Electric Cars

Australian new car buyers are searching for the answer to the extraordinarily high fuel prices, and they may have found the answer. 

Chinese manufacturer Deepal calls its new full-electric large SUV a 'multitruck' but does the E07 offer sufficient load-hauling and towing capabilities to validate such a claim?

Major Chinese carmaker GWM will invest more money into its solid-state battery program over the coming years to better challenge BYD and Chery.Solid-state batteries offer the potential to wipe out fears over range anxiety with a solid internals enabling greater energy density than liquid units in conventional batteries. It could ensure cars with a driving range of over 1000km become the norm across electric models. There are also potential benefits in relation to safety and efficiency, making them an attractive proposition for carmakers.According to a post from GWM's outspoken Chairman Jack Wei on Chinese social media, solid-state batteries face multiple challenges, such as cost efficiency, safety and performance. Wei played off the chances of seeing solid-state batteries in the next couple of years, with it more likely to be into the next decade. This is despite it being announced at the brand's 2024 annual general meeting it was able to begin making small capacity solid-state batteries.GWM is not giving up on the viability of solid-state batteries for commercial output, with the brand pumping more money into the project to make progress on research and development. Wei said GWM’s solid-state battery developments would take at least five more years before being available for commercial use. This means we will not see a production-ready solid-state unit from the brand until after 2030.GWM battery tech subsidiary Svolt unveiled a solid-state prototype in 2022, which had an energy density between 350-400Wh/kg - less than the 600Wh/kg of Chery’s incoming units. GWM’s battery, like Chery's, uses a sulfide-based make-up. The battery underwent extensive testing, including rigorous thermal efficiency trials, maintaining stability at 200 degrees, as reported by CarNews China.GWM currently only has one electric car on sale in Australia, which is its budget Ora hatch. It is expected to add the Ora 5 crossover to its EV line-up this year.Chery is also pushing ahead with its solid-state plans, including the launch of two models within the next couple of years, with the brand's Australian branch keen to have them Down Under. Its recently-announced 600Wh/kg unit is claimed to have a driving range of 1500km, significantly more than any other fully-electric car on the market. BYD has also been gearing up its pursuit of solid-state, with small-batch production scheduled for 2027.Wei’s comments line up with similar sentiments from US giant General Motors in October 2025. The company's Vice President of Battery, Propulsion and Sustainability Kurt Kelty said solid-state “is still years away”, but the brand remains vigilant to its developments in the coming years.It echoes similar comments recently by Toyota executives, who went so far as to say "there's no telling if it will work or not" despite heavy investment in the tech.

MG Australia has revealed more details of its MG4 Urban budget electric hatchback, and it could be one of Australia's cheapest EVs.The Urban will enter the Australian market as a closer competitor to other affordable EV offerings such as the BYD Atto 1, Dolphin and GWM Ora.It will also have to contend with the incoming Geely EX2, which is also speculated to launch with a sharp price point.There is still no news on price for the Urban, but it is expected to be a step down from the standard MG4, which starts from around $36,000 (drive-away) until the end of March 2026. The brand said it plans to offer pricing comparable to similar internal combustion vehicles. The petrol-powered MG3 hatch currently starts in the early $20K bracket, excluding current promotions, meaning the MG4 Urban could be priced around the same.It's unclear if it will undercut the current cheapest EV in Australia, the smaller BYD Atto 1 Essential that's priced from $23,990 before on-road costs. But it's likely to be closer to $30k than $20k.The anticipated budget-oriented price tag for the MG4 Urban could help MG reclaim sales in the electric hatch space from its previously cheaper rivals.Unlike the standard rear-wheel-drive MG4 currently on sale in Australia, the Urban is a front-wheel-drive only variant, but it is also noticeably bigger. The car gets the same battery as found in the United Kingdom spec models. The 43kWh battery has a driving range of 323km (WLTP), while the 54kWh battery bumps the range up to 415km.This sees it line up with the driving range available on the Dolphin and Ora, but it should be noted that both models of GWM's hatch get a larger 58kWh battery.Power output for the Australian version of the MG4 Urban is still to be revealed, but there are variants producing 109kW, 117kW and 120kW overseas.It will come with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard along with a full-width rear light bar. The brand said the car will offer a high level of practicality, including 382L of luggage space, with substantial rear legroom and headroom, even for tall rear passengers.

