- UPDATED: 1 June 2022
- Audi RS E-Tron GT
- BMW i7
- BYD Atto 3
- BYD Han
- Cupra Born
- Ford E-Transit
- Genesis GV60
- Genesis Electrified G80
- Genesis Electrified GV70
- GWM Ora
- Kia Niro EV
- Kia Niro Plus
- Mercedes-AMG EQS 53
- Mercedes-Benz EQB
- Mercedes-Benz EQE
- Mercedes-Benz EQV
- Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer
- MG ZS EV facelift
- Nissan Leaf update
- Skoda Enyaq
- Tesla Model Y
- Toyota bZ4X
- Volvo C40
Which new electric vehicles are coming to Australia during the next 12 months?
It’s an important question, because rising fuel prices and the prominence of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) could play into Jaguar’s prediction that two-thirds of Australians will be driving electric cars by 2028.
Look to any major motor show, and much of what you see in the way of innovation centres around electric power. The electric car is here to stay, and its growth follows an exponential path.
It’s something car manufacturers in Australia are well aware of, and a commensurate number of new electric cars are due in Australia in the next 12 months, from brands like Audi, BMW, Ford, Nissan and others.
Here are the new EV models which have recently gone on sale or are slated to arrive in 2022.
NOTE: To see all the new cars coming to Australia this year, check out our 2022 New Car Calendar story right here.
UPDATED: 1 June 2022
Audi RS E-Tron GT
Built on the same platform as the Porsche Taycan, the 2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT is the first Audi RS model to go fully electric, skipping the plug-in hybrid stage altogether and beating hi-po rivals BMW M and Mercedes-AMG to market with emissions-free motoring.
Power comes from a high-energy 83.7kWh (93kWh gross) battery, which feeds two synchronous motors – a 175kW motor powers the front axle and is shared with the regular e-Tron GT, but the rear is larger and more powerful, at 335kW. Just like the Taycan, there’s a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, and a focus on coasting rather than recuperation to extend battery range.
Charge times will also be equivalent to the Taycan, with a maximum DC charging capacity of 270kW, for a theoretical 100 kilometres of driving range in five minutes. A 50kW DC charger boosts the battery from five to 80 per cent in around 1.5 hours, or a 22kW AC charger from 0-100 per cent in around 4.5 hours.
The 2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT Australian specifications have been announced, with pricing set to start from $249,700 before on-road costs when it arrives here in September.
BMW i7
The seventh-generation 2023 BMW 7 Series has made its debut, offering an all-electric variant for the first time ever.
Known as the i7, the fully-electric 7 Series will arrive in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Initially, it will be available in entry-level xDrive60 guise, with the dual-motor powertrain pushing out up to 400kW and 745Nm, powered by a 101.7kWh battery pack. This allows the luxury sedan to boast a driving range of up to 625km.
Local pricing and features for the 2023 BMW i7 will be provided closer to the model’s launch in the fourth quarter.
BYD Atto 3
The 2022 BYD Atto 3 is a compact SUV that will go into battle with its Chinese compatriot, the MG ZS EV, currently in the process of getting a facelift, range boost and significant specification improvement.
BYD’s local distributor, EVDirect, has launched its long-awaited first mass-market EV in two front-wheel-drive flavours, the 50kWh battery-equipped Atto 3, which has a base retail price of $44,381, and the 60kWh, which starts at $47,381.
BYD’s ‘Blade’ battery powers both versions. The 50kWh has a WLTP range of 320 kilometres and the 60kWh 420km.
Both are powered by a single 150kW/310Nm electric motor upfront, and the Atto 3 will accelerate to 100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.
The Atto 3 is available to order now with a $1000 refundable deposit at evdirect.com.au
BYD Han
BYD has already started taking Australian orders for its Han luxury sedan, but is yet to confirm an official launch date.
Australian distributor Nexport has already demonstrated the Tesla Model S rival across the country, though the fact it’s a left-hand-drive version suggests it may still be some time before we see production of Aussie-bound cars.
