Best Electric Car 2022: The verdict

Choosing an EV isn’t as clear-cut as a conventional car not just because there’s more technology to consider, but because the leading brands in this fast-growing segment are not the ones we’ve grown up with.

Tesla. Polestar. BYD. New models from these challenger brands are drawing lots of attention and that rightfully puts a strain on loyalties when you’ve only ever bought cars from the likes of Toyota, Mazda, Nissan and Kia.

Are the electric cars offered by the well-established ‘legacy’ brands as good as these new disruptive car-makers that only offer EVs?

By the same token, are these EVs from little-known (or unknown) brands any good?

That’s a question we have answered in carsales’ Best Electric Car 2022 and which we’ll continue to answer as new EVs flood into Australia and slowly change our world.

This year, we’ve tested 13 of the most affordable EVs available in Australia today.

None of them cost more than $75,000 (before on-road costs), which means they easily qualify for federal luxury car tax concessions where available, and in most cases they’re eligible for the various forms of purchase rebates and other incentives being offered in all states and territories.

Such is the fledgling nature of the EV sector that our contenders are drawn from a variety of vehicle segments – namely, small and medium passenger cars and SUVs – but many of them are likely to be cross-shopped by buyers and have broad commonalities across seating capacity and other key specifications.

They range from budget-oriented brands such as MG and BYD to premium players like Lexus, Polestar and Tesla, the latter now well recognised as Australia’s top-selling electric car brand by a huge margin.

That’s due entirely to the Tesla Model 3, which is joined this year by the Tesla Model Y medium SUV that promises to be just as popular.

Since last year’s Best Electric Car program, also announced on World EV Day, the Polestar 2 has become eligible after narrowly missing the cut in 2021, Lexus has launched its first EV in the form of the UX 300e and the leading Korean brands, Hyundai and Kia, have produced trump cards of their own with the IONIQ 5 and EV6 respectively.

The Hyundai Kona Electric is also back for fresh testing, joined by the recently launched new-generation Kia Niro EV.

The all-new BYD Atto 3 has similarly only just arrived and is now vying with a newly updated MG ZS EV in a battle for bragging rights as the nation’s most affordable electric car, while Nissan has upgraded its LEAF to bolster its position as the longest-serving dedicated electric car in Australia.

The Mazda MX-30 Electric returns, still standing as the Japanese brand’s first and only electric car available in Australia, and the MINI Electric has plugged back in too, providing a different kind of spark for its broad fanbase.

Our comprehensive Best Cars testing regime, covering more than 100 vehicle attributes and including EV-specific criteria, has proven again that some brands have developed outstanding entrants in this important class, while others have more work to do.

This is measured across our key Best Cars testing areas of safety, technology, comfort and convenience, driving performance and ownership costs.

There is a clear winner of carsales’ Best Electric Car 2022, but as our table below shows, the minor placings were keenly fought across a variety of brands.

Let’s count them down…

That you find the 2022 Mazda MX-30 Electric in this position is testament to the increasingly competitive and ever-improving field of electric cars available in Australia today.

That’s because Mazda’s first EV rates highly in a number of areas, especially safety with 10 airbags protecting its occupants and a vast array of high-tech electronic systems helping the driver avoid a collision occurring.

The high-spec MX-30 Electric Astina also offers a well-rounded collection of comfort and convenience features, but suffers from a lack outright performance, driving range and ride quality.

Our detailed analysis of running costs and depreciation also puts the small Japanese electric SUV towards the back of the pack.

How much does the 2022 Mazda MX-30 Electric E35 Astina cost?
Price: $65,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 107kW/271Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 35.5kWh lithium-ion
Range: 200km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 19.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2020)

The 2022 MG ZS EV Excite is an attractive proposition with its affordable price tag, long warranty and low running costs such as servicing, tyres and insurance.

The latest update has brought a welcome improvement to driving range, however, it also carries relatively high energy consumption costs and, after five years of ownership, a below-average resale value is forecast.

The small electric SUV lacks comfort and convenience features we’ve come to expect at this price point, while important safety equipment that was previously standard is no longer available at the entry level, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

There’s also plenty of room for improvement in the MG ZS EV’s driving performance, which is fine for untaxing daily duties in an urban environment but still lacks in areas such as refinement and suspension tuning, particularly with a full load.

How much does the 2022 MG ZS EV Excite cost?
Price: $44,990 (drive-away)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 130kW/280Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 50.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate
Range: 320km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 17.1kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)

The 2022 MINI Electric Hatch Classic is one of the more engaging cars to drive among our Best EV contenders, and scores well for comfort and convenience features and technology.

Yet the battery-powered MINI Cooper SE hatch is behind the times in terms of its safety specification, not having blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert or a driver impairment monitor.

It also has an undernourished three-year vehicle warranty and is on the higher side for servicing costs.

