Best Affordable EVs Under $50k

Going electric doesn't require a six-figure budget. These are the best EVs under $50,000 in Australia — genuinely good cars, not stripped-back compromises. Stamp duty exemptions in most states make them even cheaper than the sticker suggests.

BYD Atto 1
HatchMainstream

BYD

Atto 1

2 variants

From

$23,990

to $27,990

Range

310 km

6 commutes

DC Charge

85 kW

standard

Under $50k
BYD Dolphin
HatchMainstream

BYD

Dolphin

2 variants

From

$29,990

to $36,990

Range

427 km

9 commutes

DC Charge

89 kW

standard

Under $50k
BYD Atto 2
SUVMainstream

BYD

Atto 2

2 variants

From

$31,990

to $35,990

Range

345 km

7 commutes

DC Charge

82 kW

standard

Under $50k
GWM Ora
HatchMainstream

GWM

Ora

4 of 5 variants match

From

$35,990

to $45,990

Range

420 km

9 commutes

DC Charge

80 kW

standard

Under $50k
Chery E5
SUVMainstream

Chery

E5

2 variants

From

$36,990

to $40,990

Range

430 km

9 commutes

DC Charge

80 kW

standard

Under $50k
Jaecoo J5
SUVPremium

Jaecoo

J5

1 variant

From

$36,990

Range

402 km

8 commutes

DC Charge

130 kW

medium

Under $50k
MG MG4
HatchMainstream

MG

MG4

4 variants

From

$36,990

to $49,990

Range

530 km

11 commutes

DC Charge

140 kW

medium

Under $50kRoad trip ready
Leapmotor B10
SUVMainstream

Leapmotor

B10

2 variants

From

$38,990

to $41,990

Range

434 km

9 commutes

DC Charge

168 kW

fast

Under $50kFast charging
Hyundai INSTER
HatchMainstream

Hyundai

INSTER

3 variants

From

$39,000

to $45,000

Range

355 km

7 commutes

DC Charge

120 kW

medium

Under $50k

Buying guide

Don't forget on-road costs

The prices shown are manufacturer RRP (before on-roads). Drive-away prices vary by state — but EVs are exempt from stamp duty in NSW, VIC, SA, WA, ACT, and TAS, which saves $1,500–$3,000 on a $45k car compared to a petrol equivalent.

What you get at this price point

Budget EVs in 2025 offer 300–400 km of WLTP range, DC fast charging at 50–100 kW, modern safety features, and 5-year+ warranties. The main trade-offs vs more expensive EVs are charging speed (fewer support 150+ kW) and premium interior finishes.

Novated lease changes everything

If your employer offers salary packaging, EVs under ~$89k are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). The FBT saving alone can reduce the effective cost of a $45,000 EV by $8,000–$12,000 over a 3-year lease for a mid-bracket employee.

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