Australia Readies Record-Breaking Electric Cars as 2026 EV Tax and Charges Loom
January 2, 2026
Australians can expect new electric vehicles in 2026, including affordable hatchbacks and luxury sports cars. The Electric Vehicle Council reports over 153 electric and plug-in electric cars were sold in 2025, with many more arriving soon. Models like the BYD Atto 1 hatchback at $23,990 could set price records for entry-level EVs. Luxury sports cars like Polestar 5 will zoom from 0 to 100km/h in under 4 seconds. Mazda will launch its 6e electric sedan, and Toyota plans an electric HiLux ute priced between $90,000 and $100,000. Other upcoming EVs include the Hyundai Elexio SUV, Honda Super-ONE compact car, and Kia PV5 electric van. Professor Hussein Dia of Swinburne University welcomes more lower-priced EV options, noting, "Market forces are going in the right direction. It's good to have more lower-priced models on the road." Yet change is in the air. Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced a review of electric car tax exemptions, used by nearly 100,000 buyers since 2022. The federal government is also considering a road-user charge for EV drivers, as they currently pay no fuel excise. Dia warns, "Introducing charges and removing discounts before electric cars made up 30% of new car sales could slow adoption." He hopes any new taxes apply to all vehicles, not just EVs. The government is holding public consultation on the EV discount until 5 February. These regulatory moves could impact Australia's goal to cut emissions by 62-70% by 2035. Meanwhile, the electric vehicle market races on, with new models and prices electrifying the Australian roads.
Read More at Theguardian →
Tags:
Electric vehicles
Australia
Ev Tax
Road-User Charge
Electric Cars 2026
Automotive industry
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