Articles by Tim Gibson

It has never been cheaper for buyers considering an EV in Australia.  Increased demand and more efficient development processes have reduced the prices of electric cars in Australia significantly.  Carmakers continue to battle it out to go cheaper than their rivals, with options now appearing below the $30,000 mark. Some affordable EVs are even cheaper than traditional petrol-powered budget examples.  The BYD Atto 1 has maintained its title as the cheapest electric car in Australia. The compact SUV starts from $23,990, with top-spec models costing $27,990, both before on-road costs. Until the end of the year, the BYD Atto 1 Essential grade is just $19,990 drive-away, making it not just the cheapest EV but the cheapest car in Australia. The Atto 1’s single electric motor only produces 65kW and 175Nm as standard, while its 30kWh battery is good for more than 200km of driving range (WLTP).  The newest member of the below $30,000 club is the Geely EX2, which has already surged towards the top of the sales charts in Australia.  The rear-wheel drive EX2 starts from $26,490, with the range-topping variant priced from $30,990, both before on-road costs.  The base variant has 60kW and 150Nm from a single electric motor, along with a 35kWh battery offering 252km. GAC will launch a short-range version of its Aion UT in late 2026 that is expected to be less than $30,000, as well.  The Atto 1 and Geely EX2 use before on-road costs pricing, so buyers will have to spend an extra up to $5000 on registration and other costs to drive it out of the showroom.  The MG4 Urban is the cheaper front-wheel drive sibling of the MG4, available with a sharp drive-away price of $31,990. Its 110kW and 250Nm as standard bests its cheaper competition, while its more than 316km of driving range is hard to look past at its price point.  While GAC’s short-range Aion UT is not here yet, the current ‘Premium’ grade starts from $31,990 (drive-away).  The Aion UT boasts an electric motor that makes 150kW and 210Nm, besting the MG4 Urban with a quoted riving range of more than 400km from its 60kWh battery. The GWM Ora 5 SUV is available from $33,990, drive-away, as a new cheaper replacement for the Ora hatch. The Ora 5 makes 150kW and 260Nm from its single electric motor. BYD’s affordable EVs continue down the list, with the Dolphin hatchback ($29,990) and the bigger Atto 2 small SUV ($31,990), both before on-road costs.  Leapmotor’s B05 is the brand’s cheapest car on sale, and currently is available with a $35,990, drive-away price until 30 September 2026.  The B05 is a smaller SUV compared to mid-sized Leapmotor’s B10 with its fully-electric variant kicking off from $38,990, drive-away, also until 30 September 2026.  The Jaecoo J5's proportions are on the larger end of the small SUV scale, making it a compelling proposition at $36,990, drive-away.  The J5 has had a strong start to life in Australia, and the best-selling small SUV for May 2026.  

A new affordable hot hatch had been detailed in China ahead of its expected Australian arrival. The Ora 5 GT shapes up as a cut-price rival to the Suzuki Swift Sport, Volkswagen Polo GTI, and soon-to-be phased out petrol-powered Hyundai i20 N ($37,500). Unlike the previous Ora GT, which was simply a trim level of the Ora 5 hatchback's predecessor, the Ora 5 GT looks to add genuine performance enhancements this time around. It is the latest addition to GWM’s Ora 5 line-up that consists of hatchback, SUV, sedan and wagon variants, with petrol, conventional hybrid and fully-electric set-ups available.  Like the rest of the Ora 5 line-up, the GT is available in all three powertrains, petrol, hybrid and EV. The hybrid set-up is the most powerful of three, making 166kW and 476Nm from its 1.5-litre four cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor. GWM said the car is fitted with a European-tuned chassis, and has a top speed of 193km/h, proving its pedigree as a more serious performance option.  From the outside, the Ora 5 GT has two sharp creases either side of a central bonnet strip for a striking look to differentiate from other variants.  It is available in a bright yellow or black exterior paint, with blacked out elements, including side mirrors and a big roof-mounted rear spoiler. On the inside, there is a small pop-out digital driver display and larger tablet-sized central touchscreen, with sporty bucket-style seats. Petrol variants of the Ora 5 GT start from 99,800 yuan, which is roughly A$20,000, while hybrid variants start from 109,800 yuan, or about A$22,500. Fully-electric variants are the most expensive in the range, starting from 129,800 yuan, or almost A$27,000. When Chinese cars are imported into Australia, they are usually incur a 20 to 30 per cent increase, so expect the Ora 5 GT to be a in excess of $30,000 by the time it gets here. The pure combustion version is also the least likely of the three variants to make it to Australia, given our country's new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES) are cracking down non-hybrid or electric powertrains into the future. In addition, GWM's Australian division has previously earmarked the Ora sub-brand as an important emissions-reducing part of its fleet going forward. The local branch confirmed the Ora 5 electric hatch is on its way here, indicating there is strong potential for this high-performance example to arrive as well. The Ora 5 hatch is scheduled for a late 2026 arrival, but it could stretch into early 2027, so expect the GT to arrive at a later date. The Ora 5 SUV went on sale in mid-2026, and has already registered more than 1000 sales in the few months since.  GWM Australia is keen to make the most of the Ora 5 line-up Down Under, with a spokesperson confirming the recently-revealed wagon variant is also under consideration for local launch. 

