Advice
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Just three years ago, the low-emissions landscape looked bleak in Australia, as we dragged the chain behind other country’s fast adoption of electric vehicles.
But since Tesla staked a claim as EV game-changer in Australia with its attainable Model 3 sedan, things changed quickly. An electric vehicle is a good way to cut local emissions, but we’re aware that not everyone is able to stretch for a brand-new EV so we’ve included alternatives, such as traditional hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and even one ultra-efficient petrol vehicle.
With the change in Federal Government, emissions mandates are finally on the cars for Australia, but until they pass there’s no incentive beyond your own inner tree-hugger to go green. Still, it doesn’t mean there aren’t choices; here are nine of our favourites:
JUMP AHEAD
- Tesla Model 3
- Toyota RAV4 hybrid
- BYD Atto 3
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Polestar 2
- Kia EV6
- Ford Escape PHEV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Skoda Fabia
Tesla Model 3
All-electric, minimalist cabin, brutally quick (if you like), extremely energy efficient and the very manifestation of the technological bleeding edge; the Tesla Model 3 is a profoundly futuristic thing.
With a sub-$65K starting price, it's also a compelling alternative to cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That rang true in sales numbers, where the Tesla Model 3 beat Toyota’s Camry in 2022.
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Pro: Ultra-fast; best-handling Tesla so far; tech fiesta
Con: Buttonless cabin is perhaps too minimalistic
Driving range: 460km to 620km
Price: From $63,500-$91,390
Toyota RAV4 hybrid
Bland it may be, but the RAV4 is popular for a reason. It’s a safe choice with a hybrid powertrain that won’t break the bank and will cut your emissions by around 40 per cent compared to a petrol-only family SUV.
Wait times may be protracted, but having been around for some time, Toyota’s hybrid powertrains – available in the Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry and Yaris as well – are an eco-conscious choice that won’t hurt the wallet too much.
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Pro: Price; practicality, performance
Con: It’s a little bland and you won’t stand out from the crowd
Fuel efficiency: 4.7L/100km
Price: FGX from $40,550 + ORCs
BYD Atto 3
Any time a new Chinese start-up brand is mentioned the comments fill with disdain, but BYD's Atto 3 small SUV is one of the few vehicles bringing refined EV motoring with realistic driving range to Australian punters for $50K. It may not be perfect, or to everyone’s tastes, but it is an affordable way to cut your local carbon emissions.
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Pro: Cheap price of entry; unique cabin design; fast charging
Con: Unproven brand; servicing/warranty questions
Driving range: 345-420km (WLTP)
Price: From $48,011-51,011 + ORCs
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The second-gen Outlander PHEV is a mighty complicated piece of engineering, luckily it drives in a way that won’t scare off punters. Able to fit into family life when running as a normal hybrid, buyers will reap rewards of zero-emissions driving for up to 84km.
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Pro: Clever drivetrain tech, yet easy to drive; 84km EV range is solid; available with seven seats
Cons: You’ll need to charge to make the most of it
Fuel Efficiency: 1.5L/100km
Price: From $55,490-69,990 + ORCs
Polestar 2
Much like the Tesla model 3, this lifted sedan makes EVs attainable for the middle class. If Polestar 2's stylish interior and buff body make it attractive; its electric credentials seal the deal. Polestar makes a big fuss about lowering CO2 emissions in its production so the 2 may be the most environmentally-friendly car on the market.
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Pro: Stylish looks; excellent infotainment; Dual Motor’s turn of speed
Cons: Not as energy efficient as Tesla Model 3
Driving range: 480-540km (WLTP)
Price: From $63,900 + ORCs
Kia EV6
A Wheels Car Of The Year winner – the third EV to take the accolade – the EV6 made electric SUVs cool with its sharp exterior styling. It’s also spacious, practical and a crisp handler thanks to Kia’s Australian ride and handling localisation program.
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Pro: Sharp styling; spacious cabin; great ride and handling
Con: Lacks interior customisation
Driving range: 484-528km (WLTP)
Price: From $72,590-87,590 + ORCs
Ford Escape PHEV
Like the Outlander and RAV4, Ford’s Escape is a practical family SUV that requires little change of habit for a big cut in fuel consumption. Although not as popular as the other two, the Escape delivers on electric-only driving range.
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Pro: Smooth performance in EV mode; sharp handling; comfortable cabin
Con: Price premium over petrol equivalent; fidgety ride
Fuel Efficiency: 31.5L/100km
Price: $53,540 + ORCs
Hyundai Ioniq 5
A regular runner up to the EV6 in group tests, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is potentially the heart’s choice thanks to jaw-dropping futuristic styling, an airy cabin and clever ‘Relaxion’ seating. One of the fastest-charging EVs out there (just like EV6) and a real statement piece.
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Pro: Jaw-dropping looks; funky cabin; plush urban ride; ultra-rapid charging
Con: Lacks body control at speed
Driving range: 454-500km (WLTP)
Price: From $72,000-85,000 + ORCs
Skoda Fabia
Okay there’s no electrification to speak of here, but with the VW Group’s cutting-edge petrol engine tech the Fabia’s 4.9L/100km fuel consumption rating is better than some hybrids such as the Honda Civic.
The Fabia is expensive for a small car, but also undercuts the other vehicles mentioned in this list and has genuine space for four adults.
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Pro: Refined and frugal petrol engine; great handling; intelligent packaging
Con: Not cheap to buy; EV is better for the environment
Fuel efficiency: 4.9L/100km
Price: $37,990 drive-away
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