Great EVs Available in Australia
Ever wanted to bite the bullet and go over to electric? Driving electric is getting a little more popular, particularly as EV technology has moved on since the electric postie mobile, electric milk float or electric ice cream van. EVs are appealing in that they offer zero emissions (once built) and offer much lower running costs. The other thing about EVs is that they are rather fast; delivering a strong surge of power that is immediate – and the acceleration is unlike anything seen in the present and past world of combustion engines.
Here are some EVs you can buy in Australia:
Audi e-Tron
Audi e-Tron (approx $120k at least)
The e-tron is a high-end EV with Audi’s enviable build quality and interior finish being part of the e-tron lifestyle. This is a nice German EV which uses a dual-motor setup with a choice of two battery sizes and power outputs: the e-tron 50 with a 71 kWh battery and 225 kW, or the e-tron 55 with its 95 kWh battery and 300 kW output. The driving range is between 300 and 480 km, all of which are refined and relaxed.
If you are doing bigger mileage and longer stints behind the wheel, then the e-tron is a great place to spend time. Passenger and luggage space are excellent, and this is a fine EV from Audi.
BMW i3
BMW i3 (approx $70k)
The BMW i3 was BMW’s first electric car, and it brought a quality edge to the compact EV world. The car is efficient and even uses recycled materials inside the cabin. There’s lots of space in the front seats.
A new i3 is made from carbon-fibre, boasts a 42.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and has a 300 km range. The more powerful i3 gets a 134 kW motor that can send this little car from 0 – 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Hyundai Ioniq Electric
Hyundai Ioniq Electric (approx $50k)
The Hyundai Ioniq EV had a facelift last year which gave the car a new lease of life in the form of a 100 kW motor linked to a 38 kWh battery, which has upped the car’s official driving range to over 300 km.You also get a 50 kW fast-charger that will replenish a flat battery to 80% in less than an hour. At home on the standard 7 kW wallbox you can fully charge the Ioniq in just over six hours.
Hyundai Ioniq cars boast a decent boot size and excellent infotainment systems.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Hyundai Kona Electric (approx $60k)
Hyundai’s electric SUV is going to be a good choice for those wanting EV in SUV styling. This small electric SUV comes with a 64 kWh battery and has a range of over 400 km on a full charge. With its 150 kW motor the Hyundai Kona scampers from a standstill to 100 km/h in around 7.6 seconds, which is very smart – quicker than most small SUVs. It comes with an instant hit of power when you push the accelerator. The interior is roomy, the infotainment excellent, and there’s a 332-litre boot space. It’s got to be liked.
Jaguar i-Pace
Jaguar I-Pace (approx $123k)
This all-electric SUV is incredibly impressive. It combines a 90 kWh battery with an AWD electric motor that delivers close to 225 kW. Even though heavy, it’s still incredibly rapid, managing the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.5 seconds. A 350 km driving range is very achievable in the real world. The new I-Pace is luxurious, comfortable, roomy, and delivers on boot space, too.
On the road, the car deliver’s razor-sharp handling and rides smoothly. The Jaguar I-Pace is an award winner, too: It was crowned 2019 World Car of the Year at the New York Motor Show.
Kia e-Niro
Kia e-Niro (approx $60k)
A new Kia e-Niro has a great driving range, with as much as 450 km available on a full charge. This compact SUV is comfortable, practical and great value for money, making it one of the best all-round packages on the electric car market today. The car features a 64 kWh battery and a 150 kW electric motor. Boasting plenty of decent features, the e-Niro is a well-equipped small SUV with an 8-inch touchscreen, sat nav, heated leather seats, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera and many other goodies besides. You also get the use of 451-litres of boot space and a 7-year/160,000 km warranty. The buy new price is very competitive, and it’s little wonder that it is one of the best on the market and liked by many.
Nissan Leaf
Nissan Leaf (approx $50k)
A new Nissan Leaf looks cool and is available in two forms: one version has a 40 kWh battery that gives an official range of 270 km, while the top-of-the-range new Leaf e+ features a larger 62 kWh battery returning up to 380 km travel range. Real world range will likely be less, but still this is very good for the most part and many will be very happy with it. You’ll be able to recharge that battery to 80% in 40 minutes from a rapid charger, and in 7.5 hours from a home wallbox.
A 0-100 km/h sprint takes 8 seconds. A roomy, stylish interior is a Nissan Leaf strong point. They drive very nicely and offer 435-litres of boot space. Safety is very strong, especially with features like the advanced semi-autonomous Pro Pilot driving technology available on higher spec models. The car’s infotainment system is good and it boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Renault ZOE
Renault Zoe (approx $50k)
The Renault ZOE is one of the best electric cars on sale in Australia right now. The car has had a recent facelift in 2019 that gave it more range, more power and faster charging at home and abroad. The new Renault ZOE contains a 52 kWh battery that returns a close to 300 km range on a full charge. Two power ratings are available: you can opt for either the 80 kW or 100 kW motor, with the 0-100 km/h sprint times being 11.4 and 9.6 seconds respectively. These motors are both nippy, particularly about town and city environments.
Plug your little ZOE into a home wallbox delivering 7 kW of power, and the it will be fully charged from flat in under nine hours, while a 50kW fast-charger will see a 20-80% charge in less than an hour. The new Renault ZOE, though small, is also good value for money and it’s a great way to get into EV travel.
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model S (approx $150k)
The US firm Tesla created its premium electric car in the form of the Tesla Model S saloon. Packing over 380 kW from a pair of electric motors (one driving the front wheels and one driving the rear wheels), the Tesla Model S is quick, dynamic and capable of seeing off the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds. A higher performance model is available that will do the same dash in just 2.4 seconds!
The premium Tesla Model S is a premium car with loads of nice features – including a whopping 17-inch infotainment screen that can be split-screened accordingly for various functions.
You may also want to look at the cheaper Tesla Model 3 (from approx $74k), and the SUV version Tesla Model X (from approx$165k).
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