A new affordable electric sedan could be headed our way. The GWM Ora 5 Sedan has appeared in Chinese government approval filings as it gears up for launch later this year. At 4758mm long, the Ora 5 is smaller than the Toyota Camry, but will still provide competition for the popular Japanese hybrid sedan. The Ora 5 Sedan will be available in petrol, conventional hybrid and fully-electric set-ups, so its variants cover a broad spectrum of buyers. The Ora 5 Sedan EV will rival the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3, while petrol variants will tackle the Mazda 3. There are limited details available for the Ora 5 Sedan at this stage. Petrol variants use a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, making 135kW and 275Nm, while the hybrid adds an electric motor to boost power to 166kW and 476Nm. The Ora 5 Sedan EV has a single electric motor, producing 150kW and 260Nm.   The front of the Ora 5 Sedan looks similar to other Ora 5 variants with a bubble-like headlight design and an overall rounded look. It has traditional door handles, and from the back, sports a single continuous rear light bar, along with a sloping roofline. GWM Australia has not confirmed if the Ora 5 Sedan will arrive in Australia, but the brand is keen to focus on the name here. "In terms of the levels of adoption that we expect to see within this market, within the coming years, we expect (hybrids) to accelerate more quickly," GWM Australia Head of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver told CarsGuide in late 2025. "We think we can do a lot more with Ora… with plug-in hybrid, but EV will certainly come behind that as well, for sure." The electric Ora 5 SUV has already launched in Australia, with a hybrid variant expected to arrive soon. GWM has also confirmed an Ora 5 electric hatchback is on the way for Australia. In August 2026, the Ora 5 GT wagon was approved for sale in China, with the local branch confirming the car was under consideration for Australia. GWM Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the Ora 5 sedan will launch in Australia.

