Buying an EV follows a genuinely different process to buying a petrol car in a few key ways, from checking whether state incentives actually still apply to you, to understanding delivery timelines from newer brands. Here's the process laid out clearly, step by step. Key Facts Panel State incentives have largely wound back: most cash rebates across Australia have now closed, what remains is mostly duty and registration concessions, plus the federal FBT exemption for novated leases The strongest remaining incentive: the Northern Territory's stamp duty concession of up to $1,500 plus free registration, running until 30 June 2027 Victoria's ongoing benefit: an effective 0% stamp duty rate for battery EVs under $68,740 dutiable value, plus a $100 annual registration discount Federal FBT exemption: still the single biggest lever for many buyers, available on eligible battery EVs under the luxury car tax threshold when purchased through a novated lease Do this: check your specific state's current incentive settings before you budget, rather than relying on older articles or word of mouth, this space has changed substantially in the last two years. Don't do this: assume a rebate or exemption you remember from a few years ago still applies, most state cash incentives have since closed. Step 1: Work Out Your Actual Budget, Incentives Included How to buy an EV in Australia should start with a realistic budget, then check what genuinely still applies to you. The incentive landscape has changed a lot since the early rebate era of 2020 to 2023, and it's easy to be working from outdated information. State/Territory What's Currently Available Victoria Effective 0% stamp duty for BEVs under $68,740, $100 annual rego discount Queensland Concessional lower duty rate for EVs, standard registration New South Wales No stamp duty exemption, standard registration, fleet specific incentives only Western Australia No stamp duty exemption, no rebate South Australia No stamp duty exemption, no rebate, EV friendly CTP insurance discount Tasmania No active purchase incentive Australian Capital Territory Emissions based duty, low interest loans up to $15,000 for ZEVs Northern Territory Stamp duty concession up to $1,500 plus free registration until 30 June 2027 If you're buying through a novated lease, the federal FBT exemption sits on top of whatever your state offers, and for many buyers it's a considerably bigger saving than any remaining state concession. Step 2: Work Out How Much Range You Actually Need Before comparing specific models, work out your genuine driving pattern. Most Australians drive well under what the flagship long range EVs offer, and paying for range you'll never use is one of the most common overspends in EV buying. Check your typical weekly distance and your access to home or work charging before you start comparing spec sheets. Step 3: Shortlist and Compare Properly Once budget and range needs are clear, build a genuine shortlist rather than comparing everything on the market. Focus comparisons on total drive away price (not just the before on road figure many brands advertise), official range on the same test cycle, and charging speed relevant to how you'll actually charge, home charging speed matters more than DC fast charging speed for most daily drivers. Step 4: Test Drive Properly A test drive should cover more than how the car feels to drive. Test the infotainment system's usability, check rear visibility and parking sensor behaviour, and if possible, try the charging port and cable management to make sure it suits your home setup. Events with multiple brands under one roof, like Everything Electric Sydney, are a genuinely efficient way to compare several models in a single visit rather than a series of separate dealership trips. Step 5: Understand the Contract Before You Sign Know your state's cooling off rights before you sign anything, they vary significantly and aren't as universal as many buyers assume. Get any verbal promise about delivery timeline, range or charging speed confirmed in writing. If you're offered add on insurance or extended warranty, remember dealers can't pressure you into deciding within 4 days of the sale under the national deferred sales model, use that time properly. Step 6: Plan for Delivery and Handover Newer brands in particular can have longer or less predictable delivery timelines than established manufacturers with mature local supply chains. Ask for a specific delivery window in writing, and at handover, confirm the vehicle's actual specification matches what was advertised and ordered, checking things like airbag count and safety equipment against the official spec sheet is worth the extra five minutes. Should You Buy Now: The Verdict Buy now if: you've checked your specific state's current incentives rather than relying on outdated information, you've worked out your genuine range needs rather than defaulting to the longest range option, and you're comfortable with your shortlisted brand's local delivery and service track record. Take more time if: you haven't yet confirmed whether your state offers any current incentive, or you're still unclear on how much range you genuinely need for your driving pattern, both are worth nailing down before you start negotiating on a specific vehicle. How to buy an EV in Australia: FAQs What EV incentives are still available in Australia in 2026? Most state cash rebates have closed. What remains includes Victoria's effective 0% stamp duty for BEVs under $68,740, the Northern Territory's stamp duty concession and free registration until 30 June 2027, and the federal FBT exemption for eligible EVs purchased through a novated lease. How do I know how much EV range I actually need? Check your typical weekly driving distance and your access to home or work charging. Most Australians drive well under the range offered by flagship long range EVs, so working out your genuine needs before shopping can save you a significant amount. What should I check before signing an EV purchase contract? Confirm your state's cooling off rights, since they vary significantly, get any verbal promises about delivery, range or charging speed in writing, and take the time offered under the deferred sales model to properly consider any add on insurance rather than deciding under pressure. What should I check at EV delivery and handover? Confirm the vehicle's actual specification matches what was advertised and ordered, including safety equipment like airbag count, against the manufacturer's official specification sheet before you accept delivery.