BMW’s first global electric 3 Series has been revealed with a breathtaking driving range of up to 900km.Previewed by CarsGuide late last year but now officially revealed, the BMW i3 is the German giant’s next Neue Klasse (new class) model following the iX3 mid-size SUV that goes on sale in Australia mid-year.The sedan is expected to arrive in Australia in early 2027 and will be sourced from BMW's Munich plant in Germany.The next-gen internal combustion 3 Series sedan, which is based on BMW’s CLAR platform, will likely be revealed later in 2026.The headline news for the new i3 of course is that driving range. BMW says it can achieve EV range of up to 900km, although this is a provisional figure and may change by the time it makes it to production.In the prototype I sat in at the embargoed reveal in November, the mock screen readout showed the battery at 80 per cent capacity with 712km left. That means 100 per cent charge would give you 890km.This is well above the still impressive 805km range of the iX3 in 50 xDrive guise. It also outpaces the Tesla Model 3 Long Range (750km), while versions of the Lucid Air sedan (not sold in Australia) can drive up to 820km.The i3, shown in 50 xDrive guise, uses the same underpinnings as the iX3, which means the sixth generation of BMW’s eDrive, this time with 800-volt architecture. Like the iX3 it uses cylindrical cells for the high-voltage battery. This “cell-to-pack” design means high energy density and, importantly for packaging, reduced battery height.There are two motors, one on each axle, with the rear motor the primary driver for the car, but it is all-wheel drive. Outputs are 345kW of power and 645Nm of torque, matching the iX3.DC charging is technically 400kW, which BMW says can add up to 400km of range in just 10 minutes at a high-powered charging station, but these don’t exist in Australia. AC charging is up to 22kW and the i3 has bi-directional changing capability.The i3 features the same four ‘superbrains’ found in the iX3. It includes the so-called ‘Heart of Joy’, which handles driving dynamics, as well as computers for automated driving and parking, multimedia, and for other functions like vehicle access and air conditioning.Design wise it maintains a sedan silhouette although it loses some of the striking elements of the gorgeous Vision Neue Klasse concept from 2023, like the tail-lights and the low-set glasshouse.The iconic BMW kidney grille and quad headlights take on a new look too. The grille is that in name only - it’s simply blacked-out panels with illumination for the kidneys. Circular headlights are gone and replaced with quad lines and in-set headlights much like on the iX3.The famed Hoffmeister kink remains, and the boot lid kicks up at the edge for a sporty look.At 4763mm long, 1865mm wide and 1482mm tall with a 2897mm wheelbase, the new i3 is 50mm longer, 38mm wider, 42mm higher and with a 46mm longer wheelbase than the current-gen BMW 330 sedan.Inside you’ll find BMW’s Panoramic Vision which projects content and visuals across the entire width of the lower edge of the windscreen. It also has a 17.9-inch central display touchscreen and a multifunction steering wheel with ‘Shy Tech’ controls that appear only when required. There’s also an updated version of its voice control system, a new digital key and an optional 3D head-up display.While BMW previously sold an electric 3 Series in China with the i3 badge, this is the first truly global 3 Series EV. It also marks a return of the i3 badge in Australia after the small tallboy hatchback that was discontinued in 2021.You can expect a Touring wagon version at some point, as well as high-performance electric M3 and lower grade models, too.