Buyers are about to get their first look at the next wave of EVs coming to Australia.  The 2026 Everything Electric Sydney event will showcase many of the latest EVs headed Down Under, and will have a record number of new examples on show. Many affordable Chinese plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars will be available to look at, as well as some of the most anticipated new cars on their way to Australia.  There will be plenty of new models put on show for the first time by Chery.  Chery’s European-styled sub-brand Lepas will have two of its new models about to hit Aussie showrooms on display.  The Lepas L6 electric mid-size SUV will be the brand’s first car put on sale in Australia, due in October 2026.  Lepas will also show off its smaller L4 electric SUV that is expected to arrive Down Under in 2027.  Chery’s adventure-focused sub-brand iCaur will introduce its V25 rugged SUV for the first time. The V25 is scheduled to arrive in early 2027 with a range-extender hybrid set-up to rival the plug-in hybrid Denza B5.  Chery and Omoda Jaecoo will debut new models at the show as well, with more details to be revealed closer to the event.  Zeekr will unveil its hugely-anticipated 7GT electric wagon publicly for the first time.  The 7GT takes aim at Europe’s elite luxury models the Audi S5, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.  Earmarked for a late 2026 or early 2027 arrival, the 7GT will be the popular Chinese brand’s fourth model on sale Down Under.  Geely will continue its new model surge in Australia, with the introduction of two SUVs to its line-up.  The brand has not revealed any more specific details about what the models are.  They will join the mid-sized fully-electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i that have both experienced a positive sales return so far.  Geely is on the up in Australia, with its methodical approach to introducing models seeing it claim solid sales results. GWM is another brand to have a strong presence at Everything Electric.  The brand’s new-generation Haval H7 mid-size SUV will be on show, scheduled to launch Down Under later in 2026.  It is expected to be available in both five- and seven-seater configurations, giving it a wider family appeal.  GWM will also have a more affordable PHEV ute on display.  The GWM Cannon PHEV is pitched as a cheaper and smaller sibling to the Cannon Alpha PHEV, and could undercut the confidently-selling BYD Shark 6.  The Cannon PHEV is expected to officially launch in Australia in October 2026.  MG’s U9 electric ute will be on display for the first time in New South Wales at the show.  The U9 is one of few electric utes targeting the Australian market, along with the low-volume Toyota HiLux BEV.  MG’s luxury sub-brand IM will put its LS9 large SUV on display.  The LS9 is a six-seater SUV that provides competition for the popular Zeekr 9X.  It could launch in Australia in later 2026 or early 2027.  Hyundai will present its Staria Load Electric van for the first time in Australia.  The Staria Load EV will join diesel- and hybrid-powered variants of the car already on sale.  It will battle in an increasingly competitive electric van segment against the Kia PV5 and affordable Chinese rivals, including the LDV eDeliver 7.  Forthing will show off an electric people mover that will launch in 2027.  Forthing currently only sells its Taikon 5 mid-size SUV in Australia, available as a range-extender hybrid or fully-electric.  Cadillac’s new Lyriq V performance SUV will be on show.  It is the brand’s first of its V-Series, boasting as the fastest Cadillac ever.  It will join the standard Optiq, Vistiq and Lyriq SUVs Down Under in early 2027.  Cadillac Lyriq-V Chery and Omoda Jaecoo new models  Forthing electric people mover Two Geely SUVs GWM Haval H7 and Cannon PHEV Hyundai Staria Load Electric iCaur V25 IM LS9 Lepas L6 and L4 MG U9 EV Zeekr 7GT

Buyers can now get into a Polestar 4 for almost $5000 less than before in Australia. The rear motor variant will now start from $73,900 (before on-road costs), equating to a $4600 cut on the outgoing variant.  Dual motor variants start from $81,750, which is $4610 less than previous examples on sale.  The Polestar 4 is a premium rival to Australia’s best selling EV, the Tesla Model Y ($58,900).  It also provides competition for the BMW iX3 ($89,900) and Porsche Macan ($129,800). The Polestar 4 is now available in an SUV body shape for the first time. SUV variants compliment the coupe, boasting a straight roofline and greater practicality. Polestar said the coupe features a recalibrated chassis with vibration- and roll-reducing dampers, as well as new spring and anti-roll bar settings.  The brand also said the car offers more precise steering for a more controlled driving experience.  The rear motor variant continues to produce 200kW and 343Nm, while the dual motor AWD boosts power to 400kW and 686Nm.  The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds.  All variants are equipped with a 100kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 620km, but more powerful variants reduce range to less than 600km, all according to WLTP standards.   Inside, there is a 10.2-inch digital driver display and 15.4-inch central touchscreen, running on Google software.  Buyers can option a heated steering wheel, power operated steering column and 12-way electrically-operated seats for an extra $1200.  Dual motor coupe variants can be optioned with a performance pack that adds 22-inch wheels and Brembo brakes for $7200.  To access the performance pack, buyers must purchase the plus pack ($6500). This includes a premium sound system, head-up display and power reclining rear seats, among other things.  Polestar also announced its Formula 2030 concept to show off its future design direction on new models.  Polestar provided limited details on what this new design will look like other than a silhouette of the concept car’s front.  It keeps the same ‘dual blade’ headlights, while boasting what looks to be boxy proportions and sharp bonnet channels.  The car has an aggressive stance, with wide fenders, a low ride height and subtle lower air intake vents.  The new design direction will first feature on the Polestar 2 scheduled for launch in 2027, but expect more information before the end of this year.