Australia has a new longest-range electric vehicle, and it comes from Mercedes-Benz. The updated EQS400 went on sale locally on September 10, 2026, claiming an official 810km WLTP range, just enough to edge out the BMW iX3 for the title. There is a genuine catch worth knowing before you get too excited about that number though. Here is everything confirmed on Mercedes-Benz EQS price Australia, range and what changed. Key Facts Panel Price: EQS400 from $184,900 before on road costs, a $37,400 saving compared to the outgoing all wheel drive EQS450 On sale: since September 10, 2026, Australia's only confirmed EQS variant for now Official range: 810km WLTP, currently the longest official rating of any EV sold in Australia, ahead of the BMW iX3's 805km The catch: that 810km figure is based on European spec 19 inch wheels. On the 21 inch wheels fitted as standard in Australia, real world range drops to around 788km Power and torque: 270kW and 505Nm from a single rear mounted motor, a shift from all wheel drive to rear wheel drive compared with the outgoing EQS450 Charging: up to 350kW DC on the new 800 volt architecture, adding around 320km of range in roughly 10 minutes under optimum conditions, or up to 175kW at 400 volt stations Do this: if outright range is genuinely what you need, the EQS400 delivers it, but budget for the 21 inch wheel real world figure of around 788km rather than the advertised 810km when planning long trips. Don't do this: assume Australia is getting the global range leader. The longer range EQS450+, rated up to 925km overseas, has not been confirmed for local sale. What Actually Changed This is a genuinely significant update, not a styling refresh. The new EQS400 moves to an 800 volt electrical architecture, a larger and more efficient 112kWh usable battery, and a two speed transmission designed to balance strong standing start acceleration with highway efficiency. Mercedes-Benz has also added an optional steer-by-wire system with an aircraft style steering yoke, available as a $7,500 package on top of the base price. The drivetrain change is worth understanding clearly. The outgoing EQS450 was all wheel drive. The new EQS400 is rear wheel drive only, with a single motor producing 270kW and 505Nm, up 5kW but down 295Nm on the old car's combined output. That's a genuine trade off, more range and a lower price, in exchange for losing all wheel drive traction. The Range Figure Worth Understanding Properly Here is the detail that's easy to miss in the headline "810km" claim. That figure is achieved on the smaller 19 inch wheels used for European testing. Australian delivered EQS400s come standard on larger 21 inch wheels, which increase rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. On those wheels, the realistic range is closer to 788km, still genuinely excellent, but worth knowing rather than assuming you'll see 810km in daily driving. Detail EQS400 (Australia) Official WLTP range (19 inch wheels) 810km Real world range (21 inch wheels, as sold locally) Around 788km Battery 112kWh usable Power/torque 270kW/505Nm Drive layout Rear wheel drive DC charging Up to 350kW How the Price Cut Changes the Calculation At $184,900 before on road costs, the new EQS400 is $37,400 cheaper than the outgoing EQS450, and sits $79,300 below the cheapest petrol powered S-Class, based on European market comparisons Mercedes-Benz has highlighted. That's a meaningful repositioning for a flagship electric sedan, even if it means accepting rear wheel drive only for now. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Buy if: you want the longest officially rated range of any EV currently sold in Australia, you don't need all wheel drive, and the price cut compared to the outgoing EQS450 makes the flagship sedan genuinely more accessible for you. Avoid, for now, if: all wheel drive traction matters to you, or you specifically want the global range leading EQS450+, which Mercedes-Benz Australia has not confirmed for local sale. Mercedes-Benz EQS price Australia FAQs What is the range of the new Mercedes-Benz EQS in Australia? The EQS400 is officially rated at 810km WLTP, though that figure is based on smaller 19 inch wheels. On the 21 inch wheels fitted as standard in Australia, real world range is closer to 788km. How much does the Mercedes-Benz EQS cost in Australia? The EQS400 is priced from $184,900 before on road costs, which is $37,400 less than the outgoing all wheel drive EQS450. Is the new Mercedes-Benz EQS all wheel drive? No. The EQS400 is rear wheel drive only, a change from the previous EQS450. Mercedes-Benz Australia has not confirmed whether all wheel drive variants will be offered locally. Is the Mercedes-Benz EQS the longest range EV in Australia? Yes, currently. Its 810km official WLTP rating edges out the BMW iX3's 805km, making it the longest range EV on sale in Australia as of September 2026.

If you're thinking about buying an EV, and maybe even planning a trip to Everything Electric Sydney, now is a good time to revisit a few sales traps worth knowing before you sign anything. If you're thinking about buying an EV, and maybe even planning a trip to Everything Electric Sydney this September, now is a good time to revisit a few sales traps worth knowing before you sign anything. Buying an EV involves the same dealership dynamics as buying any car, plus a few traps unique to electric vehicles specifically. Knowing what to watch for before you sign anything can save you thousands, and a fair bit of frustration. Here's what to genuinely look out for. Key Facts Panel Cooling off periods aren't universal: they vary significantly by state, and in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania, dealers generally don't have to offer one at all for a standard cash purchase The deferred sales model protects you nationally: dealers cannot sell you add on insurance products within 4 days of the car purchase, giving you time to make an informed decision rather than being pressured on the spot Consumer guarantees can't be contracted away: your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of what add on warranties or insurance you're sold, and regardless of what a salesperson tells you verbally A genuine EV specific trap: vague or optimistic range and charging speed claims made verbally during a sales pitch, always verify specific figures against the manufacturer's own official specifications, not what a salesperson tells you on the floor Do this: get any verbal promise about range, charging speed, delivery timeline or price in writing before you sign, verbal assurances that later prove wrong are genuinely difficult to enforce. Don't do this: accept pressure to sign immediately to "lock in" a price, incentive or delivery slot without checking the actual contract terms and your state's cooling off rights first. Cooling Off Periods, State by State This is the single most misunderstood consumer protection in Australian car buying, and it genuinely varies enough between states that assuming your rights match what a friend in another state experienced is a real risk. State/Territory Cooling Off Right for New Cars Victoria 3 business days after signing, lost if you accept delivery during that period New South Wales Generally none for a cash purchase, a 1 day cooling off period applies specifically if buying via a dealer credit contract Queensland 1 business day, typically ending 5pm the dealer's next open business day Western Australia No cooling off period for dealer vehicle purchases Northern Territory No cooling off period for dealer vehicle purchases Tasmania No cooling off period for dealer vehicle purchases The practical takeaway: don't assume you have days to change your mind after signing. In several states, you genuinely don't, once you sign, you're committed unless the contract itself includes a specific out clause. The Deferred Sales Model, Your Best Protection Against Add On Pressure This is a genuinely useful, nationally applied rule worth knowing by name. Dealers are prohibited from selling you add on insurance products, extended warranties, paint protection, and similar extras within 4 days of the car sale itself. The rule exists specifically because add on insurance was one of the most complained about areas in car sales, products sold under pressure at the point of signing that often provided poor value or duplicated cover you already had. If a salesperson tries to bundle extras into the same conversation as the car sale itself and pressure you to decide on the spot, that's worth pushing back on. You're entitled to take that decision away and make it separately, with time to actually compare what's being offered. EV Specific Traps to Watch For Beyond the general car buying traps above, a few things come up specifically around EVs: Vague range and charging claims. "It'll easily do 500km" is not the same as the manufacturer's official WLTP figure. Ask for the specific number and the specific test cycle it's based on. Novated lease and FBT confusion. Some dealers oversell the FBT exemption's savings without checking whether the specific vehicle and price actually qualifies. Confirm eligibility with your own lease provider, not just the dealer's estimate. Delivery timeline pressure. With several newer brands still building out local stock and service networks, verbal delivery date promises can be optimistic. Get any firm delivery commitment in writing. Charger bundling. Free home charger offers tied to a purchase date are common and often genuine, but check the charger model and installation terms carefully, "free charger" sometimes means a basic unit with installation costs on top. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Do this: know your state's specific cooling off rights before you visit a dealership, get any verbal claim about range, price or delivery in writing, and use the 4 day deferred sales window to properly compare any add on products rather than deciding under pressure. Don't do this: sign anything on the spot purely because of a "today only" incentive, real manufacturer pricing and stock situations rarely change that dramatically overnight, and a genuine deal will usually still be there tomorrow. EV sales traps FAQs Do I have a cooling off period when buying an EV from a dealer in Australia? It depends on your state. Victoria offers 3 business days, Queensland and NSW offer more limited protections, and Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania generally don't require dealers to offer one at all for a standard cash purchase. Can a dealer pressure me to buy extended warranty or insurance on the spot? No, not within 4 days of the car purchase. The national deferred sales model prohibits dealers from selling add on insurance products in that window, specifically to prevent pressure selling. What's the biggest EV specific trap to watch for at a dealership? Verbal range and charging speed claims that don't match the manufacturer's official specifications. Always verify specific figures in writing against the official spec sheet, not what's said during the sales pitch. Are my consumer rights different if I bought add on insurance with my EV? No. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply regardless of any add on warranties or insurance you're sold, and these rights cannot be contracted away by the dealer.

