Toyota, Fiat, Subaru, and Ford, among others, are preparing to debut electric vehicles in the country for the first time, in what transportation experts describe a promising trend.
However, climate scientists believe that legislative reforms are required before the trickle of new electric vehicles to Australia becomes a flood. In 2023, a variety of electric vehicles will be available in Australia, including tiny versions from Fiat, MG, BYD, and VW-owned Cupra Born, as well as SUVs from Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen, and a Ford van.
New models are expected to set price records on both ends of the range, with some hatchbacks expected to sell for less than $40,000 and luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz and Maserati pushing the extreme limits.
According to Jake Whitehead, policy director of the Electric Vehicle Council, the lineup demonstrates that Australia’s image for electric transportation is evolving, however more development is needed.
“Even the conversation [about a fuel economy requirement] has been beneficial, and over the last six months we’ve seen firms look to Australia as an opportunity, as a new market, which is extremely exciting,” he added.
According to Whitehead, demand for electric vehicles in Australia continues to outweigh supply, but some potential purchasers may postpone their purchases while they wait for an EV that meets their demands.
“Right now, individual purchasers are looking at what they can get,” he added.
“There will be a viable alternative for many, and for others, they will look at what is coming into the market in the next year or two.”
In Australia, electric vehicle policy measures have included increased state-based incentives and rebates, reductions in fringe benefits tax on EV purchases, and the issuance of a national electric vehicle plan consultation document.
However, Climate Council advocacy director Dr Jennifer Rayner stated that Australians deserved a wider range of electric car models and pricing, which may not be available until the country establishes a fuel efficiency standard.
The rule would impose an emissions cap across a car manufacturer’s fleet. Australia is one of just two developed countries without one.
“The market is certainly shifting offshore, which means we’re getting more of that drip feed of electric vehicles,” Rayner explained.
“However, we need that feed to turn into a flood in order to wean Australians off expensive gasoline and minimise our carbon footprint.”
Here are ten new models that are set to come in Australia.
* Fiat 500e: The first electric Fiat to be sold in Australia looks to be on track for 2023, according to papers obtained. The compact car will have a 320-kilometer range and will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in nine seconds in international variants.
Toyota bZ4x: Australia’s best-selling automaker plans to release its first electric vehicle in the nation in the second half of 2023. The bZ4x SUV, which stands for “beyond zero,” will have a driving range of 516 kilometres.
Volkswagen ID.4: This mid-sized SUV will be one of two electric cars introduced in Australia by Volkswagen in 2023. It is believed to be priced similarly to a petrol-powered Tiguan variant, which starts at slightly under $60,000.
Hyundai Ioniq 6: This extremely aerodynamic vehicle will arrive in Australia in early 2023, with prices expected to compete with Tesla Model 3. Executives in Australia hope to bring 2000 models into the nation.
Cupra Born: This electric hatchback went on sale in December, with deliveries scheduled for March and April 2023. With a starting price of $59,990 and a range of 511 kilometres, this Volkswagen model may be a popular choice.
A test model of the BYD Dolphin has already been sighted on Sydney streets, and distributor EVDirect has confirmed that the hatchback will make its Australian debut in the first half of 2023. It is projected to be less than $40,000 in cost.
MG 4: Due in the early half of the year, this hatchback from MG might undercut the pricing of its compact SUV, the ZS EV. The entry-level model in the UK has a 350-kilometer driving range and a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
BMW iX1: To compete with other top models, the German automaker will launch its luxurious yet tiny electric SUV to Australia in 2023. The iX1 will retain its famous grille, despite the fact that it is no longer required, and will be priced at $82,900 at launch.
Ford E-Transit: It’s not only about electric vehicles. After months of delays, Ford will finally introduce this huge van to Australia in January. The electric vehicle will be able to go up to 317 kilometres on a single charge and will feature quick charging.
Subaru Solterra: After its early 2023 introduction was postponed, Subaru fans will have to wait until the middle of the year to witness this electric SUV, although an all-wheel drive variant is expected.
In terms of models offered to Australians, the country had 45 in total, with 95 variations.
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