Australia to See Ten New Electric Vehicle Models in 2026 Amid Policy Review
Australia is set to welcome ten new electric vehicle (EV) models in 2026, with Mazda launching its first EV, the Mazda 6e, alongside offerings from BYD, Polestar, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Suzuki, XPeng, and Leapmotor. The upcoming models include the BYD Atto 1, expected from $23,990 with about 220km range, and the Polestar 5 priced around $171,000, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
Hyundai’s Elexio will arrive early in 2026 with a claimed range exceeding 500km, while Honda’s Super-ONE is a compact urban EV set for the second half of the year. Toyota’s HiLux EV is anticipated in the first half of 2026 with a price expected between $90,000 and $100,000. Other arrivals include the Kia PV5 electric van with up to 412km range late in 2026, the Suzuki e-Vitara early in the year with about 400km range, the XPeng X9 seven-seat MPV in the latter half of 2026, and the Leapmotor B05 hatch mid-year offering a 361km base range.
By 2025, Australia had over 153 electric and plug-in cars available, with more models on the way for 2026. Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced a review of electric-car tax exemptions that have been in place since 2022, with public consultation on potential changes open until 5 February. Additionally, the government is considering implementing a national road-user charge for EVs, aimed at drivers not paying fuel excise. However, concerns have been raised that introducing such charges before EVs capture a sizeable share of new-car sales could slow adoption and impede emissions reduction targets.
