EV Demand Is Rising as Petrol Prices Bite. These Models Are Available Right Now
Petrol prices across Australia are now over $2.50 a litre, and with no end in sight to the conflict in the Middle East more Australians are actively looking for ways to reduce their vehicle running costs.
EVs are stacking up to be an attractive option and there are several models floating around that are well-priced and available with very short wait times.
EVs That Are Hot Right Now
Jaecoo J5 EV – From $36,990
The Jaecoo J5 EV has entered the Australian market as one of the most affordable electric SUVs available today. Priced at $36,990 drive-away, it undercuts many competitors by thousands of dollars while still delivering strong features and practicality.
This model sits in the fast-growing small SUV category and is already gaining traction due to its value positioning. It offers a real alternative to both petrol SUVs and higher-priced EVs, making it a strong entry point for first-timers looking for an EV.
Cost if you choose to novate: You can zip around the city in this SUV for just $150 a week over a 5-year term and $100,000 salary.
BYD Sealion 7 – From $54,990
The BYD Sealion 7 has seen quite a bit of promotion in Australia right now. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y, it combines strong performance, modern design and a competitive price point of around $54,990.
What makes the Sealion 7 particularly appealing for drivers is the balance between price and capability. It offers a premium SUV experience without stepping into luxury pricing territory.
Cost if you choose to novate: This stylish SUV can be yours for around $204 a week over a 5-year term and a $100,000 salary.
Kia EV5 Air SR – From $49,990
The Kia EV5 Air Standard Range is quickly becoming one of the most popular family EV options in Australia. With pricing around $49,990, it delivers a spacious interior, strong range capability and the practicality expected from a mid-size SUV.
Kia has positioned the EV5 as a mainstream, trusted electric vehicle for Australians. Picking up a Kia EV is less of a jump than, say, getting into a brand-new BYD. Being a Kia, the brand is familiar to many people and thus is in a different category to other newer manufacturers from China that drivers may not be used to yet.
Cost if you choose to novate: This trusted SUV can be yours for around $205 a week over a 5-year term and a $100,000 salary.
Kia EV3 Air SR – From $46,990
The Kia EV3 Air Standard Range is another standout, designed to bring EV ownership into a more accessible price bracket. Sitting below the EV5, it offers a compact SUV format.
The EV3 has been specifically developed to compete in the sub-$50,000 EV segment, which is where demand is growing fastest in Australia. Not everyone is adventurous enough to try out a brand-new Chinese manufacturer. However, at this price point, getting into a Kia can be a less risky alternative for some people.
Cost if you choose to novate: This compact SUV can be yours for around $180 a week over a 5-year term and a $100,000 salary.
Available Now. No Waiting.
Two of the biggest shifts in today’s market are the high cost of fuel and improved EV availability.
The vehicles listed above are available now, meaning no extended wait times and no uncertainty. This is a major change from just 12 to 24 months ago when many EV buyers were waiting months for delivery.
For employees looking to take advantage of novated leasing, this creates a unique opportunity to:
- Lock in a vehicle at today’s price and with today’s interest rates
- Start saving on running costs immediately
- Take advantage of current tax benefits
The Bottom Line
Petrol prices are rising, and Australians are feeling it every time they fill up.
At the same time, the EV market has reached a tipping point. Vehicles like the Jaecoo J5 EV, BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5, and Kia EV3 are proving that electric cars are no longer just premium products. They are now accessible, available and cost-effective alternatives to petrol vehicles, especially for metro drivers.
When you combine these vehicles with the tax savings available through novated leasing, the financial case becomes too good to ignore.
With strong EV options available right now and petrol prices continuing to rise, there has never been a better time to make the switch.
To learn more about how switching to an EV can reduce your weekly running costs, contact one of our friendly WA CarBon team members today.
