infamy.
Mercedes-Maybach. Maybach was an engineer who left Daimler to build his own engines for aircraft including airships, before also building luxury cars. The engine division, now MTU owned by the the industrial version of Rolls Royce (not BMW owned) built tank engines in WW2. MTU repowered the some of the British version of the XPT with quieter V16s. The car division was bought by Daimler-Benz, and for a period much more recently sold ultra luxury, often chauffeur driven sedan, limousine, or landaulet models. It is now a sub-brand for MBs in the highest trim level, but with the 3-pointed star and MAYBACH text and grille, instead of the M mascot.
The Mercedes Maybach EQS 680 SUV is a highly luxurious electric SUV. The Night series is a sporty version in two-tone paint, and black wheels. See: https://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/passengercars/models/suv/maybach-eqs/overview.html. In stock vehicles range from $335k to $422k.
The AMG in Mercedes-AMG was an external tuning company, now part of MB. The badge and two digit numbering system is applied to the high performance versions of several EQ models overseas, but not yet here.
Overseas models are the EQC crossover and EQT a smaller bonnetted people mover. Overseas the EQS is a full sized saloon, and the EQE is an executive car, with SUV suffixes indicating, well, you can work it out. The "GLC with EQ Technology", or "electric GLC" is an SUV.
Brabus is an external tuning company focusing on MB, Maybach and Smart.
smart (their case) has gone from a (not particularly efficient) bubble car to a broader range. The original was the Swatch Mercedes ART, a concept with allowed coloured panels to be swapped like the band on a plastic watch, which Swatch touted around the German car industry.
The #1 is a small SUV. The 420 km Pro+ is $59k, the 440 km Premium is $63.5k, both RWD doing 0-100 in 6.7 seconds. The Brabus is $73k, and has the signature Radiant Red roof option available at zero cost, unless you don't want to make it obvious to the V8 or STi driver they are about to have their doors blown off by a Smart. This AWD reaches 100 in 3.9 seconds, but range drops to 400 km.
The standard #3 is a RWD SUV with a fastback look, doing 0-100 in 5.8 seconds. Pro+ goes 435 km and is $62.5k, the Premium does 455 km and costs a beastly $66.6k. $76k gets you the 3.7 second AWD Brabus with a range of 415 km, and again Radiant Red on the A-pillar, mirror, roof, and C-Pillar is a zero dollar option on the metallic black body. Why is the Red Back (Black Widow) spider brought to mind?
#5 is a blocky SUV available overseas.
To avoid spam, copy this into a browser you don't use for much else, as they have no Cookie opt-out: au.smart.com - Link
LSH Auto is a group owning Mercedes dealers. The also sell used smart and Mercedes group products. See: https://www.lshauto.com.au - Link
The ForTwo was available as an EV in some markets, and an earlier wedge shaped model had an EV option for car-share services.
Jaguar Land Rover is now a division on Indian's Tata, a vast corporation across multiple industries.
The premium product of Land Rover is the Range Rover, and they have a pure EV under development.
Jaguar ( JaGUar ) currently has manufacturing on hiatus as they move to high performance EVs. They are likely to produce a GT. The large coupé concept they displayed was slab sided and pink which triggered a lot very insecure males. There is also a blue version. See what is happening at: https://www.jaguar.com.au/
The I-PACE was an SUV produced by Magna Steyr in Austria (where the only kangaroos are in the zoo). Used are in the range of $42k to $120k. There are potentially demonstrators or new old stock at around $185k.
Tata itself has some nice and affordable EVs, with 6 electric models, only sold in the region: The Tiago.ev compact 4 door hatch starts at A$13,660, with a subcompact sedan available. The Punch.ev is a 2 door crossover at a price which translates to A$17k. Visit: https://ev.tatamotors.com/. Nexion is the next size up, followed by the Curvv.ev. Harrier.ev is an off-road capable dual motor SUV.
The other option is pay the equivalent of A$10,000 up front, then 4¢/km Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) charge.
By the way 1 lakh is 1,00,000 in India's system which increments names of large numbers by multiples of 100. ₹ 9.99 lakh is just short of 1 million rupees (also shown as "Rs"). 1 crore is 1,00,00,000, or ten million. Bharat is traditional name for India, hence Bharat NCAP; the term is being pushed by the ultra-nationalist, and populist Modi.