Its electricity costs are middle of the road, but the small battery in the MINI Electric delivers one of the shortest WLTP driving ranges here at just 233km.

How much does the 2022 MINI Electric Hatch Classic cost?
Price: $55,650 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 135kW/270Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 32.6kWh lithium-ion
Range: 233km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.8kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

The new 2022 Kia Niro EV has only just arrived after a short burst with the previous generation in Australia, and the redesigned small SUV immediately impresses with its driving performance.

The Niro is a nicely balanced EV to drive, equally at home on a winding country road as well as navigating city traffic, and all occupants are generally well catered for.

At this price point though, the S grade does lack some wow factor in its specification, such as heating and ventilation for the front seats, sat-nav and wireless phone charging.

The Niro EV has middle-ranking energy costs, and relatively affordable servicing and replacement tyre costs, but depreciation is higher than average.

Standard safety equipment is also not as comprehensive as it could be, with no turn assist for the AEB and no LED headlights.

How much does the 2022 Kia Niro EV S cost?
Price: $65,300 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 150kW/255Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer
Range: 460km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.2kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)

The 2022 Lexus UX 300e is the most expensive model here, but the small luxury SUV carries plenty of features to justify the premium price tag.

It could do with a sunroof, park assist and a 360-degree camera, but the bases are otherwise well covered in terms of creature comforts and tech.

The Lexus handles cleanly and nimbly and steers quickly and pointedly. Overall performance is good, but the 305km driving range is nothing to write home about.

Our detailed cost of ownership analysis also found the Lexus UX 300e had the highest rate of depreciation over five years/80,000km, and higher-than-average running costs over the same time period.

How much does the 2022 Lexus UX 300e Luxury cost?
Price: $74,000 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 150kW/300Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 54kWh lithium-ion
Range: 305km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 15.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)

The 2022 Polestar 2 has entered the Australian market with a lot of fanfare and has immediately put some of the most popular electric vehicles on notice.

The Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor is an enjoyable car to drive, but the premium mid-size fastback’s strong dynamic performance does come at the expense of ride comfort.

The cabin is bristling with tech and although there are loads of features available, many key items are relegated to option packages. That includes active cruise control and blind spot monitoring, but we’re pleased to see the Polestar 2 still rates highly with a five-star ANCAP result.

We love the free servicing deal currently in place, but in other respects the running costs for the Polestar 2 are less impressive. Electricity costs are the highest among our 13 contenders, while tyre replacement costs and insurance are on the high side too.

The Polestar 2 also ranked ninth on our depreciation ranking.

How much does the 2022 Polestar 2 Standard Range Single Motor cost?
Price: $63,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 170kW/330Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 69kWh lithium-ion
Range: 478km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.5kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)

The pioneering Nissan LEAF has built up a solid and loyal ownership base in Australia and, as we’ve found, remains an attractive proposition courtesy of its low running costs and low rate of depreciation.

The latest update keeps it looking fresh, but does little to alter the LEAF’s standing as a middle-ranking electric car that doesn’t do a lot wrong – but isn’t outstanding in any area either.

That’s seen across our key areas of assessment, where the LEAF doesn’t quite match up to the best in class.

It’s comfortable and refined on the road, but acceleration, handling and the limited 270km driving range are unremarkable.

There’s also a lack of ‘surprise and delight’ in the small hatchback’s cabin, with some of the spec shortfalls including electric seat adjustment and wireless phone charging.

How much does the 2022 Nissan LEAF cost?
Price: $50,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 110kW/320Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 40kWh lithium-ion
Range: 270km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 18.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)

Finishing in front of several big-name brands, the new 2022 BYD Atto 3 has value on its side and scores well in most areas of assessment.

There’s no ANCAP safety rating as yet, but there’s no denying the Atto 3 has a strong safety suite. Driver fatigue monitoring and secondary collision mitigation are missing, but BYD’s first EV in Australia is not alone on that front.

In terms of its tech spec, and standard comfort and convenience features, the small electric SUV covers most bases well, while its total cost of ownership is up towards the pointy end of the field.

That’s true for not only running costs but, perhaps surprisingly for an unknown budget Chinese brand, depreciation too.

The weakest point in the Atto 3 armoury is its driving performance. Whereas BYD has delivered on battery range, other aspects of the drive simply don’t live up to the ‘Build Your Dreams’ promise.

How much does the 2022 BYD Atto 3 Standard Range cost?
Price: $44,381 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 150kW/310Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 50kWh lithium-iron phosphate
Range: 345km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.0kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Not tested

The 2022 Kia EV6 is a member of the new breed of EVs filtering into Australia, built from the ground up as a battery-electric vehicle and impressing no end with its overall driving performance.

For acceleration, range, handling, ride sophistication and refinement, the EV6 is in another league compared to some of the lower-ranked electric cars on test here.

