Best Electric Cars

Drive

Electrify your drive

The EV market is booming, with sales on a growth trajectory and new models arriving all the time. These are the best of the all-electric options on sale today.

There are now electric vehicles on offer from more manufacturers than not, bringing a sense of choice and scale to the EV market.

The specific electric car categories of Drive Car of the Year 2024 showcase cars for buyers looking for electric first and foremost, and cover everything from affordable to opulent.

If you want to park an EV in your driveway this year, these are the four best choices available.


Best Electric Vehicle under $50K

Affordable electric cars have taken a big step forward in recent months, with four cars now priced well-under the all-important $50,000 mark. In this category, judges looked for the best EV that presented as an excellent 'first-time' electric purchase, predominantly for an urban environment.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: MG 4

Winner: MG 4

1 / 4

MG fired the first salvo in the battle of ‘Australia’s most affordable electric car’ when it released the MG 4 late last year. The first EV under the psychological $40,000 barrier, the MG 4 has gone on to be a success for the Chinese brand, racking up 3134 sales to the end of 2023 since hitting local dealerships last August.

It’s easy to see why; the MG 4 is a capable, comfortable and compelling electric car that, when it went on sale initially, was priced at $38,990 before on-road costs. That’s for the entry-level Excite 51 model.

Read more about why the MG 4 won

Finalist: GWM Ora

Finalist: GWM Ora

2 / 4

There’s no denying the cutesy factor of the GWM Ora, the Chinese brand’s small electric hatchback that squares off against the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin.
Read more about the GWM Ora

Finalist: BYD Dolphin

Finalist: BYD Dolphin

3 / 4

The BYD Dolphin, which even at its most affordable level is packed with equipment and technology, is a good entry point into electric motoring.
Read more about the BYD Dolphin

Finalist: BYD Atto 3

Finalist: BYD Atto 3

4 / 4

If BYD wants to trumpet its success, it need look no further than the sales record of its best-selling model, the Atto 3. Last year, the Chinese car giant sold 11,042 Atto 3s in Australia, a stunning amount on the back of competitive pricing and well-equipped specification.
Read more about the BYD Atto 3

Explore our Best Electric cars under $50K

Show More +
Show More +

Best Urban Electric Vehicle under $100K

The judges prioritised a committed EV buyer who is looking for a cutting-edge everyday car for this category, focusing on a mixture of capability and prestige.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: Tesla Model 3

Winner: Tesla Model 3

1 / 5

The updates American manufacturer Tesla has made to its Model 3 have made an already well-accomplished electric vehicle that much better, and the Model 3 deserves its win as the Drive Car of the Year Best Urban Electric Vehicle Under $100,000.

To drive, the Model 3 is quick, comfortable, and quiet – the three greatest attributes that any EV-maker strives for.

Read more about why the Tesla Model 3 won

Finalist: BYD Seal

Finalist: BYD Seal

2 / 5

We almost couldn’t include the new Chinese fighter in Drive Car of the Year due to its late-2023 launch, but our testing found the Seal an impressive prospect – especially regarding value for money.
Read more about the BYD Seal

Finalist: Cupra Born

Finalist: Cupra Born

3 / 5

Spanish brand Cupra might be relatively new to the Australian market, but it’s already produced several Drive Car of the Year finalists. Its latest release is the Born electric hatchback which kickstarts the manufacturer’s journey to being all-electric by 2030.
Read more about the Toyota Yaris Cross

Finalist: Hyundai Ioniq 6

Finalist: Hyundai Ioniq 6

4 / 5

Hyundai has earned an enviable position as a quality electric vehicle maker with the Ioniq 6, because its streamlined, aerodynamic bodywork heralds impressive benchmarks for electric vehicle efficiency and drag coefficient figures.
Read more about the Hyundai Ioniq 6

Finalist: BMW iX1

Finalist: BMW iX1

5 / 5

BMW was quick to the electric vehicle game with its i3 small hatchback a decade ago and it’s taken the learnings from that model to produce an even more accomplished EV in the BMW iX1.
Read more about the BMW iX1

Explore our Best Urban Electric Vehicles under $100K

Show More +
Show More +

Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K

In this category, judges took practicality and usability into account for families wanting to make a considered step toward electric transportation.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: Kia EV9

Winner: Kia EV9

1 / 3

It’s not often we ascribe game-changer status to a car, but the Kia EV9 is a vehicle that warrants the moniker.

Seven seats, a properly family-friendly interior, clever packaging, an impressive standard equipment list and a surprisingly large towing capacity – with an efficient, punchy, all-electric powertrain.

Read more about why the Kia EV9 won

Finalist: Kia EV6

Finalist: Kia EV6

2 / 3

Landing in Australia in early 2022, the EV6 was quickly identified as offering an astounding amount of interior space and surprisingly practical packaging inside its streamlined, sporty exterior.
Read more about the Kia EV6

Finalist: Tesla Model Y

Finalist: Tesla Model Y

3 / 3

Since hitting local shores, families, empty nesters and DINKs alike have snapped up this swoopy SUV in droves, swiftly rocketing the Model Y up the list of the top 10 best-selling cars in Australia for 2023.
Read more about the Tesla Model Y

Explore our Best Family Electric Vehicles under $100K

Show More +
Show More +

Best Luxury Electric Vehicle under $150K

For buyers wanting the best of what electrification can bring in both the technology and luxury worlds, judges focussed on refinement and capability to select the best in this category.

To see what vehicles were eligible, and how we arrived at the finalists, you can read all the details here.

Winner: BMW iX

Winner: BMW iX

1 / 3

BMW took its time entering the luxury electric SUV fray but when it did, it arrived with an imposing and undeniably luxurious large SUV.

The BMW iX has all the hallmarks needed to crown it the 2024 DCOTY Best Luxury EV Under $150,000. From its sumptuous yet cutting-edge cabin design, to its healthy performance and supple and comfortable ride, the iX truly epitomises what the judges are looking for in a luxury electric car.

Read more about why the BMW iX won

Finalist: BMW i4

Finalist: BMW i4

2 / 3

There’s plenty to like about the BMW i4, the German brand’s electric sedan that shares much of its DNA with BMW’s 4 Series Gran Coupe.
Read more about the BMW i4

Finalist: Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Finalist: Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

3 / 3

The Mercedes-Benz EQE range of electric vehicles has something for everyone. The EQE sedan mirrors the three-pointed star’s E-Class range of petrol-powered sedans while the EQE SUV is essentially an electric take on the brand’s GLE Class line-up of SUVs.
Read more about the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Explore our Best Luxury Electric Vehicles under $150K

Show More +
Show More +
Electric Car Finder

Electric Car Finder

Are you thinking about getting an electric car but not sure where to start? Try our Electric Car Finder.

See our winners across 18 different categories in the following groups

Best Family Cars

Best Family Cars

Best Electric Cars

Best Electric Cars

Best Off-Road Cars

Best Off-Road Cars

Best Small Cars

Best Small Cars

Best Affordable Cars

Best Affordable Cars

Best Luxury Cars

Best Luxury Cars

Chat with us!







Chat with Agent