Traditional or "Series" Land Rovers are very simple; just apply torque to the gearbox or the transfer case, and you get motion. Companies include Jaunt Motors: https://www.jauntmotors.com/series, or British OffRoad" https://www.britishoffroad.com/ev.aspx. Electrogusto convert Landrovers, Porsches, and many other vehicles: https://www.electrogusto.com.au/
Just don't break the rear half shafts with too much torque, if you are DIYing. Or zap yourself!
The Munro Series M is the Electric 4×4 Land Rover should have built. They are available as a 5 seater, truck, or cab-chassis. They can tow 3.5 tonnes and carry 1050 kg. It has a two speed transfer case, and locking differentials. They are built to order. See: https://www.munro-ev.com/
KG Group took over the assets of SsangYong. The KGM Musso EV is their SUV with an integrated tray, on a 3150 mm or 124″ wheelbase. It includes V2L for power tools, or camping, etc. Creature comforts include heated front and rear outer seats (front ventilated), and heated leather steering wheel. Front drive has a 420 km range, at $60k in Grand White. AWD has 380 km range, at $64k. Metallic paint adds $700, while ABN holders get $800 off.
Carrying capability is up to 905 kg, and towing 1800 kg. It should carry a reasonable number of standard hay bails. Visit: KGM Musso EV (Australia)
Not part of Tata, Mahindra makes several high quality, long range EVs, although they are yet to be sold here. The XEV 9e is a mid-size RWD crossover SUV with 533 km WLTP, it is a 5 door but some use the C word - Coupé - to describe it, as is a fairly low. The price translates to A$42.5k. The Cinéluxe version, in satin white or satin black, is ~$46,000.
XEV 9S is a taller compact SUV which has a number of battery option (all LFP blade designs), starting at A$31k.
The BE 6 is a real Coupé SUV at ~A$37k. A Formula E version is available in red with decal, with a free track day included, at a similar price to the standard. A limited Batman Edition which could be ordered (or "booked") on 10 March 2026 sold out in minutes; the August 2025 batch of 999 sold in 135 seconds. It is ~A$44.3k. It has a very OTT cockpit design: Batman Edition
The XUV 3XO EV is a subcompact crossover SUV, just announced. They start at ~A$21.6k for the AX5, with a higher trim level AX7L at ~A$23.3k. It does however have less range, maybe 300 km.
Take a look at https://www.mahindraelectricsuv.com/, then give the local importer a poke via: https://www.mahindra.com.au/
They have also developed a rapid charging network.
They make tractors in Brisbane; maybe they should make EVs here too!
Honda has dropped the ball in Australia. They have the e:Ny 1 small SUV in Europe. Honda e:NP2 and Honda e:NS2 is a Chinese built range of fastback SUVs. The Prologue is built in Mexico by GM on the BEV3 platform, also branded as the upmarket Acura ZDX (built in TN on the same line as the RHD Caddy) so they should be able to build a RHD. Their discontinued "e" small hatchback is a UK and Japan model. At least one has been imported privately, so hopefully Iron Chef Imports, or Iron Lady Imports, can help you bring one here too.
The same ball-dropping applies in the US: The Zero or "Honda 0" was to be produced in Ohio as a saloon and an SUV, not entirely unlike the Ferrari "Breadvan". It was be marketed in Europe and Japan at some point, implying a RHD version. Unlike the concept it may have had a real window as the top of the panel. The Acura RSX is also being cancelled.
In late news, they will launch the limited range "Super-One" micro hatchback here in mid-2026, with weird engine sound simulation. Try: https://www.honda.com.au/
Mazda The MX-30 is now discontinued here (in electric). It was also the compliance car which allowed Mazda to sell ICE in California, and thus has a 224 km range. Apparently the battery was 200 volts, not the usual 400. With used prices between $27k (45,000 km) and $57k, it looks like some preople have "taken a bath" on them. If you are a big Mazda fan and could talk a low end priced car down a bit you'd have a nice car (Astina level was the only offering here) if you didn't need a lot of range (say as a second EV in a family).
