Top 5 all-new electric vehicles bound for Australia in 2021
the most exciting all-electric passenger cars launching in Australia this year
Australia’s government has a topsy-turvy list of priorities when it comes to the nation’s shift to renewables and zero emissions vehicles, and while we may have to wait longer for new models than northern hemisphere countries (and longer than our New Zealand neighbours for that matter), the future of all electric passenger cars in Australia is bright. Here are some of our highlights, expected to land in 2021:
Hyundai Ioniq 5
We’re excited about the IONIQ 5 for a number of reasons. Hyundai has proven it can make competent, efficient electric vehicles, and the IONIQ family should continue this trend.
Moreover, IONIQ brings with it a unique design language dubbed ‘parametric pixel’ that is rectangular, futuristic and bold in a sea of familiar compact SUVs. Not just a pretty face, the IONIQ 5 promises an advanced 800 volt architecture, with fast charging up to 350kW, and V2X technology to power almost any device. The IONIQ 5 prototype has already been spotted in Sydney undergoing final testing, so its clear parent company Hyundai sees Australia as an important market for the new brand.
Not a whole lot is known about the IONIQ 5, but Hyundai plans to launch the car down under in 2021. Image: Hyundai Motors
2. Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s Model Y isn’t the new kid on the block anymore, but that doesn’t mean Australians won’t want it. Sporting all the same technology that underpins the Model 3—Australia’s best selling EV— the Model Y features the raised driving position and spacious cabin that makes SUVs so popular in Australia. Available overseas in rear wheel drive Standard Range Plus guise, as well as all wheel drive dual motor Long Range and Performance variants, the Model Y is expected to start from A$80,000-$90,000 for the Standard Range Plus, A$90,000-$100,000 for the Long Range and A$100,000-$110,000 for the Performance variant by the time it lands in Australia. Though there’s nothing offical from Tesla, with the Model Y production line in China now operating, we can expect Tesla’s small SUV to join the local line-up sometime in the seond half of 2021.
Tesla’s Model Y sells well overseas for good reason: it’s efficient, fast and comfortable. Image: Tesla Motors
3. BYD Han
BYD’s Han sedan is exciting for a number of reasons; firstly it’s a svelte, handsome sedan with performance and luxury to match its looks. With a 76.9kWh LFP blade battery and a range of 500+ kilometres, the Han can accelerate to 100 kilometres per hour (62 miles per hour) in 3.9 seconds. It’s got a luxurious interior too, and priced from 279,500 RMB (about AUD$55,500) in China we believe the Han could have a decent slice of the EV market share if priced at or below Tesla’s Model 3 (around AUD$70,000). Importer Nexport currently has one left hand drive Han in Australia, possibly for evaluation/compliance purposes. While no official launch timing has been revealed, Nexport’s direct-to-consumer site evdirect.com.au is planning a big announcement for Wednesday 10 February.
BYD’s Han has the potential to be a great value player in the luxury EV market. Image: BYD
4. Porsche Taycan
EV Performance, refinement and efficiency combined with Zuffenhausen’s legendary interior and exterior design? What’s not to love? Well, the eye-watering price for starters. Forget for a moment that the Taycan Turbo S Starts from $366,133; less expensive variants will eventually make their way down under. It’s significant that one of the world’s most revered sports car manufacturers should design and develop an all electric vehicle, and from overseas reports, the Taycan hasn’t lost Porsche’s handling and performance DNA. Real world range of the standard 79.3kWh battery is also greater than the official figure of 326 kilometres as we reported here. Deliveries are expected to commence in February 2021.
Australian Porsche fans can expect deliveries of the Taycan to commence in February/March 2021. Image: Porsche Cars Australia
5. BMW iX
Yes it’s another SUV on the list, but isn’t that what the market wants? Looks are subjective, but one can’t argue with the imposing face of the iX. While a big, hulking electric SUV may not be our cup of tea, it makes the list because in inner-city parts of Australia where the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes-Benz GLE are king. Electrifying these vehicles will have a significant impact on emissions and perceptions around electric vehicles. While Mercedes-Benz’ EQS has been on the scene for over a year now, BMW’s iX rides on a new-from-the-ground-up advanced aluminium space frame/CRFP composite chassis designed specifically for EVs. BMW claims a WLTP range of “over 600 kilometres” and an engine output of “over 370kW”, and the iX should arrive in Australia before the end of 2021.
The BMW iX is big, aggressive and all electric. Image: BMW AG