Volkswagen’s new ID. Cross all-electric city SUV has just been unveiled in lightly camouflaged guise overseas, with the model targeted for a launch later this year. We don’t know yet whether the ID. Cross will make its way to Australia, but there are already several other models under the electric ID banner here. The brand has its ID. 4 and ID. 5 mid-size SUVs as well as the ID. Buzz people mover and van. Volkswagen Australia has been contacted for comment as to when we might see the ID. Cross launch in Australia.A spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia said the brand is currently exploring the possibilities and feasibility of introducing the ID. Cross in Australia, but no decisions have been made yet. The new model would provide an all-electric small SUV rival in what is a growing segment Down Under. The five-seater would compete with the likes of the BYD Atto 2 and Leapmotor B10 as well as cars a half-size up like the Kia EV3 ahead of the more size-equivalent EV2 arriving.We know so far the ID. Cross has three electric motor set-ups, which produce 85kW, 99kW and 155kW respectively, serving as an electric alternative to the T-Cross combustion SUV.It comes with two battery choices, which are 37kWh and 52kWh. Details on the driving range for the car are yet to be revealed by VW. It will also get DC fast charging at 90kW, with the larger battery option offering charging at 105kW, indicating a charge time in the mainstream benchmark half-hour range. It will start in price overseas from 28,000 euros, which is around $45,000, but expect a price jump is on the table if it makes its way to Aussie shores as the numbers rarely line up.The ID. Cross appears in camouflaged photos in the Netherlands with a bubble-like design and a sloping roofline much like that of the current T-Cross combustion car. It has a rectangular rear light design and the rear VW badge illuminates in line with other ID models. Few other details have been revealed about the car at this stage, with the launch planned between September and December this year in Europe.This latest ID. Cross continues VW’s push towards electrification of its range, with the brand recently announcing an ID. Polo hatch, with an ID. Golf also mooted to live alongside the re-branded ID.3 Neo electric car.Stay tuned for more on Volkswagen's new model plans for the remainder of 2026 in Australia soon.

This Chinese brand is doing something special for Australians.Hot on the heels of the launch of the special edition Zeekr 7X Black Edition, the local arm's Managing Director Frank Li said constant communication with its buyers would allow even more “co-creation” specialised for the Australian market.“Zeekr is a brand which is moving very fast, usually the facelift comes within one or two years, and the very strong research and development team and design team give us the capability to move with that kind of speed,” said Li.“The key point is co-creating with our customers. We’re not only trying to sell products here, but we’re trying to build a community. We’re trying to get more engaged and listen to customer demand and suggestions, and we take that on board for the product."Zeekr said when launching the new 7X Black Edition, that the new variant was based expressly on customer feedback that there should be a blacked-out version of the car, which was previously missing.But Mr Li said the constant “co-creating” with its buyers was happening more frequently behind the scenes and reached beyond just new variants.“For software, we’re doing over-the-air updates based on customer feedback, and on the hardware front, we’re trying to push for even more features .”One thing that wasn’t a problem in customer feedback, Li says, was anything to do with range or power.“With powertrain, battery and electrification, our customers are actually quite satisfied” he said.Li added that the 800-volt platform used by the 7X was already enough to “have the highest charging capability” on Australia’s fast-charging network. Li revealed what Aussie fans are screaming out for.“The biggest feedback is on software, features like auto-parking, these are the kinds of capabilities we will be improving in the future,” he said."Customers want more choice. Some don’t get a lot of use out of the auto door feature, but they want all-wheel drive, so they’re asking for the ability to separate those two features out, so this is one example of something we have under discussion.”The 7X is also notable for having an animated LED light bar in its Chinese home market, which adds a degree of character to its design missing from Australian-delivered vehicles.Because of more strict Australian Design Rules (ADRs) around frontal lighting features, the animated bar is replaced by a gloss panel on locally-delivered versions.Li said while the brand was always in discussions on these types of limitations, it seemed the regulations would still stop some popular features from its Chinese home market.“If we could bring these features to the Australian market, we would love to do so,” he said.Many other Chinese brands also have an element of rapid turn-around, which allows them to bring updates, facelifts, or even deeper upgrades to Australia in usually never-before-seen timeframes.While this generally means a much more competitive new car landscape, it can also sometimes mean rapid depreciation for early adopters. On the flip side, these early adopters can also be rewarded with significant software fixes while getting in at a lower initial price-point.As often a global launch-pad for Chinese brands though, feedback from the Australian market is taken very seriously by even the biggest players, such as BYD, Chery and GWM.The 7X has been a resounding success for the Chinese premium brand.The new EV has more than doubled its sales after only a handful of months since launch, and now accounts for the lion’s share of the brand’s volume Down Under. With 1046 units delivered in the first two months of this year, it has also rapidly shot to near the top of the category for similarly-sized SUV rivals, or similarly-priced EVs.This comes as no surprise to Mr Li though, who said the product will speak for itself.“Zeekr brings customers an option where they don’t need to compromise between tech, luxury, drive experience, and the cost,” he said.“Before 7X came along these four elements have been in conflict. It’s very hard to get them all, so usually you have to compromise.“So, we have very strong ambitions and forecasts for 7X, but the product and time will tell.”