The Mazda 6e fastback styled sedan is to be released in 2026 in Europe, with Mazda here claiming the reason they killed the CX-30 in Oz is that a new EV is coming. Range will be 555 km. The price is $55k. Or $58k if bovine epidermis was used to trim it, a case of MOOz instead of ZOOM?
The CX-6e will be a rear drive SUV for sale "soon-soon" in Australia. They claim 450 km, with the tiny little "1" being for a footnote saying "ADR 81/02". It is based on the Deepal S07.
Toyota We miss out on the several rebranded Stallantis vehicles, being the ProAce City Verso Electric (a people mover or small van), Proace Verso, and Proace Max Verso.
Legally not a compliance car (that was a 166 km range RAV4 EV with NiMH cells, which apparently lost range with each charge cycle), it is however not great on the dollars per kilometre range scatter chart for a non-exotic car. I expect they were more for the fleet manager who has been very well looked after by his fleet sales mate, who has an edict to buy a certain percentage of electrics, "Maaaaaaaate, the boss says I need to buy some EVs, what 'avya got?". The bZ4X is a very Subaru looking SUV. The RWD started at $71.6k with up to 436 km WLTP (they like promoting the NDEC number). The AWD swaps the one 150 kW motor for two wee little 80 kW ones, and is $81k with a range of 411 km. 0 to 100 drops from a yawn-inducing 7.5 to a tardy 6.9 seconds. They are also planning to sell the larger bZ4X Touring here.
There is a newer version with the price dropping and range increasing: WLTP is 591 km in the $61k 2WD. The $74k AWD claims 517 km. Power is up, 165 kW in the front motor, and 87 in the rear, bringing the AWD to 252 kW all up. The weird plastic above the wheels remains. Frosted white paint is a ~$500 option, as is red. Bathurst Toyota is listing a $7500 "deposit bonus" on stock, but work out if it is the new or the old vehicle. A towbar is available.
Something more RAV4 may be coming, bZ4X Touring / bZ Woodland. The C-HR+ (Europe), or C-HR (North America) is a compact crossover SUV. It is not listed on the .au site. The CH-R+ is larger than the European ICE / Hybrid CH-R. It is available as front and all-wheel drive.
Announced on April 1 is the Hilux EV, leading some to think it was a joke. What is the joke is its range. This is for Maaaaate above, whose family all drive fully optioned high-end Toyotas, and has now been asked to order electric utes. Poor workers having to charge all the time...
I saw a comment re the previous version, that if they sell their rusted on buyers a "crappy" EV they will go back to the brand's ICE for their next car.
For Toycar acquisition visit: https://www.toyota.com.au/bz4x-ev using something like the Brave browser. (Link)
Perhaps the GAC Toyota JV built bZ3 may make it here beside other Chinese builds.
The alternative badge for this is Subaru Solterra, with priced dropping to AWD at $70k. The Touring (also AWD) is $76k. The latter includes V2L, but only 1500 watts. I bet there were meetings with managers insisting it be slower than the WRX. The plastic wheel arches on a different model I saw in a shopping centre were so soft a fingernail marks them! See: https://www.subaru.com.au/
Confusingly they claim both "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive" and "Max Combined Power of 252kW", which as you can see from the Toyota numbers means either a 160 kW total or a significant bias to the front wheels. And Subaru, SI requires a space after the value, such as "252 kW".
The longer Trailseeker is now being advertised in Australia, as an alternative to the Outback; it is the E-Outback in Europe. The CH-R+ will also be sold as the Subaru Uncharted.
Lexus is an export only brand at a level between ordinary Toyotas, and one of the best cars in the ICE world, the previously V12 Toyota Century. It has the RZ SUV at between $121k and $131k, plus on-roads (according to external sources). Range is 470 km. Oops, no, that is NDEC; it is a rather ordinary 395 km using WLTP. The UX 300e FWD subcompact crossover has been discontinued here, and while less expensive, certainly isn't cheap as a dealer demo or used.
Suzuki is finally electrifying their SUV. The e Vitara, with 405 km range in the 2WD with the larger battery; perhaps 330 with the smaller battery. There is also an AWD. It will be $60k to nearly 80k if UK pricing is a guide, and it very oddly has no front storage (froot or frunk). The Jimney may be electrified by 2030, but funeral insurance could actually be a good idea for buyers (normally a savings plan is better).
