The cheapest new electric car in Australia! 2022 BYD T3 undercuts MG ZS EV by up to $9000, as new budget Chinese brand arrives to tempt buyers

Chinese brand BYD has officially entered the Australian market with the most affordable new all-electric vehicle on sale, the T3.

While the T3 is priced from $34,950 plus on-road costs, its driveaway pricing ranges from $35,855 (ACT) to $37,673 (WA), meaning it undercuts Australia’s previous cheapest all-electric vehicle, the MG ZS EV small SUV, which charges $44,990 (d/a) and is, of course, a vastly different type of vehicle.

So, what exactly is the T3? Well, it’s a two-seat small van that currently has one direct rival locally, the Renault Kangoo ZE, which costs significantly more, at $50,290 (+ ORCs).

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The T3 is motivated by a 70kW/180Nm front-mounted electric motor, and its 50.3kWh battery provides 300km of WLTP-certified range. Of note, its top speed is 100km/h.

A 40kW DC fast charger (with a CCS plug) is able to fully charge the T3’s battery in 1-1.5 hours, while a 6kW AC charger (with a Type 2 plug) will do the job in 7-8 hours. It’s also replenished while on the move via regenerative braking.

2022 BYD T3

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2022 BYD T3

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2022 BYD T3

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Measuring 4460mm long (with a 2725mm wheelbase), 1720mm wide and 1875mm tall, the T3 offers 3.8 cubic-metres of cargo space and has a cargo volume of 3800L, a maximum payload of 700kg, a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 2420kg.

Standard equipment in the T3 includes dusk-sensing lights, 16-inch steel wheels, disc brakes, dual sliding doors, keyless entry, push-button start, a touchscreen multimedia system, climate control, leather upholstery, a chequered-plate cargo-area floor, anti-skid brakes (ABS) and dual front airbags.

BYD is distributed by zero-emissions transport company Nexport, with T3 buyers offered door-to-door delivery within 50km of each capital city (Darwin excluded).

The T3 is expected to be followed by the E6 people mover next month, while other models will follow in the years to come, with the recently revealed EA1 small hatchback set to be one of them sooner rather than later.