The EV6 Air is also very well equipped for the price, though at more than $70K we’d expect a head-up display and, perhaps more importantly, the ability to receive over-the-air software updates. That’s coming, but isn’t yet available for the owner to unlock higher levels of functionality, features and performance.

The EV6 also has only a middle ranking for cost of ownership, let down by higher-than-average energy and replacement tyre costs and a relatively high rate of depreciation.

How much does the 2022 Kia EV6 Air RWD cost?
Price: $72,590 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 168kW/350Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 77.4kWh lithium-ion
Range: 528km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.5kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)

The 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is closely related to the Kia EV6, so it comes as no real surprise that the two new Korean electric cars – both outstanding examples of the breed – are evenly matched in their ranking here.

However, as you can see from our table below, the Hyundai and Kia have different areas in which they excel.

The IONIQ 5 rates among the best afield for safety and general specification, ticking the boxes in terms of comfort and convenience and for technology too, although as per the better-handling and longer-warranted Kia EV6 it does lack embedded SIM functionality.

Performance in all its parameters is at a relatively high level, but ultimately the IONIQ 5 is not quite the great all-rounder it needs to be in order to be named Best EV.

As we’ve seen with the Kia EV6, the IONIQ is perhaps hardest hit in the area of ownership costs, both in terms of running expenses and resale value.

How much does the 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Dynamiq RWD cost?
Price: $69,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 160kW/350Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 72.6kWh lithium-ion
Range: 481km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 16.8kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2021)

The 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric is perhaps a surprise third placegetter in carsales’ Best Electric Car this year, given the quality of the field and the fact that it has snuck in – by a mere half point – ahead of the more advanced IONIQ 5.

Kona isn’t the show pony in the Korean brand’s electrified vehicle stable, but performs strongly across our assessment criteria – including cost of ownership, where the IONIQ falls down.

Not only does it have resale value on its side, but the Kona Electric is the absolute standout in our field for the lowest running costs over the first five years, thanks to extremely low servicing charges and highly competitive costs for energy, tyre replacement and insurance.

Elsewhere, the Kona Electric is more middle of the road, or above average, than magnificent.

That’s true for its driving performance, which is hobbled by a 305km driving range, while there are detail points across safety, tech and comfort and convenience that combine to keep daylight between Kona Electric and our two top-ranking models.

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range Elite cost?
Price: $54,500 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 100kW/395Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 39.2kWh lithium-ion polymer
Range: 305km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 14.3kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)

The Tesla Model Y has finally arrived in Australia and the much-anticipated mid-size SUV has very nearly taken out carsales’ Best Electric Car 2022.

There are close connections with the Tesla Model 3 wherever one turns, but ultimately the Tesla Model Y is more expensive, and bigger and heavier on its feet, than its mid-size sedan sibling.

That counts against it in areas such as driving performance and ownership costs, but it’s really only a matter of degrees between the US brand’s two EVs.

Against the bulk of our field, across all areas of assessment, the Tesla Model Y stacks up strongly.

Exceptions to the rule? Insurance costs are high and replacing tyres on the Model Y proves to be more expensive than every other electric car on test. Its safety suite also misses rear cross traffic alert.

But here’s an EV that goes the extra mile with its features (two wireless charging pads), never fails to impress with its party tricks (using your phone as a key), exercises the brain (no instrument panel behind the steering wheel), offers a sporty and engaging drive, runs for long distances before needing to recharge and, for an extra layer of reassurance, will hold its value well when it comes time to sell.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model Y RWD cost?
Price: $72,300 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 194kW/340Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 60kWh lithium-iron phosphate
Range: 455km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 14.6kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2022)

After taking out carsales’ Best Electric Car award in 2021, the Tesla Model 3 has done it again for 2022.

That’s no mean feat considering the bigger and better field of EVs lining up this year to dethrone the US brand’s outstanding mid-size sedan.

But the 2022 Tesla Model 3 has held its ground, holding its position in the face of stronger competition from other brands and within its own stable.

Many of the points noted above for the Tesla Model Y also apply to the Model 3. It’s not perfect, missing a few features that its rivals offer, but by the same token Tesla has set a benchmark that others are still trying to reach.

Despite being more expensive than it was a year ago, the Model 3 still represents great value, measured not only by what you get for the outlay, but the grin factor brought with every drive.

It’s engaging, fun and quick. The driving range is long. The tech highlights are bountiful. The running costs are low, yet the resale value is high.

This might be the entry point to the Tesla range, but the Model 3 RWD never allows the owner to feel short-changed. In fact, it achieves the opposite.

It’s a clear winner of carsales’ Best Electric Car 2022.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD cost?
Price: $65,500 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Output: 194kW/340Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 60kWh lithium-iron phosphate
Range: 491km (WLTP)
Energy consumption: 13.4kWh/100km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)