The line-up includes a long-range version with a claimed 605km driving range and an all-wheel-drive high-performance EV capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Technology includes the Han’s lithium iron phosphate ‘Blade Battery’ in which the cells are directly integrated into the vehicle’s structure – freeing up space and providing more structural rigidity, as well as safety, in the event of an accident.
Cupra Born
Volkswagen’s Spanish Cupra brand is entering the Australian market with a range of vehicles including its 2023 Born electric hatchback, which is expected to sell here for less than $55,000.
Cupra Australia has yet to divulge which Born variants it will import, with overseas options currently including two 58kWh cars with 150kW/350Nm and 170kW/350Nm motors, and a 77kWh version with a WLTP-rated driving range of around 540 kilometres.
In January 2022, the first local Born arrived for testing, ahead of a launch expected to occur in early 2023.
Ford E-Transit
A fully-electric version of Ford’s iconic Transit van, the 2023 E-Transit, is expected to arrive in mid-2022.
Under the skin is a 68kWh battery, which powers the E-Transit’s 198kW and 430Nm electric motor, making it the most powerful Transit on offer in Australia.
It is hoped its 317 kilometre driving range will suit a majority of urban commercial businesses.
Featuring both AC and DC charging, the E-Transit’s 11.3 kW on-board charger is capable of delivering a 100 per cent charge in up to 8.2 hours – while a 15 to 80 per cent state of charge is achievable in 34 minutes when utilising 115kW DC fast-charging.
Genesis GV60
Based on the same E-GMP electric architecture as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the 2022 Genesis GV60 adopts the brand’s latest design language, headlined by split front and rear lights.
Locally, the GV60 will be introduced with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version with 360kW/700Nm. This will later expand to include a mid-spec 234kW/605Nm tune, providing up to 470 kilometres of driving range.
Inside, there is a floating centre console, as well as a funky new steering wheel and a crystal sphere gear selector, which can change to a mood lighting system when the car is turned off.
The 2022 Genesis GV60 will arrive in the third quarter of 2022, around the same time as the Electrified G80 and GV70. Full pricing and specification details will be announced closer to its arrival.
Genesis Electrified G80
Based in the new-generation G80 luxury sedan, the 2022 Genesis Electrified G80 swaps petrol drivetrains for a pair of electric motors mounted at the front and rear to deliver a combined 272kW and 700Nm.
According to Genesis it will have a 0-100km/h time of just 4.9 seconds, and a driving range of 500km.
Expect it to arrive in the third-quarter of 2022 with a price tag around $150,000.
You can read our preview drive of the 2022 Genesis Electrified G80 here.
Genesis Electrified GV70
Based on the GV70 SUV, the 2022 Genesis Electrified GV70 retains its internal combustion engine-powered sibling’s styling and portions – but with a pair of electric motors placed on each axle, providing up to 360kW of power in ‘boost mode’.
Each motor develops 160kW and 350Nm when in its normal driving mode, with the combined 700Nm of torque and 360kW propelling the SUV from 0 to 100kmh in 4.5 seconds in its most powerful guise.
It’s expected to arrive in Australia during the third quarter of 2022 with a price tag between $105,000 and $115,000.
Check out our preview drive, including video, of the 2022 Genesis Electrified GV70 here.
GWM Ora
Ora is actually the name of Great Wall Motors’ (GWM) EV sub-brand and could send models Down Under as part of the carmaker’s plans to expand its portfolio beyond its eponymous utes and Haval SUVs.
The Chinese motoring giant has issued patents in Australia for different Ora models, including the all-electric Volkswagen Beetle-inspired Ora Cat, which will be launched in the UK next year, confirming it will be manufactured in right-hand-drive.
GWM Ora Europe CEO Xianghua Qiao told Wheels the carmaker is eyeing an entry into the Australian market.
“GWM already has a presence in Australia, and it depends on the market’s development. Maybe in the future we can see Ora on Australian streets.”
