Australia's electric vehicle market has transformed dramatically. In 2025, the Tesla Model Y ranked as the 10th best-selling vehicle in the entire country — unthinkable just three years ago. BYD models now appear regularly in the top 100 sellers, and new sub-$30,000 electric cars have arrived to make EV ownership accessible to more Australians than ever before.
Government incentives — including the FBT exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles — have accelerated adoption among business buyers and employees using novated leases. State-based stamp duty exemptions and EV subsidies have further reduced the effective cost of electric vehicles in many markets.
This guide covers Australia's top-selling and top-value EVs for 2026, grouped by price tier, so you can quickly identify the right electric car for your budget and needs. All models are available through BuyFleet's electric vehicle fleet pricing service.
⚡ FBT Exemption for Electric Cars — Key Update (April 2025)
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) under the luxury car tax threshold remain exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax when used as company cars or novated leases. This makes eligible EVs significantly more affordable for employees. Important: PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) were removed from the FBT exemption from 1 April 2025 and no longer qualify. Only fully electric BEVs now benefit from the exemption.
For a $56,000 Tesla Model Y, the FBT saving can be worth $12,000–$18,000+ over a 3-year novated lease depending on salary and usage. Always confirm with your accountant or payroll team. BuyFleet Finance can assist with EV novated lease structuring →
Best Electric Cars Under $40,000
Electric vehicles have crossed the $30,000 threshold — and even below it. These are Australia's most affordable new EVs.
BYD Atto 1
The BYD Atto 1 has shattered expectations by delivering a genuine electric small SUV for under $26,000 drive-away — a price point previously occupied only by petrol city cars. While range is modest at around 320km WLTP, this makes it ideal for city commuters with regular home or workplace charging. Standard features include a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, reversing camera and LED lights. For ABN holders, the FBT exemption (assuming under LCT threshold) makes this potentially the cheapest-ever way to drive a brand-new company car.
Explore BYD EVs →BYD Atto 2
The BYD Atto 2 bridges the gap between the entry-level Atto 1 and the more established Atto 3, with a slightly larger body and improved range. At $34,207 drive-away, it enters the market at a price that undercuts almost every other electric SUV in Australia. More power, more range, and more standard features than the Atto 1, while remaining well below the LCT threshold for FBT exemption purposes.
Get a quote →BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin offers excellent real-world value as an electric hatchback, with 427km of WLTP range and DC fast charging as standard. With a heat pump on the standard range variant and a distinctive, fun interior design, the Dolphin has found favour with urban and suburban buyers making their first move into EVs. Available in Standard Range and Extended Range variants, the latter with up to 427km WLTP. Competitive servicing costs and BYD's expanding parts network in Australia are positives.
Get a Dolphin quote →Best Electric Cars $40K – $60K
The heart of Australia's EV market. Strong range, good technology, and prices that qualify for FBT exemption in most configurations.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y dominates Australian EV sales with a commanding lead over its nearest rival. Beyond the specs, the key advantage is Tesla's Supercharger network — with hundreds of reliable, fast charging locations across Australia, long-distance travel in a Model Y is genuinely practical. The Model Y Standard Range AWD starts from around $56,900, while the Long Range AWD is around $67,900. OTA software updates continually add features. The refreshed "Juniper" Model Y brings improved interior, better seats, and revised exterior for 2024–2026. Get a Tesla Model Y fleet quote →
Get a Tesla Model Y quote →BYD Sealion 7
The BYD Sealion 7 has become Australia's second-best-selling EV, offering a compelling mid-size electric SUV that competes directly with the Tesla Model Y at a lower price point. With up to 582km of WLTP range in the AWD Long Range variant, it resolves range anxiety effectively. The interior is spacious and well-appointed with a rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen. Bi-directional charging (V2L) allows you to power devices or appliances from the car's battery. A strong performer on both price and specification.
Get a Sealion 7 quote →BYD Sealion 6
The BYD Sealion 6 is notable for offering both a fully electric BEV variant and a plug-in hybrid PHEV variant in the same body. The BEV starts from around $37,990, offering 420km WLTP range. The PHEV option suits buyers who want electric driving locally with a petrol backup for longer runs. Note: the PHEV no longer qualifies for FBT exemption (removed April 2025). Strong value across both variants, with a practical family SUV size and good tech.
