EVs that qualify for incentives in Australia 2022

With the popularity of electric vehicles accelerating around Australia in 2022, there are now a number of state and territory incentives to purchase one on offer.

However, things aren't quite as clear cut as they seem – with several subsidy and rebate schemes applying not only to the list price of the car (also known as RRP, MRLP, MLP) but also the cost of optional extras and dealer delivery.

The lowest price cap nationally is in Queensland, with the limit set at $58,000, followed by Victoria on $68,740 – though New South Wales and South Australia are only a smidge higher at $68,750. Providing the highest value is Western Australia, which has a cap of $70,000.

Here's a list of the EVs currently available in Australia in 2022 that fall under the price caps across the country once you've taken the above into account.

10

BYD Atto 3

The 2022 BYD Atto 3 is a compact SUV that will go into battle with its Chinese compatriot, the MG ZS EV, which will soon receive a facelift, range boost and significant specification improvement.

BYD's local distributor, EVDirect, has launched its long-awaited first mass-market EV in two front-wheel-drive flavours, the 50kWh battery-equipped Atto 3, which has a base retail price of $44,381, and the 60kWh, which starts at $47,381.

BYD's 'Blade' battery powers both versions. The 50kWh has a WLTP range of 320 kilometres and the 60kWh 420km.

Both are powered by a single 150kW/310Nm electric motor upfront, and the Atto 3 will accelerate to 100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.

As the cheapest EV on sale Down Under at present, it qualifies for all state subsidy/rebate schemes – even when adding in optional premium paint for $700 and delivery (based on VIC pricing) of $495.

10

Kia Niro

Based on the 2019 HabaNiro concept, the second-generation 2023 Kia Niro has been penned to line up with the rest of Kia's current model range, with the fresh 'tiger-face' grille design to the 'heartbeat' daytime-running lights as seen on the Sportage.

It is available now, priced from $65,300 before on-road costs – a $2710 jump over the outgoing model.

What isn't new is the Niro's underpinnings. It continues to ride on an internal-combustion platform, this time shared with the Hyundai i30 Sedan.

The powertrain in the Niro EV is also identical to its predecessor, albiet with less torque and minor tweaks.

In addition to an electric variant, a petrol-electric Niro Hybrid is available in Australia. A plug-in hybrid powertrain does not feature in the local range.

Adding optional paint will bump up those prices by $520 and delivery by $1995, but the entry-level Leaf still comes in well under all state limits and the e+ scrapes in for all except QLD.

10

MG ZS EV

Australia's second cheapest EV is coming with an eagerly anticipated update, which should make it even better value.

Sporting a prominent grille-less fascia with new LED headlights and daytime-running light signature, the 2022 MG ZS EV will bring an upgraded powertrain with the 44kWh battery pack replaced with a 72kWh unit – capable of a claimed 440 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle.

Available from July, the facelifted 2022 MG ZS EV is priced from $46,990 drive-away for the base Excite – a $2000 price increase over the current model – while the flagship Essence will cost $49,990 drive-away.

Both grades, even accounting for options, such as $700 premium paint, and delivery, easily come within the caps for all areas.

10

Nissan Leaf and Leaf e+

The updated 2023 Nissan Leaf will go on sale in Australia in August 2022 with a fresh look, updated advanced driving and safety features such as ProPILOT, and infotainment tech such as an improved onboard NissanConnect system.

Powertrains will carry across from the outgoing model with the 110kW/320Nm base model boasting a driving range of 270 kilometres from its 40kWh lithium-ion battery, coming in at $50,990 before on-road costs, which is $1000 more than the current entry-level price.

The same price increase has been applied to the Leaf e+, which is set to go on sale from $61,490 with its 160kW/340Nm electric motor and 62kWh battery pack delivering a driving range of 385km.

Adding optional paint will bump up those prices and delivery by $1500, but the entry-level Leaf still comes in well under all state limits and the e+ scrapes in for all except QLD.

10

Mini Electric 3-Door Hatch

Some EV styling cues aside, the Mini looks like any other Mini. Its short driving range does condemn it to city duties – similar to the MG ZS and basic Leaf – but that is where these cars excel.

The Mini brings a rarity to the segment – a small-sized EV.

It has a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years/160,000km.

BMW’s retro brand now costs less than Tesla's Model 3, but also comes with a significantly shorter driving range – 233km (WLTP) versus the Model 3’s 448km.

The Mini Electric is priced from $55,650 for the base Classic, and $63,475 for the higher-spec Yours. Either variant comfortably comes in under the limits in all states with incentives, except QLD, but the $2500 delivery charge might make things a little tight if wanting to add options for the top grade version in NSW/SA/VIC.