If you're EV curious and live anywhere near Sydney, next week is worth clearing space in the diary for. Everything Electric Sydney returns to Sydney Showground from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September 2026, with a record number of new electric vehicles set to be unveiled. Here's what's confirmed, and which debuts are genuinely worth planning your visit around. Key Facts Panel Dates: Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September 2026 Location: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park Scale: more than 100 EV models on display, with 7,500 test drives on offer across the weekend Brands confirmed to launch or preview new EVs: Cadillac, Chery, Forthing, Geely, GWM, Hyundai, IM, iCAUR, Lepas, MG, Omoda Jaecoo and Zeekr New market entrant: iCAUR will show its all electric V25 in Australia for the first time, ahead of the brand's local arrival Do this: book your test drive slots in advance if you want to try a specific model, 7,500 spots across three days sounds like a lot, but the most talked about debuts will book out fast. Don't do this: turn up expecting to drive away with pricing and availability locked in for every debut model. Several of the vehicles on display are previews ahead of a future local launch, not vehicles you can order that weekend. The Debuts Worth Planning Around A handful of the vehicles confirmed for the show stand out as genuinely newsworthy rather than simply another badge on the floor. Lepas L6 electric SUV. A new nameplate making its Australian debut, worth a look if you're tracking the growing field of Chinese brands entering the market. Geely M9. Confirmed for Australia in 2027, this appearance gives Sydney showgoers an early look at a model that won't be on sale locally for some time yet, useful if you're planning a purchase further down the track rather than this year. Zeekr 8X. A plug-in hybrid SUV addition to the Zeekr range, worth cross-shopping against the brand's existing 7X if you're deciding between a full electric and a PHEV from the same maker. GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV ute. An expansion of GWM's plug-in hybrid ute lineup, relevant if you've been following the Cannon Alpha Hi4-T and want to see how the smaller Cannon variant compares in person. iCAUR V25. The most genuinely new name on this list. iCAUR hasn't launched in Australia yet, so this is a first public look at the brand's electric offering ahead of a local arrival that hasn't been dated yet. Show Details at a Glance Detail Information Dates 18 to 20 September 2026 Location Sydney Showground Models on display More than 100 Test drives available 7,500 across the weekend Confirmed brands launching or previewing Cadillac, Chery, Forthing, Geely, GWM, Hyundai, IM, iCAUR, Lepas, MG, Omoda Jaecoo, Zeekr Why This Show Matters More Than a Regular Motor Show Everything Electric bills itself as the world's biggest EV specific show, and the format reflects that focus. Unlike a general motor show where EVs sit alongside petrol and diesel vehicles, every vehicle on the floor here is electrified in some form, battery electric, plug-in hybrid or extended range. For someone genuinely comparing EVs against each other rather than against a petrol equivalent, that concentration of options in one place, combined with actual test drive access rather than static display only, is hard to replicate anywhere else in Australia. The scale of test drive availability, 7,500 across three days, is also a genuine practical advantage over visiting individual dealerships, where booking a same day test drive across five or six different brands simply isn't realistic. Should You Go: The Verdict Go if: you're actively comparing multiple EVs before a purchase decision, you want hands on time with several brands in a single visit, or you're curious about genuinely new entrants like iCAUR that don't yet have an Australian dealership network to visit. Skip it, or go without high expectations, if: you're hoping to walk away with firm local pricing on every model shown, several debuts here are previews of vehicles still months or years from Australian showrooms. Everything Electric Sydney 2026 FAQs When is Everything Electric Sydney 2026? The show runs from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September 2026 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. How many EVs will be on display at Everything Electric Sydney? More than 100 EV models are expected to be on display, with 7,500 test drives available across the three day event. Which brands are launching new EVs at Everything Electric Sydney? Cadillac, Chery, Forthing, Geely, GWM, Hyundai, IM, iCAUR, Lepas, MG, Omoda Jaecoo and Zeekr are all confirmed to launch or preview new EVs at the show. Can I test drive cars at Everything Electric Sydney? Yes, the show offers 7,500 test drives across the weekend. Booking in advance is worth doing for the most sought after models, given the volume of visitors expected.

BYD's Atto 3 was the car that launched the brand in Australia back in 2022, and it's just had its biggest update yet. The headline change is genuinely significant, the flagship Premium variant switches from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive, with a big jump in power and range to match. Here's what's confirmed on BYD Atto 3 Evo price Australia, and whether the new Premium justifies the step up. Key Facts Panel Price: Dynamic from $41,990 before on road costs, Premium from $46,990 before on road costs, leftover pre-update Essential stock available from $39,990 Availability: orders open now, deliveries expected to begin September 2026 Dynamic powertrain: 150kW/310Nm front mounted motor, 60.48kWh LFP Blade Battery, 400V architecture, up to 420km WLTP range Premium powertrain: 230kW/380Nm rear mounted motor, a genuine first for the Atto 3 nameplate, 74.88kWh LFP Blade Battery, 800V architecture, up to 510km WLTP range 0-100km/h: Dynamic 7.3 seconds, Premium 5.5 seconds Charging: Dynamic 7kW AC and 110kW DC, Premium 11kW AC and 220kW DC Towing: Premium's braked towing capacity of 1500kg is double the Dynamic's Buy if: you want the quickest, longest range Atto 3 ever offered and $46,990 fits your budget, the Premium's rear wheel drive layout and 800V architecture are genuine upgrades, not just a badge change. Avoid if: the extra $5,000 over the Dynamic doesn't fit your budget, the Dynamic remains mechanically unchanged from the outgoing car and is still a competent, well proven small SUV in its own right. What's Actually Changed This is the biggest mechanical overhaul the Atto 3 has had since it launched. Previously, Dynamic and Premium shared the same drivetrain and differed mainly on equipment. That's no longer the case. The Dynamic carries over the outgoing car's 150kW/310Nm front mounted motor and 400V architecture largely unchanged. The Premium gets an entirely new rear mounted 230kW/380Nm motor, matching the output used in the larger BYD Sealion 7 Premium, along with an 800V electrical architecture that unlocks significantly faster DC charging. The result is a genuinely different driving character between the two variants, not just a bigger number on the spec sheet. The Premium's 0-100km/h time drops from 7.