Electric sports cars, SUVs, vans, and a full fleet of battery-powered hatchbacks are expected to roar into Australia in 2023 after a milestone year for the automotive technology.
Big-name brands including Toyota, Fiat, Subaru and Ford are poised to launch electric vehicles in the country for the first time in a trend transport experts called promising.
But climate experts said policy changes were needed before the trickle of new electric cars to Australia could become a flood.
A range of electric cars are lined up to launch in Australia in 2023, including compact models from Fiat, MG, BYD and VW-owned Cupra Born, as well as SUVs from Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen, and a Ford van.
New models could break price records at both ends of the spectrum, with some hatchbacks tipped to sell for less than $40,000 while luxury models from Mercedes-Benz and Maserati push the upper limits.
Electric Vehicle Council policy head Jake Whitehead said the line-up showed Australia’s reputation for electric transport was changing, even though greater progress was needed.
“Even the discussion (about a fuel efficiency standard) has been helpful and over the past six months we’ve seen companies look to Australia as an opportunity, as a new market, so that’s very exciting,” he said.
Mr Whitehead said demand for electric vehicles still outstripped supply in Australia but some potential buyers would delay their investments while waiting to see an EV to suit their needs.
“Individual buyers are looking at what they can get right now,” he said.
“For many there will be a suitable option and for others they will be looking at what’s coming into the market in the next year or so.”
Electric vehicle policy changes in Australia have seen more state-based incentives and rebates, cuts to fringe benefits tax on EV purchases, and the release of a national electric vehicle strategy consultation paper.
But Climate Council advocacy head Jennifer Rayner said Australians deserved a greater choice of electric vehicles, in models and prices, which may not be delivered until the country had a fuel efficiency standard.
The rule would set an emissions limit across a car maker’s fleet. Australia is one of only two countries in the developed world without one.
“The market is clearly moving overseas and that’s meaning we’re getting more of that drip feed of electric vehicles through,” Dr Rayner said.
“But we need that feed to become a flood in order to get Australians off expensive fuel and reduce our emissions footprint.”
Electric cars coming soon
* Fiat 500e: The first electric Fiat to launch in Australia appears to be on track for 2023 after documents revealed it had been approved for local sale. The small car will arrive with a 320km range and overseas versions promise to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in nine seconds.
* Toyota bZ4x: Australia’s top-selling car brand is set to launch its first electric vehicle in the country during the second half of 2023. The bZ4x SUV, with a name short for “beyond zero,” will offer a driving range of 516km.
* Volkswagen ID.4: This mid-sized SUV will be one of two electric vehicles Volkswagen launches in Australia in 2023. It’s expected to launch at a similar price to a petrol-based Tiguan model at just under $60,000.
* Hyundai Ioniq 6: This highly aerodynamic sedan will drive into Australia early in 2023, with pricing set to rival the Tesla Model 3. Australian executives are hoping to import 2000 models into the country.
* Cupra Born: Pre-orders opened for this electric hatchback in December, with deliveries promised in March and April 2023. Competitive pricing, starting at $59,990, and a 511km range could make this vehicle from the VW brand a popular choice.
* BYD Dolphin: A test model has already been spotted on Sydney streets and distributor EVDirect has confirmed its hatchback will make its Australian debut in the first half of 2023. It is expected to cost less than $40,000.
* MG 4: Due in the first half of the year, this addition to MG’s stable is a hatchback that could undercut the price of its small SUV, the ZS EV. The entry model in Britain offers a 350km driving range and it has received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
* BMW iX1: The German automaker will bring its luxury but compact electric SUV to Australia in 2023 to compete with other top models. The iX1 will still feature an iconic grille, even though it no longer needs one, and will cost $82,900 at launch.
* Ford E-Transit: It’s not just electric cars. Ford will bring this large van to Australia in January after months of delays. The electric van promises to travel for up to 317km on a charge and will support fast charging.
* Subaru Solterra: Subaru fans will have to wait until the middle of the year to see this electric SUV after its early 2023 launch was delayed, but they’re likely to be offered an all-wheel drive version of the car.