The Daihatsu Hijet Cargo is a small van, to also be marketed as the Toyota Pixis Van, and perhaps the Suzuki e Every. Production apparently started in February 2026. The powertrain is "e-SMART ELECTRIC" with an "eAxle" integrating the motor, inverter, and reducer on the rear drive axle. The passenger car version is the e-Atrai RS. Given Daihatsu chickened out of Australia a decade ago, these will have to be "grey imports", see below.
Isuzu, spun back out of GM after the GFC, will apparently produce an EV version of the D-MAX pickup, with motors front and rear. An old press release claimed they will eventually send it here. They have also been trialling rigid bodied commercial trucks.
Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd has a range of brands, including GAC and Aion, plus commercial vehicle JV with Hino, and Hyptec for luxury and sports cars. The Aion V is cross-over SUV is coming here, as the "GAC Aion V". It is a 5 seat SUV with a WPLT of 510 km. The Premium is $46k. Luxury is $48k. A small cashback may be available. It includes a fridge / warmer. See: Aion V.
The GAC Aion UT is a 5 door hatch with test drives now available. It likely has a 400 to 410 km WLTP range, beating the BYD at the similar price point. Aion UT. Oddly they are promoting the $36k Luxury version more strongly. The base version (called Premium) is on a $31k offer for the first 600 units. They are advertising the 2750 mm wheelbase, which is 108¼″. It has good rear seat legroom, seating 5 adults, despite is short overall length.
Rivian R1T ute was available in Australia, imported by MEVCO for off-road use only, at mining sites. Now collapsed financially, MEVCO imported them, and added bars and lights, and tool trays in the gear tunnel behind the rear seats, etc for use on mine sites, including underground, to avoid cancer causing DIEsel emissions. Range is 415 or 595 km. The standard ones are white, other colours were extra - perhaps like the green-yellow the demos have. Charging is CCS 1. You can see a copy of their site here: https://mevco.webflow.io/
MEVCO in Australia also converted the Toyota Hilux 4x4 to a 250 km range EV.
While potentially North America only, they have smaller, more standard SUVs coming soon. They also make delivery vans, but unlike some where the driver is near the curb, these are LHD.
Being developed in California, the Telo MT1 is a very short bonnet (van-like) dual-cab ute with rear or all-wheel drive. Pricing will be the eqivalent of A$65k. Options include solar panels on the roof, and/or a hard tonneau cover with them on, both supplied by Aptera. Length is 3.68 metres; load is 770 kg on the AWD or 900 on the RWD, with a "mid-gate" to allow 2.4 metre loads such as 8′ boards (surf or timber). Towing is 2.7 tonnes. Range is 418 or 563 km, using the US system. A camping top is available, and a cenversion to a people carrier may become available.
Maybe a smart territory or state government could allow Rivians and Telos on Farm plates, with a very liberal definition of what a farm related activity is, such as obtaining supplies for the farmhouse pantry, attending informal peer support (going to the pub / church), etc.
Aston Martin was going to revive the Lagonda marque with an off-road capable luxury shooting break or GT. Now it appears they will push ahead with ICE and hybrids until they are illegal.
Their brands are Nio. Onvo, and Firefly. Their point of difference is robotic battery swap garages. The now "locked in" local option will be a cute hatch termed the Nio Firefly, at around $37k.
Rimac have produced several EV hypercars, especially the Nevera. It was developed from the Concept_One. Having one motor per wheel allows torque vectoring, meaning extraordinary handling. They are also the manufacturer for the Pininfarina Battista. Pininfarina, recently bought by Mahindra, was a coachbuilder which became an automotive styling consultant to many Italian and other makers (in the past you might buy a Rolls Royce as a powered chassis, and have a third party build the body and interior). The Japanese Aspark Owl also uses one motor for each wheel. Ditto the Nio EP9.
Most used car sales sites have a drop-down box for Fuel type. Given they are stuck in the ICE age, you may need a 1 speed "automatic" with 0 cylinders...
Carsales has an EV link which points here: Carsales EVs.