Chery’s groundbreaking solid-state battery with 1500km of driving range is edging closer to production, according to reports out of China.Solid-state is seen as a game-changing upgrade for electric vehicles, making range anxiety a relic of history. By using a solid material to transfer power, it can store substantially more energy than conventional batteries. The brand recently confirmed its solid-state plans, aiming to deploy the technology this year in limited operational scenarios before broader commercialisation. It is targeting mass-market availability of the battery next year. More details are likely to be revealed about the battery at Chery’s upcoming ‘Battery Night’ in China. This could include confirmation of important information such as battery capacity and charging architecture.It has previously been reported Chery’s solid-state battery has an energy density of 600Wh/kg, which is far greater than conventional batteries. This enables superior driving range, with the battery offering 1500km. It can perform reliably in temperatures as low as minus-30 degrees. This battery will feature on Chery’s high-end sub-brand Exeed with its Liefeng shooting brake model. We also know the car will have super fast charging through its 800-volt platform and can shift from 0-100km/h in less than three seconds, maxing out at 260km/h.Chery has been boasting of its solid-state battery developments for some time now.Exeed was thought to be launching its ES8 with a solid-state battery for the first time later this year, expected to have a driving range of 1000km. The Exeed brand is something that could be on the cards for Australia, with local Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris eager to see it Down Under.“I really like the Exeed product, and I think they make some, you know, really cool, really high end, actual luxury specification vehicles. If I could make a wish tomorrow and it would come true, that would probably be what I would ask for," Harris told CarsGuide this year.Chery’s announcement comes after rival Chinese brand BYD said it would have small-batch production for its solid-state battery ready some time next year, but there are no specification details available yet. Many other brands are also investing into solid-state, with 2027 looking like a breakthrough year for the technology, as CATL, SAIC and Toyota all prepare for production. It is unclear at this stage whether solid-state batteries will be the future of electric vehicles, but this upcoming announcement could provide an insight into its potential.

What a month! The war in the Middle East has created serious panic for commuters stung by soaring fuel prices.A way out of that spiral is getting into an electric vehicle (EV), and there are still several models available at heavily-discounted prices to make the transition from internal combustion engines easier.Here are a handful of electric bargains we found online at a minimum of 30 per cent off retail, with odometers capped at 10,000km for that fresh-car feel. Many had barely breached 2500km.To be sure, there must have been at least three examples at the lower prices advertised to make this list at the time of publishing. Most are dealer demonstrators, and all will bring savings if you depend on your vehicle on a daily basis, since the bulk of their early depreciation has already occurred.Kia Niro EVThe second-gen Niro launched in 2022 from an eye-watering $65K, putting punters off from what was a pleasant, competent and likeable mid-sized crossover EV. Sales stalled, and Kia discontinued it. But there are still a handful of MY23 demos at under $40K. That’s over 40 per cent off retail!New price: $65,300 before ORCSeen for: $36,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Hyundai InsterCharming, chuckable and ideal for urban commutes, the Inster can be had for over 33 per cent off retail if you’re willing to snap up one of the demos doted around the country.New price: $43,500 drive-awaySeen for: $28,990 drive-away (MY25, demo)Renault Kangoo E-TechAbout a half-dozen demo examples of Renault’s terrific little Kangoo E-Tech from 2023 are still available for under $40K, representing another 40 per cent saving. The little French van is also indecently fun. What a bargain!New price: $66,500 before ORCSeen for: $38,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Hyundai Kona ElectricSpacious, agile and refined, the electric version of the Kona small SUV punches above its weight, as reflected by its current mid-fifties price point. Which means that a 30 per cent saving with just 3000km on the odo make this a no-brainer buy.New price: $54,000 before ORCSeen for: $38,000 (MY24 demo)Audi Q4 45 e-tronOne of our favourite premium EV SUVs, the Q4 e-tron combines high couture with sophisticated engineering, for an on-brand luxury experience that will have you seeking the long way home.New price: $93,000 drive-awaySeen for: $66,000 drive-away (MY25, demo)Ford Mustang Mach-E SelectThe Mustang Mach-E is an enigma. Disregard the baggage associated with the pony-car image and instead revel in a sporty, dynamic and surprisingly practical family car with ample range. Yes, it’s the pre-facelift model, but the savings are worth it.New price: $73,400 drive-awaySeen for: $50,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Jeep AvengerArguably the most athletic Jeep in history, the Avenger is a sweet-driving, decently packaged and well-presented city-sized SUV with relatively minor off-road capabilities. Built in Poland, it’s related to the Peugeot 2008 EV.New price: $53,990 before ORCSeen for: $37,000 drive-away (MY24, demo)Subaru Solterra TouringSubaru’s version of the Toyota bZ4X has really struggled to secure buyers, with the up-spec Touring launching at nearly $84K before quickly being reduced to $77K. Though facelifted and improved, there are loaded demos advertised in the low-fifties drive-away, offering a lot of EV for the money.New price: $76,990 before ORCSeen for: $53,000 drive-away (MY24, demo)Fiat 500eItalians know how to make a chic urban runabout and Fiat’s stylish 500e is no exception. Rapid yet refined, its small battery is quick to charge, still provides over 311km of WLTP range and the handling is a lot of fun.New price: $52,500 before ORCSeen for: $36,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)

