Zeekr 7X

Short answer — the EVs I’d actually shortlist in Australia

If you want models Australians are really buying, start here: Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X, BYD Atto 2, Tesla Model 3, Kia EV5, Kia EV3, BYD Atto 1, BYD Seal, BYD Dolphin, and MG MG4 / MG4 Urban. As of the latest model-by-model Australian EV sales tracker updated 2 September 2026, the biggest sellers year-to-date are Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Zeekr 7X, Omoda Jaecoo J5 EV, BYD Atto 2, Tesla Model 3, Kia EV5, BYD Atto 1 and Kia EV3. (thedriven.io)

My practical recommendations

What I’d buy, depending on your situation

• Most Australians should start with: Tesla Model Y RWD and BYD Sealion 7 Premium. They’re the two buyer-proven default family EVs.
• If you want maximum value: test drive Geely EX5 Complete Extended Range, BYD Atto 2 Premium, and MG MG4 Urban.
• If you want a non-Tesla premium feel: test drive Zeekr 7X RWD.
• If you prefer an established dealer network: test drive Kia EV5 Air Long Range / Earth AWD and Kia EV3 Air Long Range.
• If it’s a second car or city car: BYD Atto 1 Premium or BYD Dolphin Premium.
• If you want a sedan: Tesla Model 3 RWD first, BYD Seal Premium second.

One tax note for Australia: if you’re looking at a novated lease, EV fringe-benefits-tax rules and luxury-car-tax thresholds matter. The ATO says the FBT exemption depends in part on luxury car tax not having been payable, and Treasury has announced changes phasing from 1 April 2027, so check current eligibility before signing. (ato.gov.au)

The Australian electric vehicle market is currently experiencing a historic boom. Driven by a mix of soaring petrol prices, competitive pricing from new brands, and the FBT (Fringe Benefits Tax) exemption on novated leases, pure electric vehicles have achieved a massive milestone—recently claiming nearly 25% of the overall new car market and outselling petrol and diesel cars for the first time.

If you want to buy what other Aussies are actually putting in their driveways, these are the exact models dominating the sales charts, split by what they do best.

1. The Undisputed King: Tesla Model Y

• The Vibe: The default choice for Australian families.
• Why Aussies buy it: The Model Y isn't just the best-selling EV in Australia; in peak months, it is the best-selling vehicle of any fuel type, occasionally beating out the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. It offers an unbeatable combination of cavernous interior space, a massive sub-boot, class-leading software, and seamless access to the nationwide Tesla Supercharger network.
• Pricing: Starts from around $55,900 before on-road costs.
• What to watch out for: The ride can still feel a bit firm on patchy Australian country roads, and there is no physical instrument cluster in front of the driver.

2. The Breakout Challenger: BYD Sealion 7

• The Vibe: The Model Y’s fiercest competitor.
• Why Aussies buy it: Since its launch, the Sealion 7 has been a massive hit, consistently sitting right behind the Model Y on the podium. It appeals to those who want a mid-sized SUV but prefer a more traditional, plush cabin with physical buttons, a rotating 15.6-inch screen, and incredibly comfortable seats. BYD frequently runs aggressive "driveaway" campaigns (often around $54,990 driveaway for the Premium), making it stellar value.
• Pricing: $54,990 (Premium) to $63,990 (Performance AWD) before on-roads.
• What to watch out for: Real-world highway range sits on the lower side of its claims, and the rear window visibility is quite narrow.

3. The Budget Luxury Bargain: Geely EX5

• The Vibe: Insane premium features for a cut-price tag.
• Why Aussies buy it: Geely is the parent company behind Volvo, Polestar, and Zeekr, and the mid-size EX5 SUV has taken the Aussie market by storm. For under $50k, it offers features you usually only see in luxury European cars—like massaging/ventilated front seats, a high-end sound system, and a remarkably roomy cabin.
• Pricing: Starts at around $45,990 before on-roads (approx. $48,000 to $50,000 driveaway).
• What to watch out for: The exterior styling is a bit generic, and the lane-keep assist system can be overly sensitive with "bings and bongs" on Aussie roads.

4. The Premium Tech Leader: Zeekr 7X

• The Vibe: A Porsche-level experience on a mid-tier budget.
• Why Aussies buy it: If you want premium luxury and cutting-edge tech without paying BMW or Mercedes prices, the Zeekr 7X is currently the gold standard. It features a top-tier 800V electrical architecture, meaning it can charge from 10% to 80% in an incredibly fast 13 minutes on a ultra-rapid DC charger. The ride quality is exceptionally quiet and refined.
• Pricing: Range starts at $57,900 before on-road costs.
• What to watch out for: Zeekr is still a relatively young brand in Australia, so its physical dealer and servicing footprint is smaller than established legacy brands.