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds, and its braked towing capacity doubles to 1500kg. BYD Atto 3 Evo price | Dynamic vs Premium, Side by Side Spec Dynamic Premium Price (before on road costs) $41,990 $46,990 Motor 150kW/310Nm, front mounted 230kW/380Nm, rear mounted Architecture 400V 800V Battery 60.48kWh LFP 74.88kWh LFP WLTP Range Up to 420km Up to 510km 0-100km/h 7.3 seconds 5.5 seconds AC/DC Charging 7kW/110kW 11kW/220kW Braked Towing Not specified for Dynamic 1500kg Styling changes are shared across both grades, revised front and rear bumpers, slimmer side skirts, new 18 inch alloy wheels, and a full width Chinese knot LED rear light bar. Newly standard equipment across the range includes heated and ventilated front seats, a larger 8.8 inch digital instrument cluster, a steering column mounted gear selector, child presence detection and a driver monitoring camera. How the Price Increase Stacks Up Both variants have gone up by $2,000 compared to the outgoing car's equivalent grades. That's a genuine increase, but it comes with meaningfully more car for the money on the Premium in particular, given the shift to rear wheel drive, the bigger battery and the much faster charging ceiling. BYD is also clearing out leftover pre-update Essential stock at $39,990 before on road costs for buyers who'd rather save the difference and aren't fussed about the update's changes. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Buy the Premium if: you want the quickest, longest range and most capable Atto 3 ever offered, and you can stretch to $46,990 before on road costs, the rear wheel drive layout and 800V architecture are genuine, meaningful upgrades over the old car. Buy the Dynamic if: you want the proven, familiar Atto 3 formula at a lower price point, the front wheel drive setup and 420km range remain perfectly competent for typical suburban and commuting use. FAQs How much does the BYD Atto 3 Evo cost in Australia? The Dynamic starts from $41,990 and the Premium from $46,990, both before on road costs. Leftover pre-update Essential stock is available from $39,990. When does the BYD Atto 3 Evo arrive in Australia? Orders are open now, with deliveries expected to begin in September 2026. What's different about the new Atto 3 Evo Premium? The Premium switches from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive for the first time, with a more powerful 230kW/380Nm motor, an 800V electrical architecture, a bigger 74.88kWh battery and up to 510km of WLTP range. Is the BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic worth buying over the Premium? Yes, if budget matters more to you than outright performance and range. The Dynamic is mechanically unchanged from the well proven outgoing Atto 3, with a 420km WLTP range that suits typical daily driving

If you've priced up insurance for an EV and been surprised by the number, you're not imagining it. Electric vehicles genuinely do cost more to insure than an equivalent petrol car in Australia right now, and the gap is real, if not always as large as the scariest headlines suggest. Here's what EV insurance actually costs, and why the gap exists. Key Facts Panel Average EV premium: around $2,545 per year in Australia, compared to $1,702 for an equivalent petrol car, roughly a 50% gap based on those figures (Finder.com.au data, 2026) The wider range reported: other industry sources put the EV premium gap anywhere from 20% to 30% higher on average, with some specific models running as much as 60% higher depending on the insurer Cheapest EVs to insure: Geely models average around $1,622 per year (CHOICE, based on over 16,000 quotes) Most expensive to insure: Tesla models average around $2,985 per year (CHOICE) Why it costs more: the battery pack, typically 30 to 50% of an EV's total value, can cost $15,000 to $40,000 to repair or replace even after a relatively minor collision, and is often written off entirely rather than repaired Do this: always compare EV insurance quotes across at least three insurers before buying, premiums for the same car and driver profile can vary by $800 to $1,200 a year between providers. Don't do this: assume your premium is fixed once you've picked an insurer. Never let your policy auto renew without checking the market again, insurers who entered the EV space early are now facing competition from newer entrants on price. Why EVs Cost More to Insure The single biggest factor is the battery. It's typically the most expensive individual component in an EV, representing 30 to 50% of the vehicle's total value. Even a relatively minor rear end collision that damages the battery casing can cost $15,000 to $40,000 to repair. In many cases insurers write the entire vehicle off rather than attempt a repair, since replacing individual battery modules often isn't feasible or manufacturer sanctioned. On top of that, EVs generally require specialised parts and technicians trained to work safely around high voltage components. That combination, still a developing repairer network plus genuinely expensive parts, feeds directly into higher premiums. There's also a straightforward factor at play: EVs are often more expensive to buy than an equivalent petrol car, and a higher purchase price generally means a higher sum insured, which pushes the premium up regardless of the battery specific risks. How the Numbers Actually Compare for EV insurance Australia Insurance Cost Factor EV Petrol Equivalent Average annual premium Around $2,545 Around $1,702 Cheapest brand to insure Geely, around $1,622 average Varies by model Most expensive common brand Tesla, around $2,985 average Varies by model Typical premium range reported 20% to 60% higher than petrol, depending on model and insurer Baseline Different sources report slightly different percentage gaps, which is worth being upfront about rather than picking the most dramatic figure. The consistent theme across every source is the same, though, EVs cost more to insure right now, the exact gap depends heavily on the specific model and insurer you're comparing. Why the Gap Is Likely to Narrow This isn't expected to be a permanent state of affairs. As Australia's EV fleet grows, insurers accumulate more claims data to price risk accurately rather than defaulting to conservative, higher premiums. Repair networks are also expanding, which should bring labour costs down over time, and falling EV purchase prices reduce the sum insured across the board. None of that helps your premium today, but it's worth knowing the direction of travel if you're weighing up an EV purchase now against waiting. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Buy now if: you've factored the higher insurance premium into your total cost of ownership calculation and the EV still comes out ahead once you include fuel and servicing savings, which it typically does for most drivers doing average annual kilometres. Wait, or choose carefully, if: insurance cost is a genuine budget constraint. Consider a cheaper to insure brand like Geely over a pricier option like Tesla, and get quotes from multiple insurers before you commit to a specific model. FAQs How much more expensive is EV insurance in Australia? Estimates vary by source, from around 20% to 30% higher on average according to some insurers, up to roughly 50% higher based on Finder's 2026 data comparing average EV premiums ($2,545) against petrol ($1,702). The exact gap depends heavily on the specific model. Why is EV insurance so expensive? The main driver is the battery, which represents 30 to 50% of an EV's total value and can cost $15,000 to $40,000 to repair after even a minor collision, often resulting in a total write off rather than a repair. Which EV brands are cheapest to insure in Australia? Geely currently averages the lowest premiums among EV brands at around $1,622 per year, according to CHOICE's analysis of over 16,000 quotes. Will EV insurance get cheaper in Australia? Industry expectations point to gradual narrowing of the gap as more EVs enter the market, generating better claims data, and as repair networks expand and vehicle prices continue to fall.