Despite a slow start in Australia in 2025, Chinese luxury brand Zeekr says it is unsurprised by the success of its third product, the 7X mid-size electric SUV.The 7X launched in Australia in late 2025 to some fanfare, more than doubling the brand’s yearly sales tally in just a few months, and in 2026 it now accounts for more than 60 per cent of its volume.When asked about the 7X's relative runaway success had come as a surprise to the local division, Zeekr Australia’s managing director Frank Li told CarsGuide success was the brand’s “assumption”.“The 7X is not just popular in Australia, but also it is the first Zeekr global model, so we’ve had very good achievements in both the domestic and international markets including Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia,” said Li.Li also noted the 7X was particularly suited to the Australian buyer, suggesting that as a reason that it was more popular than the rest of the brand’s line-up, and also why it is getting the just-announced Black Edition pack especially for our market.“ is perfect for the Australian customer archetype so that’s also why we’re bringing the Black Edition based on customer feedback,” he said.Mr Li added the order bank for 7X was significant, and deliveries will remain high, at least for the first half of 2026 as the order books are filled.“Initially we were facing some challenges on supply last year, especially in December from the global battery shortage, but this has been resolved. There are several thousand 7Xs currently on a ship right now, so supply isn’t an issue at the moment,” he said."Last month we delivered 628 7Xs, which is good momentum, and next month the delivery number will be higher.“We’re still a new brand so we’re focused on how to deliver as much as we can as fast as we can so we can get our pre-order customers into the car earlier.“So that’s our first priority. We’re also working on a better customer experience which includes sales delivery and after sales.” he said, hinting at a wider showroom footprint and more service locations."Are there storm clouds on the horizon for Zeekr as it fills the initial surge of demand for 7X? Mr Li was quite candid.“Honestly, we’re not pushing too hard on new orders,” he said, adding that Zeekr’s strategy would be bolstered by both customer satisfaction and rising fuel prices.“First of all, for EVs, the market penetration has been climbing up and petrol prices are now climbing higher. I think Zeekr brings customers an option where they don’t need to compromise between tech, luxury, drive experience, and the cost.”“Before 7X came along these four elements have been in conflict. It’s very hard to get them all, so usually you have to compromise.”“So, we have very strong ambitions and forecasts for 7X, but the product and time will tell,” he said.Zeekr’s numbers are on the rise in 2026, with the brand delivering 1046 units in the first two months of the year.This puts the electric mid-sizer ahead of some heavy-hitting luxury segment contemporaries including the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Lexus NX, whilst also staying well ahead of some electric price competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Toyota bZ4X, and Kia EV6.Zeekr will  build on its momentum later in 2026, with Mr Li adding there will be updates for its Zeekr X small SUV and a new variant for the 009, while also confirming the just-revealed 8X is very much on the cards for Australia in the future, although maybe not until 2027.