Australia’s cheapest electric car goes on sale for $35,000, but there’s a catch

A fleet of BYD E6 electric vehicles – once destined to be Sydney taxis – are now being offered to the general public for $35,000 plus on-road costs.

Built between 2019 and 2021, these E6s were imported into Australia from Chinese brand BYD, with the intention of being offered to taxi operators and hire-car businesses.

A number of vehicles remained unsold – stored at a holding yard at Sydney Airport – but have now gone on sale through company Eveen as the cheapest ‘new’ electric passenger car in the country.

While the BYD E6s are priced from $35,000 before on-road costs, financial incentives mean the models could end up costing buyers far less.

As the vehicles have yet to be registered, it’s understood they are still eligible for the $3000 state government rebate in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia, while Western Australia provides a rebate of $3500. Stamp duty and registration discounts should also apply.

Buyers can choose any colour they like, as long as it’s green – with a white roof.

The BYD E6 uses an 80kWh battery pack to power a single electric motor, sending 90kW and 450Nm to the front wheels, delivering a driving range of between 300 and 400 kilometres.

The E6 is roughly the same price as the 2021 BYD T3 two-seater commercial van when it first went on sale last year – however, strong demand for zero-emission vehicles has meant the van is now priced above $45,000.

The BYD E6 is also approximately $10,000 cheaper than the MG ZS EV, at $46,990 drive-away, while the Hyundai Ioniq and Nissan Leaf both sit at the $50,000 mark before on-road costs.

Those interested in buying a BYD E6 can contact Eveen through the company’s Instagram page, found here.