EV Guide: Electric cars coming to Australia soon

NOTE: There's a newer version of this story

In the time since this story was first published, we have built a newer and more regularly updated calendar of EVs coming to Australia. You can continue reading this story, but for all the latest news on electric vehicles bound for Australia, hit the link below.

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1. Mercedes-Benz EQE

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Mercedes’ own crack at the Tesla Model S. Shaping up as a range warrior for the German brand’s growing EQ range, the initial E-Class-sized EQE 350 will be rear-drive, powered by a 215kW/530Nm single electric motor with up to 660km of range. The EQE also boasts a super-slippery 0.20Cd drag coefficient to be the most aerodynamic new car ever made. Inside, the enormous Hyperscreen is the stuff of fingerprint nightmares but does look cool. More potent dual-motor, AWD versions will follow.

2. VW ID4

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The mid-size SUV ID4 is on track to be VW Australia’s first model on the new, electric MEB platform (with the ID3 hatch set to follow shortly after), although unfortunately not until 2023 with demand intensifying abroad but still lagging in little coal-loving Australia.

When it does arrive, the ID4 is likely to be initially offered in a single-motor, rear-drive specification. Overseas, power outputs are 109kW to 150kW, with claimed ranges from 346km to 522km. The ID4 is just one of 75 new electric vehicles VW says it has in the pipeline globally between now and 2029.

3. BMW i4

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Munich’s crack at the Tesla Model 3. Two versions are confirmed for Australia at this stage; the $100K eDrive40 with a single electric motor supplying the rear wheels with 250kW/420Nm. Think 0-100km/h in 5.7sec and a claimed range of 590km.

But the one you might want is the M50 with dual motors, all-wheel drive, 400kW/795Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint of 3.9sec, as well as 510km of range. All yours for $125K, or you could wait for the more potent and pricey M versions surely in the works.

4. Kia EV6

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A high-riding Kia crossover body on the same high-tech 800v E-GMP electric platform underpinning the new Hyundai Ioniq 5. The EV6 will initially be offered in single- and dual-motor versions, with a choice of either 58kWh battery pack or longer-range 77.5kWh with up to 510km claimed range.

The one that’s got us positively foaming at the gills is the 2023 GT with 430kW/740Nm and 3.5sec 0-100km/h potential. While it’s all-wheel drive, it comes up a limited slip rear differential hinting that it could be a hidden driver’s delight. The price for that one is too hard to guess.

5. Tesla Model Y

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Given our continued obsession with the SUV, the crossover version of the Model 3 – the Model Y – could be a boon to Tesla’s Australian sales, which were 3430 last year. Three variants are expected, kicking off with a 255kW rear-drive, single-motor model. Then a Long Range AWD with dual motors, 373kW and about 505km range. And for the power junkies, another dual-motor Performance model with 393kW, 480km claimed range, capable of 0-100km/h in under 4.0sec. Those wanting the seven-seat version, however, might have to wait a little longer.

6. Nissan Ariya

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For its new Ariya electric SUV, Nissan touts generous ‘lounge-like’ cabin space thanks to the flatly-laid battery pack and compact motors. The Ariya will come in front- and all-wheel drive; the single-motor model with as much as 178kW/300Nm. That’s good enough to haul its two tonnes to 100km/h in a lazy 7.6sec, but it can do it for at least 610km...

The dual-motor comes with 290kW/600Nm for 0-100km/h in 5.1sec and similar range. The Ariya is not confirmed for Australia; Nissan Oz “definitely wants it” but we might be waiting a while.

7. Cupra Born hatch

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Want a 150kW/310Nm rear-drive hot hatch with instant response? If yes, allow us to introduce the edgy Born hatch from SEAT sub-brand Cupra. Yes, it does weigh 1811kg, but at least all those battery kegs are equally distributed front-to-rear which should make for joyous handling indeed.

Zero to 100km/h takes 7.3sec while range is a claimed 427km. Most significantly, it’s shaping up as the first vehicle built on VW’s important new MEB electric architecture to be sold in Australia. Set expectations duly high. And pray we also get the even spritelier 170kW ‘e-Boost’ version.