Key Facts Panel Overall result: five stars, ANCAP's maximum rating, applying to both GT and Atenza variants Adult Occupant Protection: 93 percent, 37.39 points out of a possible 40 Child Occupant Protection: 93 percent, 46 points out of 49 Vulnerable Road User Protection: 74 percent Safety Assist: 79 percent Worth knowing: the rating was achieved via Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2025 and carries a "TESTED 2025" datestamp, meaning it was assessed against ANCAP's previous 2023-25 protocols rather than the stricter 2026 protocols now in force for newly tested vehicles Do this: treat the five star result as genuinely strong and current, ANCAP has formally accepted and published it, even though it wasn't tested under the newest local protocols. Don't do this: assume the Mazda 6e was tested under the same, tougher 2026 criteria as the newest models coming through ANCAP right now, it wasn't, and that's a meaningful difference if you're comparing it directly against a vehicle tested this year under the new standard. If you've been eyeing the Mazda 6e and wondering how it actually performed in independent crash testing, ANCAP has now published a result, five stars. Here's exactly what that score is made up of, one nuance worth knowing about how it was tested, and how the 6e stacks up on paper against the sedans it's chasing. How the Score Breaks Down The Mazda 6e's strongest results are in occupant protection. It scored maximum points in ANCAP's side impact and far side impact assessments, contributing to that 93 percent Adult Occupant Protection figure. Child Occupant Protection also came in at 93 percent, with full marks awarded for dynamic testing in both front and side impact scenarios and for child restraint installation. The weaker areas, relatively speaking, are Vulnerable Road User Protection at 74 percent and Safety Assist at 79 percent. Both are still comfortably above ANCAP's five star thresholds of 60 percent and 70 percent respectively, so they don't affect the overall star rating, but they're worth knowing if you're comparing the 6e closely against rivals that scored higher in those specific categories. Standard safety equipment across the range includes nine airbags, autonomous emergency braking covering car to car, vulnerable road user, junction, backover and head on scenarios, emergency lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The Mazda 6e ANCAP rating: Testing Protocol Detail Worth Knowing This is the part that's easy to miss in the headline "five stars" news, and it's worth being upfront about. The Mazda 6e's result comes from testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2025, before ANCAP's tougher 2026-28 protocols came into force. Because the 6e didn't go on sale in Australia until after that testing was completed, its published ANCAP rating carries a 2025 datestamp and reflects the older, somewhat less demanding protocol set. This doesn't mean the result is invalid or that ANCAP is hiding anything, the rating has been formally published and applies to all Australian and New Zealand 6e variants until December 2031. It simply means a direct percentage for percentage comparison against a car tested under the new 2026 protocols isn't entirely apples to apples. For context, the BMW iX3 is currently the only vehicle to have been rated against the newer, stricter 2026 protocols. How the Mazda 6e Compares on Paper Model Price (before on road costs) Power/Torque WLTP Range DC Charging Mazda 6e $49,990 190kW/290Nm Up to 560km 30-80% in around 15 minutes BYD Seal Dynamic $46,990 150kW/310Nm Up to 460km Not directly comparable, LFP battery charges more slowly than NMC Tesla Model 3 RWD $54,900 Not officially disclosed by Tesla Around 513km claimed Supercharger network access, 250kW peak On paper, the 6e's power output and 560km range put it ahead of both rivals in this entry level comparison, while its $49,990 price sits neatly between the Seal and the Model 3. Tesla's Supercharger network remains a genuine practical advantage the 6e can't match on paper, worth weighing against the raw spec numbers. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Buy if: you want a five star safety rated electric sedan with strong occupant protection scores, a competitive 560km range, and you're comfortable with the rating having been achieved under 2025 test protocols rather than the newest 2026 criteria. Avoid, for now, if: you specifically want a vehicle tested and rated under ANCAP's newest 2026-28 protocols for the most current possible comparison, in which case very few vehicles on sale today, the BMW iX3 aside, will currently satisfy that criteria either. FAQs What ANCAP safety rating does the Mazda 6e have? Five stars, ANCAP's maximum rating, applying to both the GT and Atenza variants sold in Australia. What did the Mazda 6e score for occupant protection? 93 percent for Adult Occupant Protection and 93 percent for Child Occupant Protection, with maximum points awarded in ANCAP's side impact and far side impact tests. Was the Mazda 6e tested under the newest ANCAP protocols? No. The rating was achieved through Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2025, before ANCAP's stricter 2026-28 protocols came into force, and carries a 2025 test datestamp. How much does the Mazda 6e cost in Australia? The Mazda 6e is priced from $49,990 before on road costs across its two variants, GT and Atenza.

Key Facts Panel What just happened: EVs from BYD and MG claimed all five of the most searched car spots on RACV Car Match over the past five months, according to RACV's own data The most searched vehicle overall: the BYD Atto 2, starting from just under $36,244 drive away What's driving it: Australia's temporary fuel excise reduction ended on August 3, 2026, coinciding with an indexed rate increase of 17.1 cents per litre, with some retailers pushing prices up further still The affordability shift: Australia now has 12 EVs priced under $40,000, with the cheapest, the BYD Atto 1, starting from $23,990 before on road costs Running cost gap: charging an EV at home typically costs a fraction of the equivalent petrol spend per kilometre, even at standard, non-off-peak electricity rates Do this: if rising petrol prices are the main reason you're considering an EV, run the actual numbers for your own driving distance before assuming the switch pays off immediately, the savings are real but they scale with how much you drive. Don't do this: buy an EV purely because search interest is high and everyone else seems to be looking. Base the decision on your own budget, charging access and driving pattern first. If petrol prices have got you looking at EVs more seriously lately, you're not alone. New data shows affordable electric vehicles have just claimed every one of the top five spots on Australia's most searched new cars list, and it's not a coincidence. Here's what's actually driving that shift, and whether it genuinely makes this a good time to buy. Why EV Searches Just Spiked The timing here isn't subtle. Australia's temporary fuel excise relief ended on August 3, 2026, and the indexed rate immediately jumped by 17.1 cents per litre, with some retailers adding further increases on top. RACV's own Car Match data shows that shift lining up directly with a surge in EV search interest, specifically for affordable models rather than premium ones. Notably, Australia's actual best selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, didn't feature in RACV's top five most searched list at all. Neither did several other strong sellers like the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Jaecoo J5 or Zeekr 7X. What topped the list instead were genuinely affordable options, led by the BYD Atto 2 at around $36,244 drive away. That's a meaningful signal: people reacting to petrol prices are searching with a budget ceiling in mind, not chasing the flashiest EV on the market. The Affordability Picture Has Genuinely Changed So, Is now a good time to buy an EV in Australia? Petrol excise relief just ended and EV searches are spiking. Here's the honest answer.This search spike is landing at a point where the EV market itself has shifted meaningfully. Australia now has 12 electric vehicles priced under $40,000, something that simply wasn't true a year or two ago. The cheapest, the BYD Atto 1, starts from $23,990 before on road costs, putting it in direct competition with petrol hatchbacks rather than other EVs. That combination, rising petrol prices and falling EV entry prices, is the real story behind the search data, not a single dramatic event but two trend lines crossing at the same time. Some of the Cheapest EVs on Sale Right Now Model Price (before on road costs) BYD Atto 1 $23,990 Geely EX2 $26,490 BYD Dolphin $29,990 BYD Atto 2 $31,990 MG4 Urban $31,990 GAC Aion UT $31,990 These figures are before on road costs, so add registration and stamp duty for your actual drive away price, and note that pricing in this segment moves quickly as new brands compete hard on entry cost. Is now a good time to buy an EV in Australia? The answer depends on your own driving pattern more than the headlines. If you drive a meaningful weekly distance and can charge at home, even at standard electricity rates, the running cost gap between electricity and petrol is substantial enough that a budget EV can genuinely pay back its price premium over petrol equivalents within a few years, sometimes faster if petrol prices keep climbing. If you drive infrequently, don't have reliable home charging access, or your budget is genuinely tight even at $23,990 entry pricing, the calculation is less clear cut, and it's worth working through the actual numbers for your situation rather than reacting to a search trend or a fuel excise headline alone. What's true right now is that the range of viable, well priced options has never been wider. Whichever way the maths lands for you personally, you're choosing from a genuinely different market than even twelve months ago. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Buy now if: you drive a solid weekly distance, you can charge at home, and rising petrol prices have been a real, ongoing cost for you rather than a passing frustration, the current wave of sub $40,000 EVs makes the switch more accessible than it's ever been. Hold off if: you drive infrequently, can't charge reliably at home, or you're being swept up in search trend momentum rather than your own genuine numbers, take the time to run your own cost comparison before committing. FAQs Why are EV searches spiking in Australia right now? Australia's temporary fuel excise relief ended on August 3, 2026, triggering a 17.1 cent per litre indexed increase, which coincided with EVs from BYD and MG claiming all five of the most searched new car spots on RACV Car Match. What's the cheapest EV in Australia right now? The BYD Atto 1, starting from $23,990 before on road costs, is currently Australia's cheapest new electric vehicle. Is it actually cheaper to run an EV than a petrol car right now? Generally yes, charging at home typically costs a fraction of the equivalent petrol spend per kilometre, though the exact savings depend on your electricity rate, driving distance and whether you can charge at home reliably. How many EVs are now available under $40,000 in Australia? There are currently 12 EVs priced under $40,000 in Australia, a significant increase driven largely by new and expanding Chinese brands.