Get a Sealion 6 quote →Tesla Model 3
The refreshed Tesla Model 3 "Highland" brings significant improvements including a revised exterior, upgraded interior with ambient lighting and rear display screen, and improved NVH. Starting from $58,900 for the RWD variant and around $73,900 for the Long Range AWD. The Model 3 remains the definitive electric sedan — efficient, fast, and backed by Tesla's Australian Supercharger infrastructure. Best suited to sedan buyers who want maximum range and the Tesla software/OTA experience.
Get a Model 3 quote →Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 is Kia's first purpose-built electric mid-size SUV and brings the brand's characteristic value-for-money philosophy to the EV segment. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability lets you power devices or appliances from the battery — useful for camping and worksite use. Kia's 7-year unlimited km battery and vehicle warranty is exceptional in the EV space. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. A strong alternative to the BYD Sealion 7 for buyers who prioritise warranty coverage.
Get a Kia EV5 quote →Geely EX5
The Geely EX5 has made a strong debut in the Australian EV market, offering a practical mid-size electric SUV at a price that undercuts the BYD Sealion 7 and Kia EV5. Geely's relationship with Volvo brings genuine engineering credibility to the brand, and the EX5's 5-star ANCAP rating reflects serious safety investment. Available in two battery variants. Good for buyers wanting a practical, well-priced electric family SUV.
Get a Geely EX5 quote →Electric Cars Over $60,000
Note: vehicles over the luxury car tax threshold (currently ~$89,332 for fuel-efficient vehicles) may not qualify for the full FBT exemption. Confirm with your accountant.
BYD Atto 3
The BYD Atto 3 was one of Australia's first affordable Chinese EVs and helped establish BYD's credibility in the market. Available in Standard Range (345km WLTP) and Extended Range (480km WLTP) variants. The quirky interior design — featuring a guitar-string-inspired dashboard and leaf-spring cupholders — has polarised opinion but attracted plenty of buyers. Strong value for a practical mid-size electric SUV at this price point.
Get an Atto 3 quote →BYD Seal
The BYD Seal is a sporty electric sedan with genuine performance credentials — the AWD Performance variant delivers 0–100km/h in around 3.8 seconds. Cell-to-body technology integrates the battery pack into the car's structure for improved rigidity and range. The Long Range variant offers 570km WLTP range with RWD. For electric sedan buyers who want something sporty and distinctive, the Seal stands out from the Tesla Model 3 crowd.
Get a BYD Seal quote →Tesla Model Y Long Range
The Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD extends the standard Model Y's appeal with 533km WLTP range, all-wheel drive, and faster acceleration. At $67,900, it sits below the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles, potentially retaining FBT eligibility. The Supercharger network advantage remains decisive for buyers who travel long distances. Optional Full Self-Driving capability adds autonomous driving features, updated via OTA. A strong choice for drivers who regularly drive 400km+ between charges.
Get a Model Y LR quote →Australia's Top EVs at a Glance — 2025 VFACTS
| Model | 2025 Sales | From (approx) | Range (WLTP) | FBT Exempt* | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 22,439 | ~$56,900 | 455km SR / 533km LR | ✅ (under LCT) | Supercharger network |
| BYD Sealion 7 | 13,410 | ~$53,990 | 482–582km | ✅ | Range, V2L, price |
| BYD Sealion 6 (BEV) | 9,055 | ~$37,990 | ~420km | ✅ | Value family SUV |
| Tesla Model 3 | 6,617 | ~$58,900 | 491km SR / 554km LR | ✅ (under LCT) | Efficiency, sedan |
| Kia EV5 | 4,787 | ~$54,990 | ~450km | ✅ | 7yr warranty, V2L |
| Geely EX5 | 3,944 | ~$44,990 | ~430km | ✅ | Price, Volvo DNA |
| BYD Atto 3 | 3,861 | ~$44,990 | 345–480km | ✅ | Established, reliable |
| BYD Seal | 3,784 | ~$54,990 | 460–570km | ✅ | Performance, range |
| BYD Dolphin | 3,248 | ~$38,990 | 427km | ✅ | Hatch value |
| BYD Atto 1 | New 2026 | $25,871 d/a | ~320km | ✅ | Cheapest EV Australia |
| BYD Atto 2 | New 2026 | $34,207 d/a | ~390km | ✅ | Value mid-point |
*FBT exempt for eligible BEVs under the LCT threshold (fuel-efficient vehicle rate). PHEVs removed from exemption 1 April 2025. Confirm with your accountant.