The comments solidify statements made by the company in June 2021, which suggested Ora models could be here as soon as 2022.
As with the rest of the Ora range, expect sharp pricing – the delightfully named Ora Good Cat, which is currently sold in China, sells for less than AU$35,000.
Kia Niro EV
Based on the 2019 HabaNiro concept, the second-generation 2023 Niro has been penned to line up with the rest of Kia’s current model range, with the fresh ‘tiger-face’ grille design to the ‘heartbeat’ daytime-running lights as seen on the Sportage.
What isn’t new is the Niro’s underpinnings – it’s understood the latest model rides on the same platform and powertrain options as its predecessor, with tweaks to the deployment of its power being the key difference.
It’s expected the first versions of the Niro, which will also include hybrid and PHEV variants, will be released worldwide in the second half of 2022.
Kia Niro Plus
Based on the outgoing, first-generation Niro, the 2023 Niro Plus is the Korean carmaker’s first ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV). It’s designed to be used as a taxi and ride-share vehicle, but will be available to Australian retail buyers in limited numbers.
The Niro Plus is 10 millimetres longer than the Niro and 80mm higher, which means more cabin space and additional London-cab style handles at the B-pillar to assist passenger entry.
While exact details will be outlined closer to its launch, the Kia Niro Plus is expected to be offered as a traditional hybrid (HEV), a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as well as a fully-electric vehicle (BEV).
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53
As the first in-house electric offering from Mercedes-AMG, the 2022 EQS 53 ups the performance ante of the regular EQS.
With 484kW/950Nm on tap, the EQS 53 can sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.4 seconds.
There are subtle changes from the regular EQS, with unique AMG front and rear bumpers, a faux Panamericana grille, a larger rear spoiler and 21- or 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels.
Mercedes-AMG will also offer red brake calipers, carbon trim, Nappa leather seats and a blacked-out design package as a part of its options list.
The 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 is expected to land in Australia at around $400,000 or higher when it arrives later this year.
Mercedes-Benz EQB
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB shares much of its basic architecture, body, and interior with the versatile GLB SUV lineup but has been modified to accommodate the floor-mounted battery pack.
Australia is likely to receive a front-wheel-drive 140kW/375Nm EQB 250 model and a top-of-the-range EQB 350 4MATIC, which features two motors that produce a combined 215kW/520Nm. Each variant is powered by 66.5kWh battery that in the EQB 350 brings a range of up 420km.
Pricing in Europe sees the EQB variants attract a 13 percent premium over their GLB equivalents, which if applied here will see the EQB 250 and EQB 350 priced around $72,000 and $90,000 respectively.
The EQB has been confirmed for a 2022 arrival, though when exactly remains unclear.
Mercedes-Benz EQE
Shown at the 2021 Munich motor show, Benz’s latest EV model will launch with the EQE 350 – a rear-wheel-drive, 215kW sedan with a 90kWh battery that’s said to take it as far as 660km on the WLTP cycle.
While the EQE is based on the same EA2 EV platform as the larger EQS, its wheelbase is 90mm shorter and its overall length is similar to that of the current CLS four-door.
The EQE will start rolling out across the globe during the second half of 2022, with Mercedes-Benz Australia confirming it will land Down Under at the same time.
Mercedes-Benz EQV
As the electric version of the luxurious V-Class people-mover, the EQV offers a pure-electric driving range of around 355 kilometres from a single charge (WLTP cycle), thanks to a 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a 150kW/362Nm electric motor powering the front wheels.
Charging from zero to 100 per cent using an 11kW Wallbox takes around 10 hours, while a top-up from 10 to 80 per cent using a 110kW fast-charger can be achieved in approximately 45 minutes.
It is expected to arrive in Australia around the middle of 2022.
Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer
The people-mover version of the eVito panel van is designed for use as a taxi or hotel shuttle bus.
It uses the same powertrain as the EQV and has a slightly higher driving range of around 360km (WLTP).
Like the EQV, it is expected to arrive in Australia around the middle of 2022.
