Electric News

BYD’s Fangchengbao brand has launched a new, entry-level version of its Tai 3 electric SUV in the domestic market.The Fangchengbao Tai 3 is the smallest model currently in its Titanium series of vehicles, which also includes the Tai 7 and most recently the flagship Tai 9 SUVs.Despite being an entry-level trim level, this new Tai 3 variant still has a second-generation BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that offers ultra-rapid flash charging.The 65.3kWh LFP battery pack is capable of charging from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes. This allows for a claimed range of up to 510km, according to lenient CLTC testing.Power comes from a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 240kW and 305Nm. This is enough to send it from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.Other versions of the Fangchengbao Tai 3 in China feature a larger 75.6kWh LFP battery pack that’s also capable of ultra-rapid flash charging. It can similarly be charged from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes.A rear-wheel drive version comes with the same 240kW electric motor, but with the larger battery pack it’s claimed to offer up to 620km of CLTC-claimed range.There’s also an all-wheel drive version, which adds a front-mounted electric motor for a total system output of 375kW. It is claimed to do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds.This flagship all-wheel drive version of the Tai 3 with the larger 75.6kWh LFP battery offers up to 565km of CLTC-claimed range.In China this new, entry-level version of the Tai 3 is priced from 143,800 yuan, which equates roughly to A$30,200.It’s 10,000 yuan (~A$2100) more affordable than the rear-wheel drive version with the larger 75.6kWh LFP battery pack. It’s priced from 153,800 yuan (~A$32,300).Lastly, the top-spec, all-wheel drive version of the Tai 3 is priced from 169,800 yuan (~A$35,650).BYD’s Fangchengbao brand isn’t currently offered in Australia, however a number of its models fall under the premium Denza brand locally. These include the Fangchengbao Bao 5 and Bao 8, which are called the Denza B5 and B8, respectively, in Australia.While the Fangchengbai Tai 3 hasn’t been confirmed for an Australian launch, it is launching in markets like Costa Rica and Thailand badged as the Denza B3.The latter country is notable as it’s a right-hand drive country, like Australia. This makes a local launch of this car with Denza branding a step easier.BYD has trademarked the name B3 in Australia for use as an automobile, however this does not guarantee that the Chinese carmaker plans to launch the vehicle locally. Many carmakers trademark names to ensure other carmakers don’t use them.

Another Chinese brand is coming to Australia, and it spells bad news for one local favourite.Changan Automotive has gone on a hiring spree in Australia, with several job ads appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under.It is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, and is of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG.Changan is also state-owned and has a range of brands that will be familiar to Australians.It launched the Deepal brand via local distributor Inchcape in 2025 and has joint ventures with several carmakers.The arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and incoming CX-6e SUV.These vehicles use Changan’s platforms, but have been styled and tweaked by Mazda.Changan versions of the vehicles would be expected to be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia.Changan also has the more tech-focused Avatr brand in its stable.There is no timeline yet for when Changan will launch, but it appears to be quite advanced with its hirings. This points to a likely early 2027 launch date.Changan has given no insight into what vehicles might be brought to Australia, but we can look to the UK for some ideas.The company confirmed it would be selling the small E06 electric SUV in the UK, a fellow right-hand drive market.It is related to the Deepal S05 compact electric SUV and a future Mazda spin-off, which are slated for an Australian launch.The company also sells utes in South Africa, including the range-extender hybrid dual cab called the Hunter K50. It would likely be called simply the K50 in Australia as Hunter is already used by JAC. Changan has also trademarked the K50 name here.There is also its range of Nevo branded vehicles, which includes a range of extended range hybrids and electric cars in several sedan and SUV sizes.More information will come to light once Changan officially confirms its arrival to Australia.

