Top 10 Best Selling Electric Cars in Australia

While it’s taken some time to get the ball rolling, moderately priced EVs are growing in numbers here in Australia offering buyers more choice and flexibility while making the switch to electric motoring. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top ten best-selling electric cars here in Australia to see which manufacturers offer buyers the most value, impressive all-electric driving ranges, features, and safety equipment for their money. 

What are the Top 10 Best-Selling Electric Cars in Australia? 

To get the most accurate data possible, we’re going to use data sourced from the latest VFACTs report which has been broken down by PerformanceDrive.

Interestingly, the data shows that the Australian electric vehicle segment has been skyrocketing in recent months, with EV sales increasing no less than 112%, alongside a 183% increase for plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. 

The trend coincides with a significant drop of 14.1% for the sale of new petrol vehicles, as well as a moderate 2.1% drop for the sale of diesel-powered vehicles in the month of May, 2022. 

Using the latest dataset, we can accurately measure the top ten best-selling electric cars in Australia. 

1. Tesla Model 3

After a considerable head-start on the competition, the Tesla Model 3 remains Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle from a manufacturer that focuses all of its attention on electric vehicles. 

Tesla’s Model 3 is positioned within the Tesla lineup as the entry-level electric vehicle, and in spite of recent price rises, remains a relatively affordable entry point to electric motoring. 

Priced from $63,900, the entry-level Model 3 RWD comes fitted with a 62.3kWh battery pack that offers a claimed 491km of all-electric driving range, while the long-range variant packs an 82kWh battery pack and claimed 602km driving range. 

2. Mercedes-Benz EQA

Mercedes-Benz has been able to capitalise on both the popularity of electric vehicles and the compact crossover SUV platform with their EQA, which has enjoyed healthy sales figures here in Australia. 

Like the Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes-Benz EQA is the cheapest all-electric creation from the company, with a simple lineup that is priced from $76,800 excluding on-road costs. 

The Mercedes-Benz EQA is powered by an e-motor producing a healthy 140kW of power and 375Nm of torque, offering some sporty acceleration for the compact SUV segment, with power supplied by a 66.5kWh battery pack. 

Mercedes says this is enough for a 480km all-electric driving range per charge, with the added bonus of 100kW fast-charging, adaptive dampers, 19-inch AMG alloys and a pair of 10.25-inch displays inside the high-tech cockpit.  

3. Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai is a manufacturer that will feature more than once here on our list of the best selling electric cars in Australia, with the electric version of its Kona compact SUV proving a hit with buyers. 

The Kona Electric range is offered in two trim levels, each of which receive a standard and extended range version for those looking for added flexibility and alleviate the dreaded feeling of range anxiety. 

Priced from $54,500, the Kona Electric Standard Range comes in both Elite and Highlander equipment levels, and features an electric motor producing 100kW of power and 395Nm of torque, alongside a 39.2kWh battery and 305km driving range figure. 

The majority of buyers, however, are opting for the Kona Electric Extended Range which receives 64kWh battery pack that matches its peers, and translates to a driving range up to 557km. 

4. Hyundai IONIQ

Another entry-point into Hyundai’s electric car lineup comes in the form of the IONIQ, which has been on sale for quite some time now, offering buyers a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric variants. 

The all-electric IONIQ comes in a two-variant lineup, priced from $49,970 for the Elite and rising to $54,010 for the Premium, both of which receive an electric motor producing a modest 100kW of power and 295Nm of torque. 

Power is supplied by a 38.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers an all-electric driving range of 311km on the WLTP standard.

Unfortunately, Hyundai has revealed plans to discontinue the IONIQ range here in Australia as more of its electric cars with added range figures and more sophisticated powertrains become available.  

5. MG ZS EV

Wearing the badge of honour as one of Australia’s cheapest electric car, the MG ZS EV has enjoyed so much sales success that MG is struggling to keep up with local demand. 

With drive-away prices around $45,000 and a generous equipment list to boot, the MG ZS EV offers buyers looking for an all-electric SUV a seriously attractive value proposition. 

The range comes powered by a 105kW/353Nm electric motor paired with a 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is good for 263km of all-electric driving, which can be 50kW fast-charged in 45-minutes. 

6. Kia EV6

Kia’s sleek and stylish EV6 range has hit the ground running here in Australia, which kicks off from $67,990 for the entry-level EV6 Air. 

The base model receives a rear-wheel drive platform and is powered by a 168kW/350Nm electric motor, with power supplied by a 77.4kWh battery that promises around 530km of all-electric driving. 

For those looking for a sporty driving dynamic, the flagship EV6 variants pack a dual-motor configuration pushing out a seriously impressive 239kW of power and 605Nm of torque, although the driving range drops to 484km in the EV6 AWD. 

7. Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

For buyers looking for a stylish and practical compact SUV with an all-electric powertrain, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric remains an attractive option. 

The range features a choice of petrol, plug-in hybrid and all-electric options, the latter of which is priced at $76,990 before on-road costs.

For the money, you’ll receive a stylish cabin, generous equipment list and a powerful dual electric motor system producing 300kW of power and 660Nm of torque, making it a true performer. 

Underneath, there’s a 78kWh battery pack that offers up to 418km of driving range, with DC fast-charging supported up to 150kW that tops the pack to 80% in 40-minutes. 

8. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf was actually the world’s first 100% electric car to enter mass production, and since then, the package has only gotten better for Australian buyers. 

Priced from just under $50,000, the Nissan Leaf comes in two variants, with the base model receiving a 40kWh battery pack and 270km range figure, while the range-topping Leaf e+ receives a 62kWh pack that matches its key competitors and translates to a 385km range figure. 

9. Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai is looking to its IONIQ 5 to lead the next generation of EVs for Australian buyers, combining futuristic looks, high-tech powertrains and family-friendly practicality in its latest EV. 

The IONIQ 5 is priced at $71,900 for the base rear-wheel drive model which is powered by a 160kW/350Nm e-motor and 72.6kWh battery that offers a driving range of 451km on the WLTP cycle. 

Opting for the all-wheel drive flagship IONIQ 5 adds another e-motor bringing the power to 225kW and torque figure to a seriously impressive 605Nm, while the range figure drops to 430km. 

10. Polestar 2

The last entrant on our list comes in the form of the Polestar 2, which is competitively priced to take the fight directly to rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Kia EV6. 

Within the range, there’s a heap of choices available, with a standard range single motor variant kicking off from $59,900, while a long range single and dual-motor configuration are also available. 

Underneath, there’s a 69kWh battery in the base model, while the long range variants receive a 78kWh pack translating to 474km of range in the entry-level Polestar 2 and up to 540km in the long range single-motor variant. 

How to Choose an Electric Vehicle 

It’s important to make sure that the electric car you’re looking at can meet your needs, and the needs of your family when it comes to a number of key areas. 

These include high-capacity battery packs that translate to healthy real-world driving figures, the latest in entertainment and safety features, space and practicality for you and your family, or high-powered electric motors if you’re looking for an electric sports car. 

Things like DC fast-charging capabilities are also an important consideration when it comes to owning an electric car, and can save you considerable time and hassle over time. 

Alternatively, if you’re looking for the easiest way to choose an EV, we’d encourage you to get in contact with one of our car-buying experts who can help find you an electric car that meets all your needs.