5. The "Safe Bet" Legacy Badge: Kia EV5

• The Vibe: For buyers who want EV tech but demand a familiar, trusted brand.
• Why Aussies buy it: Many Australians are hesitant to buy from new Chinese brands. The EV5 is Kia's answer to the Toyota RAV4 and Tesla Model Y. It has been a roaring success thanks to its boxy, practical "mini-EV9" styling, a massive dealer network, and incredibly clever family features (like a slide-out rear tray table and a heated/cooled storage drawer). It also comes with Kia's highly-regarded 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty.
• Pricing: Often discounted to around $49,990 driveaway for the entry-spec Air Standard Range.
• What to watch out for: The base model is front-wheel drive (unlike the rear-wheel-drive Model Y and Zeekr 7X), and its charging speed (max 141kW) is slower than its 800V rivals.

6. The Best Budget Commuters: MG MG4 & BYD Dolphin

• The Vibe: The ultimate "first EV" city runabouts.
• Why Aussies buy them: If you don't need a high-riding family SUV, these two hatchbacks are the cheapest ways to ditch the servo.
  • The MG MG4 is loved by motoring journalists and daily commuters alike because its rear-wheel-drive setup makes it incredibly fun to drive, handling more like a sporty hot hatch.
  • The BYD Dolphin is purely about getting from A to B as cheaply as possible, offering a highly practical, comfortable cabin for a very sharp price.
• Pricing: Both models sit comfortably in the $36,000 to $42,000 driveaway bracket.
• What to watch out for: Boot space is tight on both models, and they are best suited for urban commuting rather than long-distance family road trips.

Which one should you buy?

• If you want the safest, easiest, and most spacious bet: Buy the Tesla Model Y.
• If you want a lush interior and the best value-for-money mid-size SUV: Buy the BYD Sealion 7.
• If you are on a tighter budget but still want luxury features: Buy the Geely EX5.
• If you want cutting-edge charging speeds and premium materials: Buy the Zeekr 7X.
• If you want local suspension tuning, brand trust, and a long warranty: Buy the Kia EV5.

The Tesla Model Y stands out as the clear top seller and a strong all-rounder for most Australian buyers.

In 2026, Australia’s EV market has surged, with battery-electric vehicles hitting record monthly shares (e.g., 24.9% in August, outselling petrol and diesel outright that month). Chinese brands have driven much of the volume alongside Tesla, with competitive pricing, features, and growing model ranges appealing to buyers.

Here are the specific models people are actually buying in volume (based on recent FCAI/VFACTS and Electric Vehicle Council data), focusing on exact names and current popularity:

• Tesla Model Y (various trims, e.g., Rear-Wheel Drive): The undisputed bestseller—often Australia’s top-selling vehicle overall in strong months (e.g., 6,414 units in August 2026, with YTD around 31,454). It’s a practical medium SUV with strong range, performance, build quality, the excellent Supercharger network, and high resale value. Ideal for families or those wanting a premium feel without ultra-luxury pricing.

• BYD Sealion 7: A fast-rising medium SUV challenger (e.g., 2,213 in August; YTD ~17k+). It offers strong value, good range, and features at a competitive price point, helping BYD challenge Tesla’s EV dominance. Popular among buyers seeking an alternative to the Model Y.

• Geely EX5: Strong performer in the medium SUV segment (e.g., ~1,947 in August; YTD over 10k). It delivers solid value, range, and equipment, contributing to Geely’s rising brand presence.

• Zeekr 7X: Another new-wave Chinese medium/premium SUV hitting high volumes (e.g., ~1,747 in August; YTD ~9k). It appeals with modern design, performance, and features.

• Tesla Model 3 (various trims): The top-selling sedan (e.g., 1,271 in August; strong YTD growth). Great for those wanting a more car-like drive with excellent efficiency, tech, and the Tesla ecosystem.

• BYD Atto 2 (and similar Atto variants like Atto 3): Affordable small/medium SUVs seeing consistent sales (e.g., Atto 2 at 1,122 in August). Good entry points for first-time EV buyers or city/family use.

• Omoda Jaecoo J5 (or Jaecoo J5): Small/medium SUV with rising popularity (e.g., ~1,672 in August). Competitive pricing and features make it a volume player.

Other notable mentions that sell well include the MG4 (affordable hatch, strong in budget segments), BYD Atto 1 (very cheap entry-level option), Kia EV5, and BYD Dolphin/Seal variants.

Key local considerations for Australian buyers:

• Look at drive-away pricing (varies by state; check for any stamp duty or incentive differences—some states offer rebates or concessions for EVs).
• Factor in home charging setup and public networks (Tesla’s is reliable, but others are expanding).
• Test drive for real-world range in Australian conditions (heat, highways).
• Popular choices balance range (aim for 400km+ WLTP for versatility), boot space, and total ownership costs (lower running/ servicing for EVs).

The “best” depends on your needs (budget, family size, range priority), but the models above reflect what’s actually shifting in high numbers right now. Check current dealer stock, test drives, and comparisons on sites like carsales or Drive for the latest deals. If you share your budget, preferred size (e.g., small hatch vs. family SUV), or priorities (range, price, luxury), I can refine this further!