8. Mercedes-Benz EQS

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Basically an electric S-Class (hence the S), but one that debuts a new electric architecture destined to underpin an entire generation of electric Mercedes-Benz models. A Cd of just 0.20 makes the EQS the most aerodynamic production car ever released (along with the EQE), with single-motor EQS450+ and dual-motor EQS580 models initially to be offered.

Think 245kW/568Nm and 385kW/855Nm respectively, with claimed ranges of 780km and 676km – even if kerb weights of 2.5 tonnes do blunt acceleration somewhat. AMG’s EQS53 fixes that with a walloping 560kW/949Nm for 0-100km/h in 3.4sec.

9. Genesis GV60

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Genesis’s take on the luxury electric SUV, built on the same E-GMP architecture as the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. There’s a single-motor, rear-drive model with 168kW/350Nm, as well as a dual-motor, all-wheel drive version with 360kW/700Nm (with ‘Boost mode’). Both will come with at least a 77.4kWh battery good for an estimated 450km range. Like the Ioniq 5 and EV6, it supports 800v recharging meaning on a 350kW charger the battery can jump from 10 to 80 percent capacity in just 18 minutes.

10. Audi RS e-Tron GT

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Audi’s interpretation of the J1 electric vehicle architecture that first underpinned the Porsche Taycan, and is destined for many other electric models in the Volkswagen Audi Group.

The RS e-Tron will come in two dual-motor versions when it lands in Australia: an entry-level 350kW/630Nm and a big daddy 440kW/830Nm good for 0-100km/h in a mostly silent 3.3 seconds. Overseas reviews report a distinctly different handling character to the Taycan. Plus, if this is not one of the better-looking new cars of the last five years, well, we’ll just whisk ourselves off to an optometrist.

Three EVs We’re Not Getting Yet – And Why

Honda e

The 113kW/315Nm single-motor rear-drive Honda e hatch is like a concept car that went into production, but unfortunately the business case has not stacked up for Australia. It hasn’t helped us either the fact they’re selling as many as they can make.

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Ford Mustang Mach-E

If you can stomach an electric SUV being called a Mustang, you’d want the range-topping GT Performance with dual motors, 358kW/860Nm, 378km range and 0-100km/h in 3.5sec. Sadly, they can’t make enough of them for the Land of the Free, let alone little ol’ Australia.

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Rivian

Don’t tell the high-vis fleecie gang this electric dual-cab ute is marginal for Australia. Rivian wants to, and hopefully it does happen one day as we wouldn’t be able to conceal our giddiness for a 588kW/1400Nm, quad-electric-motor marauder with a five-tonne towing capacity.

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Other EVs Just Over The Horizon

Audi e-tron S

Facelifted e-tron will pack triple (!) electric motors, 370kW/973Nm and 0-100km/h potential in 4.5sec. Quicker than a fired-up rhino.

Genesis G80 EV

South Korean Statesman cops 272kW/700Nm from dual motors, about 450km range and 800v rapid recharging capability.

Genesis GV70 EV

Same mid-size SUV body, but packing the twin-motors and 800v-ready battery pack as the G80 above. Crack those knuckles, BMW iX3.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Super sexy sedan to come in rear-drive, and blistering AWD versions; we’re guessing under $100K. Very highly anticipated.

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Lexus UX300e

Arriving as we closed for press, the UX gets a single 150kW electric motor, front-drive and 360km of claimed range. About $75K.

Mercedes-Benz EQB

Funky, boxy styling and seven seats. Single and dual-motor versions expected in Oz with up to 215kW and 478km range.

Peugeot e-2008

Little front-drive SUV whips up 100kW from a single electric motor with up to 310km range. All-electric 208 GTi hot hatch also on the cards.

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Tesla Model X

Porsche Macan Electric

Details are thinner than Prince William’s last scalp vestiges, but think Taycan-inspired styling, rear and all-wheel drive versions and here in 2023.

Tesla Model S

Facelift of Tesla’s ageing sedan topped by triple-motor 760kW Plaid claiming 0-100km/h in 2.1sec. Could be 2023.

Tesla Model X

Another facelift, also topped by a Plaid variant with the same tri-motor set-up and weird F1-style rectangular steering wheel.