First EV

We ended up going with Geely EX5

Hard to beat the Geely EX5 at this price range. Loads of space, good build quality and easy enough to use infotainment. ADAS refinement isn’t great but at least you can disable all of them easily (not a solution, but better than nothing). Good efficiency for its size and decently flat charging curve. Suspension might be a bit bouncy though, and it’s FWD. Higher trim version with the Flyme sound system has very good audio quality. I can't recommend the Jaecoo J5 because of its terrible software, subpar charging curve and pedal sensitivity (completely goes to no regen even with just a light tap of the accelerator, instead of gradually reducing regen as you press on the accelerator). The Leapmotor B10 is also a good recommendation; it's got the best charging curve at this price range, decent-enough ADAS refinement and decent amount of space. It's smaller than the EX5 though, but has better driving dynamics as it's RWD.

Skoda Elroq? Reviews well. Typical Skoda clever interior. 60 select just squeezes in at 49,990 driveway. 85 will potentially be our next car (cos I still miss our Karoq), replacing a model y. Maybe there’s deals to be had.

Consider the Jaecoo J5 which is only $36k at the moment. I ordered one as the value was unbeatable.

This is a tough one. If you are used to the Model Y, you'll find the other cars clunky although BYD and Zeekr are not too bad. As the others pointed out, Geely, MG and Jaecoo are value for money. If you have time, go for a test drive and you'll see how different they are compared to a Tesla.

We are waiting for the new Atto 3 Evo. Worth a look, should be released in next few months.

Just be aware it and the entire VW range don’t have connectivity so you’ll miss out on a lot of things that Teslas have like a good app, integrated trip planner and OTA software updates.

Atto 2 or Atto 3? Hard to beat a used Model 3 though if you don’t mind sedan. $30k for a 2021+ is ridiculous value.

For some people the lack of connectivity is a bonus.

Incredible car for the $

Have a look at the Kia EV3 or Jaecoo J5 is you want a bargain

Some 2nd hand Volvo EX30s would fit into that price. I’ve had mine for couple years and have liked it: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/volvo/ex30/?sort=~Price

Atto 3?

Can recommend MG4 as a straightforward hatchback, get a 23/24 model for sportyness and fun. Cons: rear view is constrained with the centre headrest, the cupholders up front are under the shifter dial shelf, which is a bit too large so bigger bottles require some wiggling to get in and out. The door sill clips your calf until you learn how to get in. The windscreen washer bottle feels a bit smaller than ususal, or it sprays a lot of water, so you need to fill it more often than a Corolla. The r/N/D dial is a bit odd and takes some small adjustment from a normal auto. Pros: comfortable, sporty, good range, compact size but roomy seats. plenty of storage nooks. minimal maintenance required, no stupid noises, Android Auto, reasonably responsive touchscreen. good dashboard display. Good amount of boot storage. $40k.

Atto 3 would seem a could fit, either $30-$32k 2nd hand, or the 2025. 2026 Evo coming out soon is really sweet.

Just ordered the Geely EX5. Great value for money, especially the extended range and standard options added to MY26

GWM Ora? Cute little mini/beetle looking thing. I think they look like a lot of fun. No idea of reliability or performance, but seem to be about $32k new last I checked

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BYD Atto 2 has been great so far had it for about 3 months nice little city car heaps of room for the kids

I'd avoid Mazda for EVs they've actively avoided them

I’ve had a Polestar 2 for 4 years and to me it’s the best package deal for an EV, especially if you can get one that’s a year or so old. It’s our only family car (one kid) but it also does a lot of commuting and it’s really good. Excellent range but still feels like a car to drive. Volvo safety and quality, plus they do the servicing. And a nice screen behind the wheel so you don’t have to always look at the centre like you do in a Tesla. It puts your map directions on the screen behind the wheel. I don’t want to go back to the old way of having to glance down for directions.

What is “the Box”, out of interest?

Dong Feng Box

If you already have a Model Y, a used Model 3 makes a lot of sense. Both cars can be accessed on the one app for both of you. If you buy from Tesla, you’ll get the remaining warranty plus an extra year. Other brands worthy of investigation are the aforementioned Geely, with the much smaller EX2 due July onwards - best selling car, not just EV, in China if that means anything to you. Might come in under $30k

What about a Kia EV3?

I found the best way to remedy the issue of the center headrest restricting vision was to remove the centre headrest. Unless you're regularly transporting 5 adults, you don't actually need it.

I can highly recommend the MG4. It's well under $40k. The current base model is about to be replaced with an entirely new front wheel drive 'urban' variant, lots of room, great price. The sportier rear wheel models are getting an internal refresh, new dash, new console and new infotainment system. Still one of the best handling EVs available, the refresh will remain unchanged in that department. Both the new MG4's are due in May, otherwise get a great price on the outgoing model. (I don't work for MG, I just own 2).

same

I don't think the Dong Feng Box is anywhere near available in Australia, but yes a three star NCAP is not good. Though the 2025 MG3, 2025 Hyundai i30, Suzuki Jimni and Renault Duster also similarly have three star ratings. Being an EV it will not be noisy, though on the highway the cheaper ones can suffer a bit of road noise. The Geely EX-5, BYD Atto 2 and 3, MG4 or S5, or a second hand Model 3 which considering you already have a Model Y might be your best bet.

I bought one of these, love it and great value.