Trading Post is less well set up; you can either search for brands, or put "electric" in the search box and get a mix of EVs and combustion cars with electric windows... Trading Post cars
Drive has a slightly lumpy search, and way to many "Price on Application" cars: Drive - electric all states.
Pickles is a significant ex-government and fleet auction house. They also have online auctions: Pickles EVs. If that goes wonky there is an Electric and Hybrid option under the Buy drop-down at the top-left.
You can try ebay, but is appears unhelpful.
WARNING! Facebook marketplace is full of scammers and criminals, at least on the "buying" side.
Yes! For the vast majority of users, including rural, an EV is practical, and a saver of operating costs, pollution, and imports of fuel. And a blast to drive.
Brands and models available here are added to often. A list of EVs is available in Wikipedia: Wikipedia: List of battery electric vehicles, and I expect some will move from the Chinese-market to Global market section. It includes future products.
Electrify Everything - Neerav Bhatt: YouTube, Website
Electrify This - Sarah Aubrey: FB, Websitewith lots of social media and video links.
Kiwi EV Adventures: Farcebook, Website, and YouTube (old conversion projects).
Sites such as Top Gear, Drive, and Car Sales have plenty of EV stories.
NRMA in NSW has quite a bit of EV content: https://www.mynrma.com.au/electric-vehicles
Iron Chef Imports work by you selecting from currently listed items, or you asking them to find you a suitable vehicle, be they made in Japan, or imported there and sold officially. This uses the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS). While I am not sure of they help with them, there are pre-insanity Teslas listed on other sites for $20k and up, including the X, although these may be ineligible unless they are a unique version.
See: https://www.ironchefimports.com/
At the moment they have a 2020 Audi e-Tron 55 Quattro First Edition with 15,000 km at a very good Auction Grade 4.5B rating, for $65k complianced and registered, saving $20k over local models.
Iron Lady Imports are primarily if you (or a family member) has lived overseas, such as the UK, the Crown Dependencies, or Ireland, and owned a car there for over 12 months, with proof that it has been driven by you / them, you / they can use the Personal Effects Pathway (PEP), which allows pretty much anything RHD (probably except quadracycles). They can also do SEVS imports.
See: https://www.ironladyimports.com/
There are quite a few other companies, which either sell imported cars, or provide other services.
Something really old, such as a Baker Electric or Detroit Electric can be brought in as a historic vehicle, being well over 25 years old.
Electric prime movers are essential for reducing Australia's emissions. Windrose produce a unit with a central driving position and a 3 seat bench behind. One trial found they saved 20 minutes or more over a 4 hour route in a hilly area, as they can climb steep hills at the speed limit. Global site: https://www.windrose.tech/
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| Windrose prime mover with Melbourne's skyline behind, outdoors at All Energy 2025. Several other low emissions vehicles are shown. |
Janus converts diesel prime mover to electric, with batteries which are swapped with a fork-lift. They are used on Brisbane to Sydney trips.
Deepway
is a maker of heavy duty prime movers to pull semi-trailers. There have single and twin rear axle options. The company has made over 10,000 trucks. See: https://deepway.com.au/
Pure One produce hydrogen powered prime movers, delivery trucks (including refrigerated), concrete trucks, and buses. I got to sit in their prime mover, and it is definitely comfortable. See: https://pure1corp.com/. They also sell well in NZ.
Volvo Trucks are owned by AG Volvo. They have electric versions of many of their trucks. FMX is available as a heavy rigid truck with a large towing ability. FH will be built in Brisbane from 2027! FB: Electrify This test drive.
XCMG sells electric earthmovers and loaders.
Small, medium, and large buses, including some with full accessibility are available. Interestingly, schools are now buying their own mini-buses, so the low running costs and low pollution on an electric one would make sense.
Legal, ADR-compliant, road-registered electric motorcycles are availabe as straddled motorcycles, and step-through or "scooter" formats. Bicycles with added motors under 250 watts ae also legal.The Queenslamnd laws unnecessary, and are designed to make cycling less safe, and thus less attractive, in the service of their fossil fuel sponsors. I suppose it will also get votes form "Karens". It will push cyclists onto roads, and probably cause deaths. It also discriminates against children with disabilities, and adults without the cognative ability to pass an L-plate test. Unregistered motorcycles ridden ilegally can be confiscated already, be they ICE or electric.