MG ZS EV facelift
Australia’s cheapest EV is coming with an eagerly anticipated update, which should make it even better value.
Sporting a prominent grille-less fascia with new LED headlights and daytime-running light signature, the 2022 MG ZS EV will bring an upgraded powertrain with the 44kWh battery pack replaced with a 72kWh unit – capable of a claimed 440 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle.
Available from July, the facelifted 2022 MG ZS EV is priced from $46,990 drive-away for the base Excite – a $2000 price increase over the current model – while the flagship Essence will cost $49,990 drive-away.
Nissan Leaf update
The updated 2023 Nissan Leaf will go on sale in Australia in August 2022 with a fresh look, updated advanced driving and safety features such as ProPILOT, and infotainment tech such as an improved onboard NissanConnect system.
Powertrains will carry across from the outgoing model with the 110kW/320Nm base model boasting a driving range of 270 kilometres from its 40kWh lithium-ion battery, coming in at $50,990 before on-road costs, which is $1000 more than the current entry-level price.
The same price increase has been applied to the Leaf e+, which is set to go on sale from $61,490 with its 160kW/340Nm electric motor and 62kWh battery pack delivering a driving range of 385km.
Skoda Enyaq
Skoda has confirmed it is bringing its Enyaq iV electric SUV to Australia in both wagon and coupe form.
It was hoped the Enyaq would arrive Down Under this year, but according to the Czech marque’s local arm, it will now be available for order here from the second half of 2023.
Although it’s not yet known which Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupe iV variants could come here, in the UK it is offered in five guises – starting from the entry-level Enyaq 60 producing 132kW/310Nm and a maximum driving range of 507km for around $60,000 before on-road costs, and topping out with the Enyaq 80X Sportline capable of 150kW/310Nm, able to travel 684km and priced at $87,500 excluding on-road costs.
Tesla Model Y
It’s always difficult to put a definitive date on new Tesla models, but it looks like we can expect the small SUV to arrive in Australia some in 2022 now that right-hand-drive versions are being produced in China.
Some examples of the Tesla Model Y SUV have landed in Australia, according to Tesla tracker VedaPrime, which reported three are now on our shores for testing, each representing the available Standard Range Plus, Long Range and Performance variants.
Expected to go on sale for roughly $5000 more than the Model 3 Standard Range Plus – which recently received a price drop to just below $60,000 – the Model Y will feature similar spec to the sedan, but in a taller, more spacious body, packing a 190kW motor on the rear axle in base trim.
In April, the Model Y was available to order in Australia for an incredibly brief period, with leaked pricing claimed to be $65,500 before on-road costs for the single-motor variant and $90,900, plus on-roads, for the dual-motor Performance variant.
Toyota bZ4X
After leading the way with hybrid and hydrogen vehicles, Toyota took a long time to join the BEV party, but it’s about to do so with a Kluger-sized model built on a bespoke e-TNGA EV platform developed with Subaru.
Due on sale sometime around the middle of 2022, the bZ4X will include front- and all-wheel-drive variants with a single 150kW motor in the FWD modeland two 80kW motors in the AWD for a total of 160kW.
Toyota claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds for the FWD version and 7.7 seconds for the AWD.
Both versions will pack a 71.4kWh battery system, with 500km and 460km ranges for the FWD and AWD variants respectively.
Volvo C40
Volvo has announced local pricing and features for the 2023 C40 Recharge coupe SUV, ahead of its arrival in the third quarter of 2022.
Starting out at $74,990 before on-road costs, the model jumps up to $82,490 for the dual-motor variant.
A coupe derivative to the all-electric XC40, the C40 is the first EV-only model launched by the Swedish marque.
Highlights include the steeply raked roofline, a reshaped front bumper, Volvo’s Android-based infotainment system, and over-the-air software updates.
Solely available online, the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge will go on sale in Australia during the third quarter.
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Keyword: New electric vehicles coming to Australia in 2022 and beyond