Electric vehicle sales in Australia are gaining momentum, hitting nearly 10% of the total market share in September 2022. The Federal Government has pledged to draft a new National EV Strategy paper, and all states and territories are offering a range of rebates and incentives to new EV owners for going green. Just last year, there were 18 electric vehicles (EVs) available in Australia.
Now, there are over 30, and by the end of 2023, over 60 new models are expected to hit our shores. From hot hatches to luxury SUVs and performance vehicles, there’s set to be an EV for every taste and budget. We’ve hand-picked five electric vehicles scheduled for a 2023 release and given you a sneak peek into what to expect.
Cupra Born
Cupra’s new Born electric hatch will arrive around March 2023, and will set buyers back around $65,000 drive away - competing with the Tesla Model 3. Rather than a sedan or SUV, this racey hatch will be a standout in the current Australian EV market - claiming a range of 511km, 170kW of power and 310Nm of torque. From 0 to 100km/h in 7 seconds, it’s a fair match for the Model 3 and has the looks to match. To learn more, head to the Cupra website.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Last year’s Ioniq 5 crossover vehicle attracted mass attention as the first Hyundai built on a dedicated EV platform. With a winning combination of design, performance, functionality, and great value, the Ioniq 6 brings all the same exceptional qualities to a sedan. Boasting greater range and sharper handling, the Ioniq 6 is set to be the most serious competition for Tesla’s Model 3. The price will fall somewhere between $70,000 and $80,000 before on roads but will showcase a generous wheelbase at 4855mm (225mm longer than the Tesla) and as with Hyundai, more interior space, a better build, and more standard features. Read more about them here.
Subaru Solterra
With the initial announcement of Subaru’s first EV met with thousands of expressions of interest, there’s no doubt that the Solterra’s mid-2023 arrival is hotly anticipated. Local specifications won’t be released until closer to launch, but we do know that Australia will exclusively receive the all-wheel drive (AWD) version. Slightly longer and wider than the Subaru Forester, the Solterra measures 4690mm long, 1860mm wide, and 1650mm tall on a 2850mm wheelbase. The ground clearance will be similar to a Forester, also - welcome news for off-road adventurers. With 460km of range and producing 160kW of power, the Solterra will likely come in around $70,000, based on current sale prices of the AWD version in Japan. To register your interest and learn more, head to the Subaru website.
Toyota bZ4x
Still 12 months away, Toyota’s first electric vehicle has finally been confirmed for a late 2023 arrival - likely to be beaten to our shores by the Solterra, the bZ4x’s twin. Both built on the same Subaru/Toyota co-created e-TNGA electric architecture, this small SUV offers both 150kW single motor and 160kW dual motor drivetrain options, both with a range of around 500km. The price tag will be premium, comparable to that of the original Prius hybrid back in the early 2000s - around $70,000, just like every other EV in this class. For more, head to the Toyota website.
Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5
Rumoured to land in Australia in late 2023, the ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUV models will be similar in size to the current Volkswagen Tiguan. The core range ID.4 is currently being advertised in the UK for around $64,340AUD with a driving range of 342km, producing 108kW of power. There’s also a range of other variants available, with the top-of-the-range 150kW dual-motor model offering up to 515km of juice - far better suited for the Australian geography. There will also be a performance-focused GTX model available. All models are based on the VW Group’s MEB architecture, which also underpins the Cupra Born hatchback, as well as the Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron. To learn more, check out Volkwagen’s website.
We’re adding new cars to our fleet every week, with a number of vehicles in the EV range to choose from (and hundreds more) - whether you choose to subscribe, finance, or buy. The choice is always yours.
Browse our latest selection of cars today.