Latest sales data shows buyers now prefer cheap EVs to budget petrol hatchbacks in Australia. More affordable EV models have hit the Aussie market in the last year, with Chinese brands putting forward competitive propositions. Cheap petrol-powered hatchbacks the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris used to be staples for first-car buyers, but it looks like that's starting to change. The electric-only BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 are affordable routes into the electric car market for buyers, and its showing on the sales charts in 2026. The petrol- and hybrid-powered MG3 is the best-selling light car in Australia this year, but it's attracting competition from electric Chinese rivals.  The Geely EX2 has had a bumper start to life in Australia since it went on sale in late July 2026. It's approaching nearly 2000 examples sold in a little over a month, compared to the MG3’s roughly 5500 across the year so far. In August alone, the EX2 held nearly 38 per cent of the market share in the light car segment.  It was close to doubling the MG3’s August total, while it was confidently ahead of the petrol-only Mazda2.  Its success is in part due to the fulfilment of extensive pre-orders. Geely's Director of Product Planning and Marketing Andrew Tuitahi recently told CarsGuide small EVs like the EX2 were showing promising signs of reigniting interest in the light car segment. “So a lot of the compromises that you typically make if you were going to buy a b-segment or a light hatchback - things like drivetrain, power, performance, safety, style, you know, space - a lot of those things are solved with a battery electric platform," Tuitahi said. “So I think consumers are able to prioritise maybe some features by sacrificing a segment, but still getting that same space.” It’s not just EX2 that is shaking up the established affordable car segment.  The BYD Atto 1 is still the cheapest electric car on sale in Australia, and owns nearly 20 per cent of the light car segment in 2026 so far.  The Atto 1 and EX2’s rise has been at the expense of its petrol competition. The MG3’s August represented a more than 80 per cent increase on July, but it was still a way off the EX2.  Its sales so far in 2026 are down nearly 11 per cent compared to August 2025.  The Toyota Yaris hybrid has experienced a near 30 per cent decline year-to-date in Australia The new wave of affordable EVs are also beating its petrol competitors on price.  Buyers may have previously felt priced out by the extra money an EV cost, but the tides are turning. The Atto 1’s $23,990 price tag undercuts the Mazda2 ($27,290) and Toyota Yaris ($29,190), all before on-roads. In addition to fast and cheap EV production cycles from China, brands must contend with fines for petrol-powered models under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). Mazda increased the price of its entire range, including the Mazda2 earlier this year, while the Toyota Yaris became a hybrid-only model in 2024, ditching cheaper petrol variants.  MG is currently offering the MG3 with a $19,990 drive-away deal, with it previously available from $21,990.  If buyers want a hybrid variant of the MG3, it costs an extra roughly $8000, making it more expensive than the fully-electric Atto 1 and EX2.   

A new Toyota RAV4 rival has just broken cover in China.  The Nissan NX7 has been revealed in Chinese government filings as a new plug-in hybrid five-seat mid-size SUV.  It will take on hybrid family SUV favourites the BYD Sealion 6 and Toyota RAV4, as well as the petrol-only Mazda CX-5.  The car will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to a report in Auto News.  The NX7 is one of 10 new Nissan models to be revealed by 2027 from its Chinese partnership with Dongfeng.     Chinese government filings reveal the NX7 will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 73kW, paired with a 170kW electric motor.  It's equipped with a 41kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering an electric driving range of 225km, according to more generous CLTC standards.  There are limited specification details available at this stage, but it will have semi-hidden door handles and ride on either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels.  It is a size up on the Toyota RAV4, boasting dimensions of 4785mm long, 1920mm wide, 1660mm tall, with a 2815mm wheelbase. The NX7 poses in a sporty stance, with a covert rear spoiler and sharp creases on the bonnet. Its exterior design incorporates boxy elements, while still having rounded features for an imposing look overall.  Nissan’s Australian branch has not officially confirmed any details about the Nissan NX7’s future Down Under.  The local branch has been contacted for comment to see if the NX7 will launch here. The car has not been confirmed for any export markets at this stage and will only be sold in China for now.  Some of Nissan’s other Dongfeng partnership models have already been earmarked for an Australian introduction. The Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV ute, expected to be called the Navara Pro in Australia, should arrive in 2027, with the larger NX8 SUV also on the cards.  The NX7 would provide a cheaper hybrid alternative to the Ariya electric SUV that starts from $49,990, drive-away currently. 