Small cars and light cars aren’t nearly as popular as they once were, but that could be changing thanks to the increasing accessibility of electric cars, said one new brand’s product boss.Geely's Director of Product Planning and Marketing Andrew Tuitahi said he sees “promising signs” for small and light car segments.While the sales figures aren’t proof at this stage, with EVs making people consider a smaller car than they might otherwise buy.“I can't say that it's saved, but there's definitely some promising signs,” Tuitahi told CarsGuide. “The unique thing that ‘new energy’, battery electric plug-in hybrids are doing is causing people to reconsider.”Tuitahi said the downsides once associated with light and small cars are more and more being addressed by new compact EVs, after earlier in the day having pointed out the healthy list of features in the Geely EX2.“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. “So I think consumers are able to prioritise maybe some features by sacrificing a segment, but still getting that same space.”While the EX2 does cover much of the above, it should be pointed out its entry grade has a very modest 60kW output in the base Complete variant, or 80kW in the Inspire.Tuitahi added that along with the price and the overall size of the car, the range of a small EV is less a priority than it would be in larger EVs that are more likely to be used on long trips.“It really depends on the use case,” he said.“So we'd be encouraging our dealers to work with customers to help identify how they're going to be using their cars and whether or not they need that range. “You know… looking at the average kilometers traveled, certainly someone charging once a week would be within that range for an EX2. “Someone who can trickle charge every day is never going to be less than 70 or 80 per cent battery. So, it really comes down to use case.”

2026 has been a watershed year for new vehicle sales in Australia, with the tsunami of new challenger brands from China continuing to pound our shores with full-force.It’s upset the established order on the industry leaderboard, with BYD (up 115 per cent) charging into second spot through the end of July, and sending a shudder through the hallowed halls of traditional number one, Toyota Australia, and unceremoniously relegating Ford to the third step of the podium.The rapid rise of Chery (up 71.3 per cent) and GWM (up 16.6 per cent YTD) has meant former high-ranking top 10 regulars Mazda and Hyundai have been shuffled down the order, with Mitsubishi hanging on by the skin of its teeth in tenth. A resurgent Tesla (up 88.3 per cent) sits in ninth spot, but Nissan (-33.7 per cent) and Subaru (-26.2 per cent) are out of the top 10 picture altogether.Question is, what does this furious churn of customers mean for overall sales? Is the market likely to expand, or given its historical stability, come in close to previous years?If it’s the latter, the financial writing could be on the wall for those legacy brands losing market share to newcomers offering fancy, typically electrified models full of bells and whistles at aggressive price points.So, let's start at the top. After a faltering start to the year marked by supply shortfalls of the in-demand RAV4 and HiLux, Toyota looks to be in the midst of staging a monumental comeback.RAV4 is still down over 25 per cent compared to the same point in 2025 and HiLux is close to 12 per cent behind, but in early June, Toyota Australia announced it had secured an additional 10,000 vehicles for 2026.And since then, the company said it has “worked closely with its global partners to secure further stock to help satisfy strong demand”. In fact, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas has said, "Increased supply of key models including HiLux, RAV4, Corolla Cross and bZ4X would play a key role in Toyota passing the 230,000 sales target for 2026.”It’s worth noting Toyota was the leader in 2025 with 239,863 sales, representing approximately 19.8 per cent of the total market.Which means normal programming is set to resume in terms of Toyota’s numbers and the Japanese giant’s first place positioning.But what about that cheeky upstart, BYD, riding high on the back of continued demand for its Shark 6 petrol-electric hybrid ute and the surging popularity of its Sealion 7 medium EV SUV.In fact everything from the new Atto 1 light electric hatch and Atto 2 compact EV SUV to the Sealion 5 and Sealion 8 SUVs are firing.In terms of a 2026 prediction, all BYD has said is it “would like to be in the top three by the end of the year.” We’d suggest that’ll mean a number in excess of 80,000 units and with 2025 second and third place finishers Ford and Mazda down 10.8 and 16.7 per cent, respectively so far this year, BYD’s aspiration looks well within reach. A total of 103,656 new vehicles were registered in Australia in July this year, which represents a modest 0.5 per cent increase over the same month last year (103,097 units) with the overall year-to-date number down just 0.2 per cent (710,449 vs 711,908 units).So, all this moving and shaking in the sales order clearly isn’t shifting the needle in terms of overall sales. One brand’s loss is another brand’s gain.The sales trend and numbers as they stand for 2026 so far point towards a year-end figure in the vicinity of 1.22 million units, which would be only fractionally up on the 1.21 million cars sold here last year.Economics 101 says in a mature, stable market that’s invaded by a host of new competitors, something’s got to give.Not every brand will get out of the Aussie new car sales race alive and the winners and losers over the next five months will be a telling pointer to which brands, new and not-so-new, are potentially heading towards the departure lounge longer-term.       Source: VFacts / Electric Vehicle Council 