Key Facts Panel What's missing: the centre airbag and driver's knee airbag, both advertised as standard but not fitted to any Australian delivered Musso EV dual-cab ute How many affected: around 306 vehicles sold in Australia by the end of July 2026, per VFACTS figures cited by ANCAP When it started: every Musso EV dual-cab ute supplied since the model's Australian introduction in November 2025 Which variants are affected: all three, the Musso EV dual-cab ute 2WD, the Musso EV dual-cab ute 2WD Black Edge, and the Musso EV dual-cab ute AWD. The separate diesel powered KGM Musso dual-cab ute, on sale since 2019, is a different vehicle entirely and is not affected by this alert. KGM's response: marketing material was corrected by July 31, 2026. KGM Australia has called it an "unintentional administrative error" and maintains the Musso EV dual-cab ute "remains compliant with Vehicle Type Approval" Current safety rating: the Musso EV dual-cab ute remains unrated by ANCAP, a full rating is expected later in 2026 Do this: if you already own a Musso EV dual-cab ute, contact KGM Australia or your local dealer directly to confirm your vehicle's actual specification and ask what KGM plans to do about it. Don't do this: assume the missing airbags are a minor paperwork issue, ANCAP has explicitly stated the omission may affect occupant protection in frontal and side impact crashes. If you own a KGM Musso EV dual-cab ute or you're considering one, ANCAP has just issued a genuine consumer alert worth reading properly, not skimming. The electric dual-cab ute was advertised with eight airbags as standard. It actually has six. Here's exactly what happened, what it means for current owners, and whether it should change your buying decision. KGM Musso EV Dual-Cab Ute Airbags - What ANCAP Actually Found The discrepancy wasn't caught through a routine audit. ANCAP discovered it while conducting a destructive crash test on a Musso EV dual-cab ute as part of preparing the vehicle's first official safety rating. A front centre airbag that was supposed to deploy simply wasn't there, which led investigators to check the full specification against what KGM had been advertising. The centre airbag, sometimes called a front row far side airbag, sits between the driver and front passenger seats and is designed to stop the two occupants striking each other during a side impact crash. The driver's knee airbag helps manage lower limb movement and protects against pelvic injury in a frontal collision. Both were listed in KGM's consumer specification brochure and website as part of a standard eight airbag suite for the dual-cab ute. Neither is actually fitted. Timeline of What Happened Date Event November 2025 Musso EV dual-cab ute introduced to the Australian market, advertised with eight airbags Through mid 2026 Approximately 306 vehicles delivered to Australian customers Prior to July 31, 2026 ANCAP identifies the discrepancy during crash testing July 31, 2026 KGM Australia updates its marketing material to reflect the actual six airbag specification Ongoing ANCAP encourages KGM to make a production change adding both airbags to future vehicles, KGM has not confirmed if or when this will happen What KGM Has Actually Said KGM Australia has been direct about the cause, calling it an "unintentional administrative error" in a statement, and confirming that "the vehicle has always been manufactured in this six-airbag configuration," meaning no vehicle was ever secretly downgraded, the specification simply never matched what was advertised from day one. The company also maintains the Musso EV dual-cab ute "remains compliant with Vehicle Type Approval," its formal regulatory approval to be sold in Australia, despite the airbag discrepancy. KGM says it is reviewing how the error occurred and finalising a customer communication and redress approach, though it hasn't confirmed whether a future production change will add the missing airbags. Should This Change Your Buying Decision If you already own a Musso EV dual-cab ute, the honest answer is that the car you're driving isn't the car you thought you bought, and that's worth taking seriously rather than shrugging off. ANCAP's advice is straightforward, contact KGM Australia or your dealer directly if you have concerns. If you're considering a new or used Musso EV dual-cab ute, the situation is genuinely unresolved. KGM hasn't confirmed whether future vehicles will get the missing airbags fitted, and the dual-cab ute still has no official ANCAP safety rating at all, expected sometime later in 2026. Buying now means buying a vehicle without independent crash test verification and with a known gap between what was advertised and what's actually fitted, even if that gap has since been corrected in the marketing material. The rest of the Musso EV dual-cab ute's case remains genuinely strong on paper: it undercuts every other factory built electric ute in Australia by a wide margin, and its 80.6kWh LFP battery, sourced from BYD, still delivers a competitive 420km WLTP range on the 2WD variant. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Buy if: you've read this alert, you're comfortable buying a dual-cab ute that currently has no independent ANCAP safety rating, and the Musso EV dual-cab ute's price and range advantage still outweighs that gap for you. Avoid, for now, if: a confirmed, independently verified safety rating matters to your decision. Wait for ANCAP's full rating, expected later in 2026, before committing. FAQs How many airbags does the KGM Musso EV dual-cab ute actually have? Six. KGM had advertised eight airbags as standard, including a centre airbag and driver's knee airbag, but these two were never fitted to Australian delivered vehicles. Is the KGM Musso EV dual-cab ute safe to drive? The Musso EV dual-cab ute currently has no official ANCAP safety rating. ANCAP has advised that the missing airbags may affect occupant protection in frontal and side impact crashes, and existing owners with concerns should contact KGM directly. Has KGM fixed the airbag issue? KGM has corrected its marketing material to show the accurate six airbag specification as of July 31, 2026. It hasn't confirmed whether a production change will add the missing airbags to future vehicles. How many Musso EV dual-cab utes are affected by the ANCAP alert? Around 306 vehicles, covering every Musso EV dual-cab ute supplied in Australia since the model launched in November 2025. Which KGM Musso EV dual-cab ute variants are affected by the airbag issue? All three variants, the Musso EV dual-cab ute 2WD, the 2WD Black Edge, and the AWD. The separate diesel powered KGM Musso dual-cab ute is a different vehicle and is not part of this alert. Is the KGM Torres or Actyon Hybrid affected by this alert? No. The Musso EV is a dual-cab ute, a separate model from the Torres and Actyon mid-size SUVs. Neither the Torres, the Torres EVX, nor the Actyon Hybrid is covered by ANCAP's airbag alert.