10

Hyundai Ioniq Electric

The Hyundai Ioniq electric (not to be confused with the Ioniq 5) has been around for a few years – but has actually be discontinued beyond this generation.

The Ioniq electric sits at the top of the current Hyundai Ioniq range (the Ioniq 5 is going to launch the Genesis-style sub-brand) which includes series and plug-in hybrids, both of which are also sharply-priced.

The driving range of 311km looks good on paper, something it shares with its more expensive Kona sibling: driving range claims you can trust.

One of the advantages of the Hyundai is the extensive dealer network, which is something to consider when you need something sorted. The Hyundai five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty covers the car while the battery's eight-year/160,000km is par for the course.

For $49,070 you can get the lower Elite grade, or for $54,010 the higher spec Premium. Optional paint is $595 making both feasible options even within QLD's lower price cap. Dealer delivery is $1750, again, meaning either grade would qualify.

10

Hyundai Kona

Hyundai recently brought in the Standard 39kWh battery version of the Kona Electric, returning the model to the sub-$60,000 brigade.

The Kona Elite grade Standard Range packs a 100kW/395Nm motor and a 39.2kWh battery all for the price of $54,500, though an Extended Range is also available with a 150kW motor and 64kWh battery pack for $65,565,20.

Driving range for the Standard Range is around 305km.

Buyers can also opt to step up the a Highlander grade for a few more frills, but obviously at a cost – the SR Highlander comes in at $62,964.40. The ER Highlander is $69,216.40.

As mentioned with the Ioniq, Hyundai's five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty as well as 12 months' roadside assistance applies to all Kona EVs.

If opting for a $595 paint choice and with dealer delivery costing $1750, the SR Elite just sneaks in under the QLD cap, but all other versions do not. Furthermore, the ER Highlander would bust even WA's limit.

Even the ER Elite and SR Highlander could just about manage to make the higher NSW/SA/VIC limit.

10

Polestar 2

A new competitor to the market after spinning off from parent company Volvo, Polestar has brought its first vehicle to Australia in the form of the Polestar 2.

Three variants of the 2 are available Down Under: the Standard Range Single Motor, Long Range Single Motor and Long Range Dual Motor, which are priced from $63,900, $68,400 and $73,400 respectively.

In addition, there are three packs on offer which add a number of aesthetic and technical features: the Pilot Lite Pack, Plus Pack and Performance Pack – priced at $3400, $6000 and $8000 respectively. Beyond that, 20-inch five-spoke black/silver alloy wheels can be bought for $1400.

The Standard Range Single Motor Polestar 2 produces 165kW and 330Nm from its 64kWh battery, with a quoted driving range of up to 440km (WLTP cycle) making it a close match for its Tesla Model 3 rival.

Polestar vehicles come with a five-year warranty as well as five years of complimentary roadside assistance and servicing. The inclusive five-year maintenance plan is another point of differentiation from its parent brand.

When factoring in a $1818 delivery fee, only the SRSM comes in under the various state caps (excluding QLD) as long as no option packs are added (but you could go for the 20-inch wheels if you wanted to). With the Pilot Lite Pack on top, the Polestar 2 just about creeps in under WA's $70k limit, but the other packs are too pricey.

10

Tesla Model 3

Finally, Tesla's Model 3 Standard Range Plus costs $63,900 – although it still holds its place as Australia's most popular EV.

The headline driving range of 491km might confuse a few folks, so it’s worth pointing out Tesla has switched from the NEDC method of calculation to the more common WLTP standard.

As is Tesla's wont, the power and torque figures aren't available on the website – but a bit of digging reveals 190kW for the entry-level model. Conservative estimates put the torque figure at over 400Nm, slinging the 1700-odd kilo sedan to 100km/h in well under six seconds.

The Tesla has a four-year/80,000km warranty and the battery is covered for eight years/240,000km.

The Model 3 comes in three variations: the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive costing from $65,500, mid-spec Long Range from $80,000, and top-spec Performance from $91,600. Dealer delivery is $1375 and the non-refundable order fee is $350 – on top of the list price, it is not a deposit in the traditional sense of the word.

Tesla also offers premium paint for $1500, 19-inch wheels for $2200, a black and white interior design for $1500, Enhanced AutoPilot for $5100 and Full Self-Drive for another $10,100.

So where does that leave you after all that? If no options are added other than paint, the RWD version will scrape in under the VIC/NSW/SA limits and be a few grand clear of WA's, but obviously not QLD's meagre $58k. Long Range or Performance though? Forget it.