XPeng’s new Australia-bound SUV means business, as it is priced to severely undercut key rivals in China.The XPeng G9L, which was recently revealed in China and confirmed to arrive here in the next six months, will cost the equivalent of $55,000 for the range-topping model in China.XPeng also confirmed there will be plenty of cheaper grades to choose from.This means the most expensive G9L will be more affordable than the cheapest Zeekr 8X ($75,000) in China.And the general rule of thumb is: if it's cheaper than its rivals in China, it’ll be cheaper than them here.Chinese cars are usually about 20 per cent more expensive in Australia than in China, so expect the G9L to top out at about $70,000 when it arrives.The G9L is a big five-seat SUV in the domestic market, which follows the latest trend of giant Chinese SUVs with roomy interiors.It is 5120mm long, 1999mm wide and 1795mm tall, with a 3100mm wheelbase, and is bigger than most seven-seat SUVs.It is available with an electric or range-extender hybrid (REEV) set-up. The latter uses a small petrol engine as a generator to charge the battery, with only the electric motor(s) driving the wheels.Both electric and EREV versions will be available in two- or all-wheel drive.The 2WD EV has a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 270kW, while the AWD adds a front-mounted 160kW motor for a combined 430kW.REEV variants have a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to charge the battery.The single electric motor in the range-extender makes 210kW, with the AWD adding an extra 160kW motor for a combined 370kW.There are several battery options. Two-wheel drive versions use a circa-92kWh lithium iron phospahte (LFP) battery that is good for 702km of driving range, according to the more lenient Chinese test cycle.All-wheel drive versions use a roughly 92kWh Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) unit, which is good for about 660km of range. This can be upped to a 110kWh power plant that boosts range to 755km.REEV versions use a huge 64kW LFP battery for a claimed Chinese verified electric driving range of 435km.XPeng hasn’t revealed what versions will be available here.XPeng HQ has recently taken over from the Australian importer after a several issues, which is now playing out in federal court.The factory-backed operation has grand plans now it is allowed to sell cars here.It already has the updated G6 mid-size SUV and X9 people mover available for order.It has confirmed the L03 coupe-SUV will be next to land, followed by the G9L and L05 mid-size SUV, the latter is from its more affordable Mona range. The flagship GX, which will likely be called something else when it arrives due to Lexus already claiming that name, will land sometime in the future.

Sales of Mazda’s Tesla Model 3 rival are now fully on tap in Australia and we finally have an understanding of how it’s stacking up on the sales chart.As detailed in the latest VFACTS sales report, Mazda sold a total of 283 examples of the 6e electric liftback during July in Australia.This is off the back of the Japanese carmaker selling 28 examples of the 6e in June.Mazda has only reported two months of 6e sales in Australia so far and the figures may be higher than usual due to initial customer backlogs and demonstrator coverage across its dealer network. This will likely equalise over the coming months, giving a clear picture of demand and sales.Tesla sold a total of 134 examples of the Model 3 electric sedan in July, as detailed in the latest EV Council sales report. This is down 63 per cent compared to July 2025.Until the end of July a total of 3326 Model 3 examples were sold, which is down 18.4 per cent year-on-year.BYD, on the other hand, sold a total of 394 examples of the Seal electric sedan in July. This is up 44.3 per cent compared to July 2025.Until the end of July a total 3048 Seal examples were sold, which is up 62 per cent year-on-year.The Mazda 6e liftback is the Japanese carmaker’s second electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, following the niche MX-30 EV SUV that was offered earlier this decade.It’s produced in China in partnership with its joint venture Changan Mazda. It shares its platform with the Deepal SL03.Two versions of the 6e are offered in Australia – GT and Atenza. Pricing starts from $49,990 before on-road costs.All versions are powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 190kW and 290Nm. This is fed by a 78kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that allows for up to 560km of WLTP-claimed range.Following the launch of the 6e electric liftback, it’s soon launching an SUV counterpart called the CX-6e. Like the 6e, it’s made in China in partnership with Changan Mazda.Two versions of the CX-6e are set to be offered – GT and Azami. Pricing starts from $53,990 before on-road costs, which is $4000 more than the 6e. Despite this, SUVs sell in much higher volumes than passenger cars (sedans, liftbacks and hatchbacks) in Australia.For context, Tesla has sold a total of 25,040 examples of the Model Y/Model Y L in Australia so far this year. It’s by far the best-selling EV and the third best-selling car overall, behind only the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.With this in mind, it’s likely that Mazda will have higher sales of the CX-6e electric SUV than the 6e electric liftback. We’ll have to wait and see how it stacks up once it properly launches.

