22 Feb An extensive guide to EV’s (Part 1)

The increase to Electric Vehicles (EV’s) has been phenomenal: by the end of 2020, there were around 10 million electric vehicles on the roads worldwide. Currently, there are at least three times that number. Want to know more? Keep reading for our extensive guide to EV’s.

Forecasts for BEVs (battery electric vehicles, more commonly referred to as EV’s) have consistently been underestimated. Nearly every manufacturer has accelerated their plans for producing new battery-powered models, and many have set a deadline for ending production of cars powered by internal combustion engines.

The sales of electric vehicles in Australia have significantly increased, however, the limited availability of stock and a narrow selection of models have made it challenging for many interested buyers to find the right EV.

But things are getting better and changing quickly, so here’s our guide to all the EV’s you could buy (hopefully) in 2023. We’ll start with makes A-L, and be back with Part 2 to round out the remainder of the list.

Audi

Audi’s e-Tron GT is its first pure EV, from $181,700.

In September, the new e-tron GT, Audi’s take on the impressive Porsche Taycan, will be available for purchase, featuring unique yet equally stunning design. The starting price for the e-tron GT is $181,700, offering a range of 488 kilometers. A higher-performance RS model will be priced at $249,700.

BMW

BMW’s smaller iX1 is due to come on the Australian market very soon.

The iX1, a smaller version of the iX3 SUV, is the latest model from BMW. It’s set to launch within the next few weeks at the end of Q1 and will have a starting price in the low $80s. This makes it the new budget option among BMW’s electric vehicles, with prices reaching almost $300,000 for the electric 7-Series, the i7.

Currently, all BMW EV’s use platforms shared with their gasoline counterparts. However, a dedicated EV platform will not be available for at least two more years. Despite this, the i4 sedan is outstanding, and the large iX SUV provides a fantastic driving experience.

BYD

The mid-size Atto 3 SUV, above, will be followed by the Dolphin hatch and Seal sedan later this year.

BYD has made a big entrance in Australia despite coming late to the market. As a competitor to Tesla for the title of the world’s largest EV manufacturer, BYD started in Australia with the mid-size Atto 3 SUV, priced competitively in the high $40K range. Despite past overpromised delivery dates, the BYD importer claims that the smaller Dolphin hatchback and larger Seal sedan will be available in Australia this year, and there is even the possibility of the Seagull city car arriving.

Cupra

The Cupra Born will be priced at $59,990 plus on-road costs.

The Spanish subsidiary of Volkswagen, Cupra, has recently introduced the Born, a full electric hatchback with a range of over 500 km and a price just under $60,000. The quality and unique features of Cupra’s petrol vehicles demonstrate that this new brand to Australia is worth considering.

Fiat

Expected mid-year: the super cute Fiat 500e

The electric version of the 500 hatchback has received positive reviews abroad. As an adorable city car with a small battery and limited range, it has the potential to be successful if priced appropriately, around $40K. The launch is expected in May or June.

Genesis

Genesis has the GV60, a relative of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 (all under the Hyundai Group), starting at $103,700. Additionally, electric versions of two gasoline vehicles are available: the G70 SUV ($127,800, with a range of 445 km) and the G80 sedan ($145,000, with a range of 520 km).

GWM Ora

Details for GWM’s Ora, another Chinese EV, are expected later this month.

Ora is a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors and may be one of several new Chinese EV brands to emerge in the near future. Prototype models of the stylish liftback have already been spotted on Australian roads, and the official announcement regarding the launch date and pricing will be made later this month.

Hyundai

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 has a range of more than 600 kilometres.

The highly anticipated Ioniq 6, a sleek sedan that could repeat the success of the Ioniq 5 SUV, is only a few weeks away. It is built on the same dedicated 800-volt “skateboard” platform but its aerodynamic design enables it to travel over 600 km on a single charge. The estimated price range is $70,000 to $80,000. Additionally, the Kona EV, a battery-powered version of the popular gasoline SUV, is also available. A brand new Kona is expected to be introduced in Australia later in 2023.

Jaguar

The Jaguar I-Pace SUV: the brand promises to be all-EV by 2025.

The I-Pace SUV was first introduced in 2018 as the first European luxury electric vehicle. Despite modest sales, a minor mid-year upgrade could increase its popularity. The current model has a range of 446 km on a single charge and starts at just under $148,000. Jaguar promises to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2025, providing a wider selection of electric vehicles for Australian buyers in the future.

Kia

The fastest Kia ever: the $100,000 the EV6 GT.

The highly acclaimed EV6 SUV has recently been joined by the sporty EV6 GT. It is priced at $100,000 and can reach 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, making it the fastest Kia ever. The EV6 is closely related to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Genesis GV60 (all are part of the Hyundai Motor Group).

A revised version of the Niro SUV, a converted gasoline vehicle, is also available. There is a possibility of the EV9, a large fully off-road capable seven-seater SUV, arriving in Australia later this year. It is built on the same modular electric platform as the EV6.

Lexus

The Lexus RZ is due to arrive in Australia mid-year.

The UX300e, starting at $74,000, is a transformed gasoline SUV with limited range, one motor, and front-wheel drive. It will be accompanied in mid-year by the RZ, a bigger SUV built on the same dedicated electric platform as the upcoming Toyota bZ4X. The pricing and exact details for Australia have not been disclosed yet.

With no obligation pre approvals, and prompt turnaround times, we remove the stress of buying a new car, making sure that every step of the process is as seamless as possible. Contact Finestream today with help purchasing your EV today.

Jump straight over to Part 2 of this blog, read here.