The four powertrains, briefly: ICE (petrol/diesel): The Haval Jolion, base Cannon, and diesel Tank models. Straightforward, cheapest entry point, no charging or hybrid complexity to think about. Hybrid (HEV): Haval Jolion HEV, Haval H6 HEV, and Tank 300/500 HEV variants. Self-charging, no plug required, a sensible step up in efficiency without changing your habits. PHEV: The Haval H6 GT PHEV, Tank 300 Hi4-T (from $55,990 drive-away), and Cannon Alpha Hi4-T. These only make financial sense if you actually plug them in regularly, otherwise you're carrying extra weight and complexity for little benefit. All-electric (BEV): The Ora hatch and Ora 5 SUV, both from $33,990 drive-away, with an 8-year/unlimited km battery warranty. THE GWM HAVAL H6 HEV GWM has become one of Australia's fastest-growing car brands, and it's earned that growth by covering nearly every powertrain type at once. What often gets overlooked is that GWM isn't actually new here: it launched in Australia in June 2009 as Great Wall Motor, making it the first Chinese auto brand to enter the market at all, over 17 years ago, well before BYD, MG's modern China-backed era, or any other Chinese brand currently on sale locally. Whether that breadth and tenure translates into the right car for you depends on what you're shopping for. Price. GWM's range runs from genuinely affordable to solidly mid-market. The Haval Jolion opens the range from $24,990 drive-away (VIC), the Ora hatch and Ora 5 SUV both start from $33,990 drive-away, and the Haval H6 mid-size SUV starts from $35,990. Utes and off-roaders sit higher: the Cannon from $36,490, Cannon Alpha from $54,490, and the flagship Tank 500 into the high $60,000s to $70,000s depending on variant. Drive-away pricing varies by state, these are VIC private-buyer figures from GWM's own site. Verified Fuel Consumption: Hybrids and PHEVs These are GWM's own official combined-cycle claims, cross-checked against independent test reviews. PHEV figures assume a charged battery, since that's how the manufacturer tests them, real-world consumption rises significantly once the battery is depleted. Model Official Combined Claim Independent Real-World Test Haval Jolion Hybrid 4.8–5.1L/100km Mid-to-high 6L/100km, claimed as "achievable if driven very gently" (Driven Car Guide) Haval H6 Hybrid 5.2L/100km Not independently tested in our sources Tank 300 Hybrid (HEV) Around 8.4L/100km Not independently tested in our sources Haval H6 GT PHEV 0.8L/100km (charged) Not independently tested in our sources Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV 1.9L/100km (charged), rising to 8.3L/100km depleted 5.7L/100km over a 440km mixed road trip (carsales); 11.0L/100km urban, 8.5L/100km country (CarsGuide) The Tank 300 PHEV is the clearest example of why the "charged battery" caveat matters: GWM's 1.9L/100km claim is real under lab conditions with a full battery, but independent testers recorded anywhere from 5.7L/100km on a mixed road trip to 11.0L/100km in pure urban driving. Treat the official PHEV figures as a best-case number, not a realistic daily average, unless you're genuinely charging it every day and doing mostly short trips. THE GWM TANK 300HEV Warranty. This is genuinely one of GWM's stronger selling points: 7 years/unlimited km on the vehicle for private, ABN, fleet and government buyers (7 years/150,000km if used commercially, such as rideshare), plus 8 years/unlimited km on the battery for hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models. That's a longer vehicle warranty than most established Japanese and Korean rivals offer. Reliability, honestly. This is where the picture is genuinely mixed, tenure alone doesn't settle it. GWM's build quality has improved and industry reviewers note it's closing the gap on more established brands. But owner reviews on sites like ProductReview include a number of complaints about after-sales service and dealership responsiveness, including accounts of lengthy repair delays and service disputes. These are self-reported and not a measured satisfaction benchmark, and review sites skew toward people posting about bad experiences rather than good ones, but they're a genuine signal worth knowing about, not nothing. Seventeen years in the market hasn't fully resolved GWM's after-sales reputation, even as its sales numbers climb fast. Performance. This varies enormously across the range. The entry-level Haval Jolion is competent but unremarkable, built for value rather than excitement. Step up to the Haval H6 and H6 GT and there's genuinely more punch on offer, the H6 GT in particular leans into a sportier, more engaging drive than its price suggests, with the PHEV variant capable of a genuinely quick 4.9-second 0-100km/h. The Cannon Alpha PHEV surprises with strong outputs for the money. The Tank range trades outright performance for off-road capability and presence instead. The GWM ORA 5 SUV BEV The Verdict on GWM price reliability performance Buy if: you want a long warranty, sharp pricing, and the reassurance of a brand with genuinely the longest track record of any Chinese manufacturer in Australia. The PHEV and BEV models in particular offer strong value against established rivals, provided you go in with realistic expectations on PHEV fuel figures rather than the optimistic charged-battery claim. Don't buy if: dealership service reputation matters more to you than upfront price and warranty length. Seventeen years in the market hasn't eliminated real after-sales complaints, so if a rough service experience would seriously bother you, it's worth reading recent owner reviews for your specific model before committing, regardless of how long the brand's been here.