It’s been more than a year since Jaguar’s rebrand and the reveal of its Type 00 Concept, and now the brand has revealed the first glimpse of the production version’s interior.The 2027 Jaguar Type 01, to give it the recently confirmed production name, will be revealed properly in New York on 6 October 2026, but the EV’s design still remains a mystery in terms of many details.Now, Jaguar has revealed a few images of its interior, which looks to be closely related to the interior shown in the controversial Type 00 concept.A blend of minimalism and unfamiliar design philosophy, the interior certainly confirms the words of Jaguar Managing Director Rawdon Glover in that it’s “an interior like no other”.Inspired by the travertine limestone and brass of the concept, the colour palette and materials in the Type 01 also follow the ‘copy nothing’ philosophy set out upon the brand’s relaunch.With its name revealed in May this year not long after a preview drive afforded to select media - including CarsGuide - the Type 01 will be the brand’s first car to debut in its new era.The large electric four-door GT has a long bonnet, a total length of 5200mm over a 3200mm wheelbase, and space inside for four separated by a central ‘spine’ - the one made of limestone in the Type 00 concept.Under the cabin, a 120kWh battery should mean a range around 700km, though its brisk performance provided by three motors (two at the rear for 706kW, one at the front with 206kW) might tempt some to use up that power rather inefficiently.On our preview drive, we estimated a 0-100km/h sprint of under 4.0 seconds.Thomas Holden, Chief Interior Designer for Jaguar, said the “unmistakable drama” of the Type 01’s interior aims to “define the modern luxury automotive interior of the future”.“Our holistic design philosophy translates the vehicle’s exterior presence into a distinctive interior architecture,” he said. “In contrast to the horizontal interior design norm, we emphasise its dramatic longitudinal nature through the central spine - an architectural statement that creates four individual spaces.“With authentic materials, technology on demand and reductive flowing surfaces, Type 01 presents unmistakable drama and theatre that will define the modern luxury automotive interior of the future.”

Two of Audi’s most affordable models are headed for the chopping block in Australia after production ended earlier this year.Audi Australia has confirmed there is only dealer stock remaining of the A1 hatchback and Q2 small SUV. Global production for both vehicles ceased in April 2026.“Once it's gone, it’s gone,” said Australia Australia Managing Director Jeff Mannering to CarsGuide.“There's still some in stock here in Australia, so just need to contact their local dealer because every dealer is in a different scenario,” added Audi Australia PR Manager Claudia Muller.The Audi A1 and Q2 were the German brand’s most affordable models in Australia.In the end only a single 40 TFSI S Line trim of the A1 is now available and it’s currently priced from $51,500, before on-road costs.Then with the Q2 an entry-level 35 TFSI is available from $49,400, before on-roads, as well as a Q2 35 TFSI S Line edition at $50,900, before on-road costs.Once remaining stock of the A1 and Q2 have been sold, the next most affordable Audi in Australia will be the A3 TFSI 100kW hatchback at $54,800, before on-road costs.The original Audi A1 was first revealed in production guise in 2008 and over its lifecycle there have been two generations. The second-generation launched locally in 2019.The A1 is based on the same Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform as the current Volkswagen Polo.Then the Q2 was revealed in 2016 and launched locally in 2017. Although there have been numerous updates, only one generation of this small SUV has been offered.The Q2 is based on the same Volkswagen Group MQB A1 platform as the Skoda Karoq and outgoing Volkswagen T-Roc, among others.Both the A1 and Q2 formed as entry-level models to the Audi line-up both locally and globally. However, sales have declined over recent years and the German carmaker instead pivoted to other segments where there are more sales to be had.Although Audi is discontinuing two of its most affordable models in Australia, it’s gearing up to globally reveal the new A2 e-tron in November.This new electric hatchback will be the brand’s new entry-level model globally. At this stage there’s no word on whether it will come to Australia.It’s based on a version of the MEB+ platform that underpins the likes of the Volkswagen ID.Polo and ID. Cross, Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval.Multiple versions of the A2 e-tron will be offered but, depending on the variant, total system outputs are up to 240kW/545Nm and WLTP-claimed range is up to 476km.