Xiaomi could be one step closer to Australian buyers. The extremely popular Chinese technology brand will begin selling cars in Europe from 2027, according to reports. Xiaomi’s SU7 electric sedan put the brand on the map. Its second-generation SU7 shifted 15,000 units in only 34 minutes in a complete sell out in March 2026. Xiaomi also sells a YU7 SUV that has given the world’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, a run for its money in China. The SU7 has garnered praise from around the world, including Ford CEO Jim Farley, who said in late 2024 that Xiaomi was an industry juggernaut much stronger than many car companies. The SU7 directly rivals the Porsche Taycan, along with the Tesla Model 3 and Chinese rival the Geely Galaxy TT, while the YU7 squares up to the Tesla Model Y and other performance-pitched SUVs. Xiaomi will first sell cars in Germany in 2027, before targeting other European markets as it expands its presence outside of China for the first time. Xiaomi will initially partner with eight dealer groups that have an established presence in European new car sales.  The brand has signed non-binding memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with these dealers, which will see them responsible for sales and servicing for Xiaomi cars. Xiaomi won't build its cars in Europe, and will import directly from China, leaving it exposed to hefty electric car tariffs from the European Union.   Xiaomi will import its entire ecosystem to Europe, made up of smartphones, smart-home products and electric cars. The plan is for a buyer’s car, home and phone to all seamlessly connect through Xiaomi’s technology. It is unclear where Xiaomi will take its cars next. Germany is a left-hand drive market like China, making it an easier transition for the brand.  This means Xiaomi cars will not be available in right-hand drive, ruling out an Australian launch for now.   This doesn’t mean the brand won’t consider Australia down the line. The Australian market that has proven fruitful for key Xiaomi rival Zeekr, with the latter surging up the sales charts here.  Xiaomi’s Chief Marketing Officer Xu Fei said at the IFA Berlin technology showcase in early September that Europe is a key market for the brand’s global strategy.  Vice President of Xiaomi Auto and Head International Auto Business Yu Liguo also said Germany was just the beginning for the brand in Europe. “The ambition extends beyond a limited European launch,” he said.   “We hope that one day Xiaomi will be mentioned alongside Germany’s major automakers.” These ambitions could include the United Kingdom in the future, another right-hand drive market, and that would drastically improve Xiaomi’s chances of launching in Australia.  Xiaomi’s global division has been contacted for comment to see if the brand’s cars will launch in Australia and if so when that might be. 