SAVIC C-Series has a range of 220 km, priced from $30k. They are based in Melbourne. To see specification you need to provide personal details to have it emailed. Limited details are at: https://www.savicmotorcycles.com/
Fonz sells a range of bikes, from a CAR licence moped at $6.5k to a short-wheelbase bike (made in Oz) at $13k. See: https://www.fonzmoto.com/
EVSE Australia just might sell EVSEs in Australia: https://evse.com.au/
Jaycar has an "AC Charger", but it is only single phase, 2 pins on the 5 pin proprietary connector are apparently required to identify the input plug. Oddly, it was hidden out the back, and is not available to resellers: ME0003. New is the wall-mount 7-22 kW EVSE, capable of 3 phase. It includes 5 metres of cable to the vehicle. See: ME0001. These are currently marked "Clearance" without a price reduction, as is the 22 kW Type 2 cable: ME0002.
I was getting spammed on YouTube by an EVSE company called dé or depow, which ships from China. The ad starts with a plug going into what looks like an Australian socket with a Chinese combined 2 pin European and 2 pin US outlet, and a dangerous multi-format socket included on the plate (item 4 with item 12 as shown on Museum of Plugs and Sockets - China) on a white painted brick wall. With any direct exports you really don't know what materials or thickness of wire they are using, or if they have any quality control, so I'd avoid them. Also, Chinese 3 pin plugs have longer pins than Australian ones, and these pins are uninsulated, so present a risk that someone with small fingers can contact live pins. Any product with such a plug is unlawful here. Even if you change the plug, local approval is still needed for lawful use. Depow are pushing product via paid influencers. Even if they claim to have approval, they started selling unlawfully. April 1, and I got the ad with the dodgy connector - no joke! They were also pulling 15 amps out of the socket. (A Chinese 16 amp socket is not compatible with an AU 15 amp, as the spacing is greater).
Generally an EVSE sold by one brand will suit any other. A while ago, for example, there were some good deals on MG branded ones. Tesla Destination ones were somewhat unreliable, or wrongly configured, a case of "I could only get the the left one to work." for some, and "Only the right side worked for me." on Plugshare.
Transport for NSW has a List of charger suppliers.
Yes! If the Russians can despite sanctions, so can we (not to praise Russia). The Moskvitch 3 uses kits from JAC in China, based on the JAC X4. JAC has a range of EVs in China, but only an ICE pick-up in Oz. Lada has also experimented with marketing EVs.
Volvo Trucks will soon build the FH in Qld (just don't tell the LNP). Ditto the bikes just mentioned.
Meanwhile VinFast in Vietnam (LHD) is producing multiple EVs, and exporting their larger SUVs to the US. More exciting is Togg, a joint venture in Turkey, which includes a mobile 'phone network. The T10F is a sedan, the T10X an SUV, with further models planned, including the 2026 T8CX crossover 4-door, a smaller SUV, and a MPV. They are now pushing into the EU, starting with Germany, then France and Italy, although EU residents can buy a car anywhere in the Single Market. Große Reichweite (Long Range) starts at ˜A$73k. Sadly for Aussies, they are LHD only. New Zealand is a little more liberal on driving side of private imports. See: togg.eu
In fact, we sort of did, the Commodore used for VIPs at the Sydney Olympics had a fuel cell and electric motor. Apparently there was development of a BEV, before Joe Hockey told GM to, um, attempt reproduction while travelling. If they can't break unions they are very happy to destroy unionised industries, and put 100,000+ Aussie workers at Holden's suppliers out of a job.
There are also companies which convert things like the 79 series Landcruiser pickup to electric, for mine use; and "restomod" (restore a vehicle while upgrading it to electric) older cars. Australian EVs is an example: https://www.australianevs.com.au/fleet-ev-solutions/
Comedy: Cupholders on subscription?
If you want your media vehicle reviewed on a rural trip, let me know by email: julian AT sortland D0T co D0T uk (Note no "h"). Community newsletters and papers are also interested in this content. I have some older but decent Digital SLRs. Or perhaps "To town-name in a car-make" travel items which also demonstrate the practicality of your make for rural use.
Written by Julian Sortland, VK2YJS & AG6LE, updated April 2026.
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