Tesla’s electric six-seater SUV has had a smashing start to life in Australia, but last month was its best sales return yet. The Model Y L registered 2429 sales in July, which is more than standard five-seat Model Y (2215), claiming the second-best selling EV for the month.The BYD Sealion 7 was the only EV that sold more units than the Model Y L last month. This was the first time Tesla has offered a sales split for its Model Y and Model Y L variants, providing an insight how successful its three-row SUV has been. The Model Y L launched earlier this year as a bigger, three-row six-seater variant of the standard Model Y mid-size SUV.It launched with great anticipation following significant interest and demand in other global markets.  It starts from $74,900, before on-road costs, representing a $6000 increase on the all-wheel drive long-range variant ($68,900), making it the second-most expensive model in the lineup.The Model Y L uses the standard AWD Model Y's dual electric motor set-up, producing 378kW and 493Nm, paired with a 78kWh battery offering 681km (WLTP) of driving range. Electric car sales are booming in Australia and the Model Y L joined at just the right time to take full advantage.The Tesla Model Y was already the best-selling EV in Australia, but a six-seater variant has opened up an increased buyer appeal. Its success in Australia is mirrored by its popularity in other markets such as China and South Korea. The Model Y L is a comparatively cheap electric three-row SUV in Australia, with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 both around the $100,000 mark.Tesla commented on the success of the Model Y L in June, when the Model Y was the best-selling car in Australia.“The Model Y L has resonated strongly with families, capturing a significant share of Model Y sales and reinforcing its position as a standout choice in the segment,” a spokesperson said.“These results reflect growing customer confidence in Tesla, from loyal owners and to those experiencing electric for the first time.”

BYD has confirmed some seismic changes to its Atto 3 electric SUV ahead of its September arrival.The Chinese giant confirmed price and specification details for the updated Evo version of its pure-electric Atto 3 mid-size SUV, featuring revised design inside and out as well as a new top-spec powertrain option.As per the out-going model, which launched here in 2022, the upgraded Atto 3 Evo is offered in two grades - Dynamic and Premium.The entry-level model (previously badged Essential) is fitted with a 60.48kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery and a single electric motor in the nose sending the same 150kW/310Nm to the front wheels. Claimed WLTP driving range is 420km.But the big change comes under the skin of the Premium flagship which rides on the Chinese maker’s new ‘e-Platform 3.0’ chassis, instantly upping system capacity from 400V to 800V.In a similarly seismic switch, a larger 74.88kWh LFP battery is onboard with a more powerful (230kW/380Nm) rear-mounted motor sending drive to the rear wheels. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is a decidedly snappy 5.5 seconds.DC charging capability is also doubled to 220kW, lowering the Premium’s zero to 80 per cent charge time to 25 minutes while WLTP driving range increases to 510km.The Atto 3 Evo’s dimensions, including its wheelbase, are unchanged but design tweaks include revised bumpers front and rear, daytime running lights extending across the nose, slimmer side skirts and the brand’s signature ‘Chinese‑knot’ LED tail lights covering the width of the car. The high-mount roof spoiler has also been reprofiled and each grade is fitted with a specific 18-inch alloy wheel design.Interior changes include the move to a space-saving column-mounted gearshift, a new steering wheel design and a larger 8.8-inch driver information display (up from 5.0-inch).There’s also redesigned door panels, a new grey interior tone, multi‑colour ambient lighting, more heavily sculpted seats along with the addition of a sunglass holder, rain-sensing wipers and more powerful wireless phone charging (15W to 50W).Standard equipment on the Atto 3 Evo Essential includes:Six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat Heated and ventilated front seatsEight-speaker audioWired & wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay V2L (Vehicle to Load) capabilityIntelligent voice assistant Remote vehicle functionsThe Atto 3 Evo 3 Evo Premium adds: Dual-zone climate controlDriver’s seat with four-way power lumbar adjustShifting to rear-motor/RWD in the Premium liberates an extra 56 litres of boot space (434L to 490L) and the absence of a front drive motor allows for a 101-litre frunk.Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) tech now includes a new Child Presence Detection function with in‑cabin sensors identifying an occupant in the vehicle after it is locked and a Driver Monitoring System. The Premium picks up Front Cross Traffic Alert and Front Cross Traffic Brake.Colour options are the standard no-cost Ski White, with Harbour Grey and Cosmos Black adding $600 on both grades, the Premium adding Atlantis Grey to its palette.BYD Australia said the Atto 3 Evo is available to order now with deliveries scheduled to start in September.