Australia can’t brag about having the world’s most developed or diverse electric vehicle market, but that may be about to change in 2023 with a range of new battery-electric cars expected for release down under.
If 2022 showed the huge demand among Australian drivers for brands like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, dealers next year are expected to start taking orders on 21 new models.
From high-end luxury sedans, to modest hatchbacks, off-road vehicles and transit vans, here’s a sample of 10 electric vehicles expected to be hitting the Australian market in 2023.
Fiat 500e
The Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957, produced until 1975 and then revived in 2007. Now the popular hatchback is going electric. With a relatively limited range and a price yet to be determined, this small EV is aimed at inner-city drivers.
Subaru Solterra
The Solterra is Subaru’s first run at a mass-market electric car that is similar in principle to Toyota’s bZ4X. Details on the mid-sized SUV have yet to be released but in Japan the car promises a driving range of 530km in an all-wheel drive. It is schedule to hit the market in mid 2023.
Toyota bZ4X
Australia’s most popular car brand has been infamously slow to embrace all-electric vehicles, despite being a first mover in the realm of electric vehicles. Now it has announced it is bringing the bZ4X to Australia – though the details have not been revealed. It’s due for release in mid-2023.
Cupra Born
Those looking for hatchbacks will also have the option to pick up the Cupra Born, which is not too far off the Volkswagen ID.3. Specifications have not been released, but in Europe the car offers a range of 550km.
Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5
These Volkswagen models are already available in Europe and are expected to arrive down under late this year. The main difference between the two cars is largely aesthetic, with the ID.4 expected to be priced in the mid-$60,000 range, featuring a 77kWh battery capable of driving 530km between charges. It’s due for delivery in late 2023.
Skoda Enyaq
Europeans love the Skoda Enyaq – now the question is whether Australians will follow when the company starts taking orders in late 2023. The Czech brand’s all-electric family model offers a 77kWh battery and up to 529km of range – though the price has yet to be announced.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
If you’re looking for SUV specs in a sedan body type, the Ioniq 6 gives you the best of both worlds. The Ioniq 6 is a reskin of the Ioniq 5 and promises a range of 610km with quick acceleration. It also happens to be one of the most aero-efficient cars ever to be mass produced.
MG4
It’s possible the MG4 may end up one of the most affordable EV models on the Australian market, with a pricetag below $45,000. The small hatchback is being launched to compete with the Nissan Leaf, BYD Atto3 and the Cupra Born. It promises up to 600km of range from a smaller 64kWh battery.
Kia EV9
With its EV9, Kia is making a run for the territory traditionally occupied by the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol – just without the petrol. The EV9 is a large SUV designed for off-roading, though the final production design, specs and price are yet to be confirmed. Word on the street is that it will sell for about $100,000.
Volvo EX90
The Australian government may be shy on the phasing out of petrol engines, but Volvo has plans to go all-electric by 2026 – and it hopes the EX90 will take them there. The flagship SUV will come with Twin Motor, which offers a total power output of 300kW or Twin Motor Performance, which offers 380kW. Both options offer a range of around 600km, though it is slightly lower for performance. The EX90 is vehicle-to-grid capable, meaning it can be used as a mobile battery to power a household or even other EVs.