Key Facts Panel First-year drop: EVs lose around 25% of value in year one, against 11.5% for petrol cars and just 1.7% for hybrids (AADA/AutoGrab 2025 Annual Automotive Insights Report) Longer-term retention: roughly 68.7% of value remains after two years, 60.3% after three, compared to 92.4% for hybrids at the three-year mark (AutoGrab 2024 report, most recent published dataset) Time on market: EVs typically take 55-87 days to sell used, against 45-61 days for hybrids (AADA 2025) The trend is turning: used EV values have been stabilising since January 2026, with upward pressure since March, as used EV demand surged alongside rising petrol prices Strongest resale performers: BYD Atto 3 (original and Extended Range), 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper, Kia EV6, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 Do this: if resale value matters to you, favour models with strong current demand and modern 800V or advanced 400V charging architecture, these are holding value noticeably better than the rest of the market. Don't do this: buy a luxury EV over $100,000 expecting petrol-equivalent resale value, this segment has historically lost the most value of any EV price bracket, sometimes close to half its value within five years. If you're weighing up an EV purchase and quietly wondering what it'll be worth when you sell, you're asking the right question at the right time. EV resale value in Australia has had a genuinely rough few years, but 2026 data shows the picture is shifting. Here's what actually happens to an EV's value over time, and which models are bucking the trend. Why EVs Have Depreciated Faster, and Why That's Changing The core numbers are genuinely tougher for EVs than for petrol or hybrid vehicles. A one-year-old EV loses around 25% of its value on average, more than double the 11.5% for petrol cars, and dramatically more than a hybrid's 1.7%. Over three years, that gap widens further: EVs retain about 60.3% of original value, hybrids retain 92.4%. A few genuine factors drive this. Battery health concerns still weigh on buyer confidence, even though most EVs now carry 8-year warranties. High upfront prices mean the dollar loss looks larger even when the percentage loss is similar to other vehicle types. And until recently, used EVs made up a tiny fraction of the overall used car market, less than 1% of used sales, making values more sensitive to shifts in supply and buyer sentiment than a more established category like hybrids. The Turning Point 2026 has brought a genuine shift. Used battery EV sales grew 54.6% in the first half of the year, and days-to-sell dropped from over 60 in January to under 40 by June. March was the clearest pivot point, used EV sales jumped 138% month-on-month as petrol prices spiked toward $2.50 a litre, pushing more buyers toward the used EV market. Manufacturers have responded too: Tesla partnered with finance company Driva in July 2026 to offer guaranteed future value loans, effectively underwriting resale value directly on new purchases. Which EVs Hold Their Value Best Model Why It's Holding Value BYD Atto 3 (original and Extended Range) Strong ongoing demand, proven reliability track record locally Tesla Model Y Juniper (2025 model) Fast-selling on the used market, benefits from Tesla's brand demand Kia EV6 Established 800V charging architecture buyers trust long-term Hyundai Ioniq 5 Same 800V advantage, strong resale demand across the model range The common thread across all four: genuine demand in the used market, and charging architecture buyers aren't worried about being outdated within a few years. Luxury EVs, by contrast, tend to lose the most value of any price bracket, sometimes losing close to half their value within five years, driven by a smaller pool of used buyers at that price point. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict on EV Resale Value Buy with resale confidence if: you're choosing from the models currently holding value best, the BYD Atto 3, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5, all of which combine real demand with modern charging tech. Think carefully before buying if: you're eyeing a luxury EV purely as a resale investment, this segment has historically depreciated the hardest of any EV price bracket, and a lower purchase price elsewhere may serve your finances better long term. FAQs How much do EVs depreciate in the first year in Australia? EVs lose around 25% of their value in the first year on average, compared to 11.5% for petrol vehicles and just 1.7% for hybrids, according to AADA/AutoGrab data. Is EV resale value improving in Australia? Yes. Used EV values have been stabilising since January 2026, with upward pressure since March, driven by a 54.6% surge in used battery EV sales in the first half of the year. Which EVs hold their value best in Australia? The BYD Atto 3, 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are currently the strongest performers in the used EV market. Do luxury EVs lose more value than mainstream EVs? Yes, historically luxury EVs over $100,000 have depreciated the most of any EV price bracket, in some cases losing close to half their value within five years.

Key Facts Panel The 80% rule doesn't apply to every EV: LFP batteries (common in BYD, Tesla Standard Range, and many budget EVs) should be charged to 100% regularly, NMC batteries (common in longer-range and premium EVs) should generally stay at 80% for daily use Timing matters more than most people realise: switching from peak to off-peak charging can cut a full charge cost by more than half, roughly $21-26 down to $13-17 for a typical mid-size EV battery NSW apartment charging reform is still pending: the Right to Charge bill, which would simplify strata approval for chargers, remains before the NSW Legislative Council, not yet law Renters have more options than they think: most people can switch electricity retailers or tariffs without landlord approval, though installing a dedicated charger still needs permission The granny cable isn't useless, just slow: a standard power point charger adds roughly 10-15km of range per hour, fine for topping up, not for daily full charges Do this: check your battery chemistry (owner's manual or vehicle settings) before setting a daily charge limit, the advice is genuinely different depending on what's under the bonnet. Don't do this: assume every EV needs the "keep it between 20-80%" treatment, following that rule on an LFP battery when you should be charging to 100% weekly can actually work against you. You've worked out the cost of charging at home, that part's easy to find. What's harder to find is the stuff that actually trips new EV owners up: charging habits that quietly affect battery life, timing that can halve your bill without you doing anything different, and the apartment charging question that's still genuinely unresolved in parts of Australia. Here's what nobody tells you before your first charge. The Battery Habit Almost Nobody Gets Right First Time This is the one that catches most new owners out. The "charge to 80%, never to 100%" advice that circulates everywhere is genuinely correct, but only for NMC batteries, the chemistry used in most long-range and premium EVs. For LFP batteries, increasingly common in budget EVs, Tesla's Standard Range models, and BYD's entire lineup, the advice flips: manufacturers actively recommend charging to 100% and doing so at least weekly, because LFP's flatter voltage curve makes it harder for the battery management system to accurately estimate charge level without that regular full calibration. Check your owner's manual or the vehicle's on-screen settings to confirm which chemistry you have before you set a daily charge limit. Getting this backwards, capping an LFP battery at 80% indefinitely, doesn't damage the battery, but it does mean less usable range and a battery gauge that becomes progressively less accurate over time. EV Home Charging is all about the timing Most Australians default to plugging in the moment they get home, which is usually the worst time to charge. Peak electricity rates typically apply from late afternoon into evening, exactly when EV owners are arriving home from work. Shifting that same charge to an overnight off-peak window, typically 10pm to 7am on most retailer plans, can cut the cost by 50% or more. A smart charger or an EV-aware app makes this automatic, you plug in when convenient and the charging itself starts later. The Apartment Charging Question Nobody's Fully Answered Yet If you live in an apartment, the honest answer right now is: it's complicated, and it's about to get less complicated, but isn't there yet. NSW's proposed Right to Charge reforms would significantly simplify how strata committees approve EV charger installations, removing a major barrier for apartment residents wanting to charge at home. As of now, the bill is still before the NSW Legislative Council, not yet passed into law. In the meantime, a few things are already true regardless of which state you're in. You can generally switch electricity retailers or move to a time-of-use tariff without needing landlord or strata approval, that's just a change to your own electricity contract. Installing an actual charging point, however, still requires permission, since it involves shared building infrastructure. If you're in an apartment without approved charger access yet, a portable Level 1 charger plugged into any standard power point in your allocated parking, where permitted, is a legitimate stopgap, just plan around the slower charge rate. Buy or Avoid: The Verdict Do this if: you want to protect both your wallet and your battery from day one, confirm your battery chemistry, set the right daily charge habit for it, and shift your charging to an off-peak window using a smart charger or scheduling app. Don't do this if: you're in an apartment and considering a major charger installation right now without checking your building's current strata rules, the regulatory picture is shifting and it's worth understanding your building's specific situation before committing to anything permanent. FAQs Should I charge my EV to 80% or 100%? It depends on your battery chemistry. NMC batteries should generally be kept at 80% for daily use, while LFP batteries should be charged to 100% regularly, including at least once a week, per most manufacturers' own guidance. How much can I save by charging my EV off-peak? Switching from peak to off-peak charging can cut the cost of a full charge by more than half, typically from around $21-26 down to $13-17 for a mid-size EV battery, depending on your tariff. Can I install an EV charger in my NSW apartment right now? It depends on your strata committee's current rules. The proposed Right to Charge reforms would make approval significantly easier, but as of now the bill is still before the NSW Legislative Council and hasn't passed. Do I need a dedicated home charger, or is the cable that comes with the car enough? The included cable (often called a granny charger) works for topping up, adding roughly 10-15km of range per hour, but it's too slow for daily full charges. A dedicated Level 2 home charger is worth it if you're charging regularly.