We will be looking at the same to go with a Model Y which I'm purchasing now. Owners of MG4's seem to absolutely love them and they come with with a great warranty and have sold a tonne of them in Aus. Others I like include the Cupra Born, the Zeekr X and the Renault Megane E Tech. In each case I feel like the sales are too low and I worry about support /parts.

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Can confirm they are a lot of fun, have had my GT now for a month and a half. Definitely not as small as they look, they have very decent seating space, just the boot is a little pathetic. But still plenty small enough to have fun around the inner city.

These cars are like mobile phones with wheels. And they lose their value at the same rate too.

We are going to test drive one tomorrow. Really excited.

That's the nature of new cars these days, regardless of whether they're ICE or not. And with fuel prices going the way they are these days, we're better off driving something that we can fill up with homegrown energy, instead of relying on energy imports from often-unfriendly territory.

Mate, are you saying the MX-30 is a complete load of rubbish? Can't agree with you more.

Happy to recommend the Kona EV. We’ve had ours for two years now and it has been an absolute delight to drive and own. Hyundai’s suspension tune for Australian roads is better than any other EV out there in the local market as far as I’m concerned.

Yes, and it is something that does concern me a bit, but we got by ok without connectivity for every car we’ve ever had before the Tesla. That’s what a mobile with unlimited data is for :)

Similarly, demo / slightly used zeekr x are under 50k

Geely should be top of your list IMO.

The GAC Aion V is worth a look. Ticks all your boxes.

Are you ok not being able to pre-heat or pre-cool your car before you get in, seeing the charging status and SoC, where it is, etc. ? I get your point, but I’d imagine I would miss those conveniences if I ever go backwards.

We are considering the atto 2, Did you get the dynamic or the premium? I have read reviews talking about out slow charging - have you found that to be the case? Thank you

Can definitely vouch for the MG4, especially the Essence 64 model. BYD Atto 3 is also a good car.

Well, there is the Changan EZ-6 -> Mazda 6e coming out in a few months, which should be fairly good for a $40k EV priced at $50k/$53k (likely more at the dealer with onroad included) Problem is, every other $50k EV. The MG S5, Ioniq 6, Zeekr X, Seal, etc.

Second hand mg4 price tag is quite nice

Sounds like for your budget the Chery E5 or Sealion 7 might best fit. Both slightly bigger than the CX5, but I’ve found the SUV range to be better than the hatches on offer. The Dolphin would be too small for you and the sedans are pretty expensive. Maybe the Seal ticks some of your boxes, but personally prefer the Sealion https://savvy.com.au/car-loans/best-electric-cars-in-australia/

I was looking for EV around $35-40k range. Settled with Leapmotor B10 LR with 67.5kWh last week. It is well packaged for ~41k. After a test drive, It just felt more polished product than the rest of options in that price range. Simple interior, RWD and software were three main factors the made B10 my choice Aion 5 and EX5 were tempting but outside my budget, with B10 I didn’t feel like I was missing out much

Yep. Live in Brisbane so no need to pre-heat. Open all the windows to cool the car down when I get in it. Nice to be able to vent it but that wouldn’t stop me. I’ll say straight up we bloody love the Y. It’s a brilliant car and maybe we’ll hang on to it for a few more years. Hopefully we will eventually get connected VAG vehicles one day. Refreshed cupra born would be a great place for them to start.

Pre owned Tesla is way to go

Kona electric. Because they share most of the parts with the ICE versions, insurance, repairs and parts are quite reasonable.

When I was in Brisbane a few years ago on my summer road trip the climate feature was a godsend - I would pre cool a good 5 mins before getting it. Vent feature doesn’t work too well in 30° days, even in Melbourne.

Can you fit a pram in the boot?

I just got a Jaecoo J7 PHEV and absolutely it! Checked out the J5 too and it looks great. I think they still have the deal in place for the J5 with a reduced price for the first 2k cars sold.

With or without blinker stalk ?

Mine is 2024 Y. With blinker stalk. Seems like best of both worlds because it’s got the stalk and the right hardware for latest versions of FSD

There’s a new Hyundai medium suv EV that’s just come out.  Looks pretty good I saw a billboard for it the other day. In size similar to a cx3 maybe this is the Hyundai Inster ?  I’d go check out their range.  Or the Kona Electric.   Hyundai are selling the Kona electric for. 47k driveaway at the moment. I think the Koreans make nice cars and are up there with the Chinese product.(with the added bonus of brand recognition)

I concur. Also, they're bringing out the 2026 model, with lrager battery, soon.

If you go used Tesla, the 3 is a better drive than the Y. A bit quieter, better ride quality & quicker. That said, if space matters, the Y wins hands down. Generally, Tesla are the most efficient power consumption wise, particularly on the highway, and would be well within your budget. I’m trading a 5 year old model 3 shortly & getting $23.5k from Tesla, so I’d guess it’ll be on a forecourt for about $35k soon. Range is still 395 kms with 50.000k’s on the clock. If any of that helps. I would suggest getting a home charger, whichever route you take. There are some good electricity tariffs around that make them very cheap to run.

Can't wait for the pricing of EX2, it has potential to become a huge hit in current events.

I actually have an EX2 myself in Malaysia (which is badged as a Proton eMas 5 there). It's an amazing car for its price. Decent charging curve for the battery size, good driving dynamics that aren't overly bouncy, stellar efficiency (I find myself averaging around just 10 kWh/100km under typical urban driving conditions), and generally good fit and finish. Yes, there are some hard plastics here and there, but they don't feel overly cheap.