Ford’s two biggest names in Australia suffered huge sales declines in August 2026.  The Ford Ranger sold just 2440 examples across two-wheel and four-wheel drive variants, equating to a more than 50 per cent drop compared to August 2025.  This exacerbates an already challenging year for Australia's best-selling vehicle in 2025. It has sold 32,796 units so far in 2026 compared to 37,183 in 2025 - a near 12 per cent overall drop. Ford said it's a blip on the radar. The Blue Oval was forced to recall almost 14,000 Ranger examples built between November 2025 and July 2026 last month due to a potentially fault airbag. The brand held back deliveries of some of its vehicles to have the issue rectified, contributing to lower figures in August. A spokesperson for Ford Australia said its sales result in August heavily impacted by the temporary delivery and demonstration hold placed on some Ranger dual-cab variants as part of the airbag recall. "The hold prevented Ranger Double Cab vehicles in dealer stock from being delivered during August," they said. "As a result, Ford’s reported monthly volume was approximately 30% lower than anticipated for the month. "The August figure primarily reflects the delayed timing of Ranger deliveries rather than a material change in customer demand." Ford’s Everest large SUV also had a tough August 2026, and was down almost 25 per cent compared to July 2026.  Everest has had an even more steep decline on year-to-date data, with a more than 14 per cent drop up to August 2026. The Ranger has been a staple of the best-selling car charts over the past few years, consistently winning out in a tight wrestling match with the Toyota HiLux.  August 2026 marked one of few occasions where the HiLux outsold the Ranger - and it has done so by some margin.  The HiLux more than doubled the Ranger’s sales in August, registering 4833 units, having also toppled the Blue Oval’s ute in June, but by a smaller gap.  Diesel ute sales are expected to only slow from here, so the Ranger will face a serious challenge to reclaim its place at the top of the charts in Australia.   Increasingly stringent emissions regulations and the ongoing fuel price increases are having a material impact on the future of diesel utes in Australia, like the Ranger. The BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid was one of the only utes to experience a meaningful upturn in sales last month, with a near 10 per cent increase.  Electrified utes like the Shark 6 have been eating into the sales of established diesel competition like the Ranger since it went on sale in late 2024.  Ford sells a PHEV variant of its Ranger in Australia, and the local brand has been contacted to see how many units it sells compared to its diesel sibling.  As emissions regulations continue to squeeze big CO2-emitting vehicles like the diesel Ranger out of the market, more hybrid and electric utes have entered the fray.  New options include: KGM’s Musso is available as a fully-electric ute Toyota offers an electric variant of the HiLux, mainly to fleet buyers GWM's Cannon Alpha is offered with a PHEV set-up JAC recently introduced its Hunter PHEV ute that will rival the BYD Shark 6 The pair are soon to be joined by the Stockman diesel PHEV from Chery It's not just Ranger that is facing more tough competition in Australia. The Everest must contend with a raft of new Chinese competition, including the GWM Tank 500 available in conventional hybrid, PHEV and diesel forms.

Aussie EV owners could soon be facing a battery crisis. The world’s biggest battery maker CATL has warned shortened vehicle-development and validation cycles are leading to wide-scale electric car battery failures, according to reports.  CATL Chairman Robert Zeng said China’s battery defect tolerances are too lenient for high-volume Chinese EV production.  Chinese carmakers have launched more than 600 new vehicle models this year already, equating to almost three new EVs every day. Potentially rushed development processes could spell trouble for EV buyers down the line.   CATL is calling for defect tolerances to only allow for up to 1000 defective cells for every one billion cells manufactured. Defective electric car batteries don't just stop a car from driving, but they can also give rise to other safety issues. The Chinese GAC Aion S was involved in a “banana battery” swelling issue in mid-2026, impacting 213,000 lithium-iron-phosphate examples, where batteries were physically bending. Australian GAC Aion vehicles use a different battery. This led to cell leakage, insulation faults and power system shutdowns while driving.  Supplier CALB was forced to implement extensive quality reforms and inspection measures as a result of the controversy. It doesn’t take much for an EV battery to stop working, according to Zeng, who said packs are only as reliable as the weakest component.  Just one defective cell can be detrimental to the performance and safety of the whole pack.  There was a high-profile compensation claim from Geely subsidiary Viridi in early 2026, where it sued battery maker Sunwoda for 2.31 billion yuan for defective cells supplied from 2021 to 2023 The pair eventually settled for 608 million yuan.  EV battery reforms are on the agenda in Australia.  A recent report from the Australian Automotive Dealer Network (AADA) called for serious changes to rules around EV battery replacements. The report warned of a “wave of litigation" when EV batteries need replacement outside of the warranty period because their cost could exceed the vehicle’s remaining value.  One particular dealer said Chinese-built cars are “not holding their charge” or are “blowing up on fire”. It puts forward that manufacturers should be required to define acceptable battery thresholds or disclose the expected degrading of a unit.  If a battery holds at least 70 per cent of its charge after eight years, it would be considered to be performing at an acceptable level, for example.