The Best Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Released in Australia in 2019
The Best Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Released in Australia in 2019
Once upon a time, electric vehicles in Australia seemed like a passing fad, despite the rest of the world moving towards a more greener, efficient future.
Car sales in countries such as Norway, revealed that 50% of all new cars sold were EVs. While in the US, EV sales erupted by 81% between 2017 and 2018.
Lagging behind the rest of the world and left in the dark, Australia sold a measly 2,216 of electric vehicles in 2017.
Well, Australia has come a long way since then, with the first half of 2019 showing a 90% increase than the previous year.
There are now a total of 22 electric vehicles and hybrids available on the market and is expected to increase to 31 by the end of 2020.
A report by the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia also found there was a 400% increase in public charging infrastructure since 2017, with the national network now comprising 1,930 EV charging stations.
It looks like Australia is finally getting charged up about an electric future, but just in case you’re still a little skeptical, here’s what you’re missing.
Let’s bust some Myth
Aren’t electric vehicles expensive to run? — MYTH
Not only do EVs have lower running costs than standard vehicles because of fewer moving parts (require less maintenance), they are far more efficient to run — 70% cheaper per KM to be exact — saving you up to $1,600 on fuel costs each year.
EVs can’t travel that far — MYTH
Current EV models have an average battery range of 480km and is expected to increase to 550km as technology continues to advance. To put things into perspective, the average Australian drives 38km per day, so an EV owner could travel for at least 10 days without a recharge.
Aren’t EVs and hybrids vehicles expensive to buy? — MYTH
Apart from saving thousands of dollars on fuel each year, there are a wide range of cheap EVs and hybrids starting from as little as $28,370 + on-road costs.
Here are the best hybrid and electric vehicles in Australia for 2019-2020
Hyundai Ioniq 2020 (Electric and Hybrid Elite)
Pure Electric
Price: from $48,490
Power: 100 kW/ 295 nM
Driving range: up to 311km
Safety rating: 5 Star ANCAP
Hybrid Elite
Price: from $34,790
Engine: 1.6-L 4cyl petrol electric motor
Power: Petrol — 77 kW / 147 Nm, Electric — 32 kW / 170 Nm
Driving range: up to 63km for electric with quick overnight charge
Efficiency: Hybrid 3.4-3.9L/ 100km (combined)
Safety rating: 5 Star ANCAP
Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid 2019
Price: from $28,370
Transmission: CVT Automatic, front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.8 4cyl petrol twin electric motor
Power: Petrol — 72 kW/ 142Nm, Electric — 53 kW/ 163Nm
Efficiency: 4.2L/100km
Safety rating: 5 Star ANCAP
Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid
Price: $38,490
Transmission: CVT Automatic, all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5-L 4cyl petrol twin electric motor
Power: Petrol — 131 kW/ 221Nm, Electric 163kW/ 202Nm
Driving range: short distances on pure electric mode
Efficiency: 4.8L/ 100km
Safety rating: 5 Star ANCAP
Towing capability: 1500kg braked/750kg unbraked
Nissan Leaf Electric 2019
Price: from $49,990
Power: 110kW/ 320Nm, 40kWh lithium-ion battery
Driving range: 270km
Efficiency: 14kWh per 100km
Safety rating: 5 Star ANCAP
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2019
Price: from $45,990
Transmission: Direct-drive automatic, all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0-L 4cyl petrol twin electric motor
Power: Petrol — 87kW/ 186Nm, Electric — 120kW/ 332Nm
Driving range: 54km on electric
Efficiency: 17.L/100km, 54km EV range
Safety rating: 4 Star ANCAP
Towing capability: up to 680kg
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles coming soon to Australia
Porsche Taycan
Expected to cost around $200,000 AUD
Audi e-tron
Expected to cost around $150,000 – $170,000 AU
Mini Cooper SE Electric
Expected to cost around $55,000 AUD
Mercedes EQC
Expected to cost around $150,000 AUD
Ford Escape Hybrid
Starting price around $52,940 AUD
Toyota Yaris Hybrid
Starting price around $27,000 AUD
For those wanting to get their hands on a Tesla Model Y, reservations aren’t even available in Australia yet.
Before buying a brand new vehicle, consider upgrading your current one to compensate for its downfall with some 4×4 accessories.
We have a wide range of accessories and technical know how, so we can guide you properly towards the right product.
If you are after some vehicle for boat or caravan towing specifically, have a look through the lists we compiled:
– Best 4WD for caravan towing
– Best 4WD for boat towing