There is no doubt that 2023 was another big year for electric vehicles in Australia, with sales growing exponentially and more than 80,000 new EVs registered so far, thanks to the growing popularity of the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3, and more offerings and supply from other manufacturers.
The big game changers in 2023 were the arrival of the first sub-$40,000 electric vehicle offerings, the growing range of BYD with the Seal, the refreshed Tesla Model 3 and some strong high performance models such as the Kia EV6 GT and the Hyundai Ioniq 5N.
What, though, will be the main new features of the 2024 market in Australia, which has now firmly crossed the tipping point from the “early adopter” market towards mass market adoption?
Sadly, there is not yet a lot of news about more models below the $40,000 mark, but there will some highly anticipated vehicles – including the first in Australia from major brands such as VW and Toyota, more choice in the midsize SUV segment, and a couple of potential head-turners such as the VW ID.Buzz, its electric Kombi.
For a full list of new models coming soon plus all of the currently available models see our updated EV Models page.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The Audi Q4 e-tron SUV will be Audi’s most affordable electric vehicle in Australia by far, at almost half the price of the cheapest Audi Q8 e-tron currently available. With more driving range than existing Audi EVs and both SUV and sportback variants available, it is likely to quickly become their most popular EV.
Audi’s Q4 e-tron is built using Volkswagen group’s dedicated electric vehicle MEB platform, shared with the ID.4, ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq SUVs below. The first Q4 e-trons are expected to arrive around the middle of 2024 with a starting price of $88,300 excluding on-road costs.
See also: Audi confirmed it will bring Q4 e-tron electric SUV to Australia in mid 2024.
Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5
Volkswagen will finally launch their ID range of electric vehicles here in Australia during the middle of 2024, after they first revealed the ID.3 hatchback in 2019. Rather than bringing the smaller ID.3 here first, Volkswagen are starting off with their ID.4 SUV and ID.5 Coupe SUV siblings.
Early Volkswagen ID vehicles were marred by fiddly infotainment systems and poor software, but various hardware and software fixes have been made since then. These improvements as well as more powerful and efficient motors will be included with Australian vehicles.Â
See also: VW adds more range and new infotainment systems to ID.4 and ID.5.
Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq is the third midsize SUV based on the Volkswagen group MEB platform coming to Australia next year. It will arrive later in the year compared to its Audi Q4 e-tron and ID.4 / ID.5 cousins and offers different styling and strengths to the other vehicles in this group.
For example, according to overseas reviews comparing the Skoda Enyaq against Volkswagen ID.4 or ID.5, the Skoda comes out ahead in terms of storage space and interior features. If you are contemplating one of these electric vehicles it would be worth waiting until later in the year when all of them are available to test drive and compare locally.
See also: Skoda Enyaq spotted using Tesla Supercharger in Dubbo.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Volkswagen’s iconic ID.Buzz is expected to launch towards the end of 2024, although Volkswagen has not yet confirmed details regarding battery sizes, driving range or price for Australia. Whatever the price though, the design and utility of the ID.Buzz is sure to attract buyers who want something unique.
Known details so far include the option of a 5-seat short wheelbase version, 7-seat long wheelbase or a short wheelbase ID.Buzz Cargo which would be ideal for light commercial workloads or potential campervan applications.Â
See also: Volkswagen to bring a more powerful Kombi inspired ID.Buzz in 2023.
Kia EV5
The Kia EV5 has already launched in China at a price point that would make it the most affordable Kia electric vehicle so far. Production of Australian EV5 vehicles will take place in Kia’s Chinese factory at some point during 2024.
Similar to the EV6 and EV9, Kia’s EV5 is based on the feature-packed e-GMP platform that enables vehicle to load as well as flexible drivetrain options. Unlike existing e-GMP vehicles though, the EV5 runs on a 400 V architecture instead of 800 V which allows Kia to keep costs for the vehicle down.Â
See also: Kia launches small EV5 electric SUV in China, with a starting price of around $A32,000.
Polestar 4
Polestar’s lineup will expand in 2024 with the Polestar 4 SUV coupe, which sits between the Polestar 2 and 3 in terms of size and price range. Long range Single motor variants will offer up to 600 km WLTP range from a 102 kWh battery pack. Dual motor versions of the Polestar 4 will be their quickest vehicle to date with 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.8 seconds.
One of the most controversial features of the Polestar 4 is the lack of a rear window, featuring a camera based rear-view mirror. Polestar says the camera provides a wider uninterrupted field of view compared to traditional rear-view mirrors, while allowing them to maximise interior space and comfort for rear seat passengers.
See also: Polestar 4 to boast lowest carbon footprint of all Polestar EVs, despite huge battery.
Volvo EX90
Volvo’s 7-seater EX90 large SUV shares underpinnings with the Polestar 3, featuring the same powerful dual-motor drivetrain paired with a large 111 kWh battery pack providing up to 600 km WLTP range. The EX90 will be Volvo’s first EV capable of bi-directional charging, although the functionality will be enabled at a later stage through software updates.
Lidar will also debut on the EX90 as Volvo claims it will be their safest and most advanced vehicle to date. Data from lidar, radar and cameras will be processed by on board computing powered by Nvidia to produce a real-time 360-degree view around the car, enabling early object detection and avoidance.
See also: Release of Volvo EX90 EV delayed due to software development challenges.
Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra
Finally, we get to see a fully electric car from the world’s biggest car brand. These twin electric vehicles from Toyota and Subaru are grouped together here because they were jointly developed by the two companies, much like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ sports cars.
The bZ4X and Solterra pictured above share many features and specifications, although Toyota offers a front-wheel drive model for those who don’t need all-wheel drive.
Being the first EV from both of these popular Japanese brands, there is a lot of expectation surrounding them. Their overseas launch was dampened by a recall for the Toyota bZ4X due to issues with wheels falling off as well as lacklustre software.
Since then, multiple new software versions have been released to address problems and improve the ownership experience of these vehicles.
See also: Subaru opens orders and reveals pricing of Solterra electric SUV.
Three new light commercial vans
The light commercial van segment will be joined by three more fully electric models in 2024, providing more options for businesses to electrify their fleets. With lower running costs, a better experience for drivers and reduced noise and pollution where they operate, electric vehicles make sense for businesses that can utilise them.
Ford’s E-Transit Custom is due in the second half of the year, offering something smaller and more nimble than the existing E-Transit van. Peugeot’s e-Expert van, pictured above, is larger and has more driving range than their existing e-Partner that went on sale this year.
The Renault Kangoo E-Tech improves on the ageing Kangoo ZE van with a more powerful electric motor and up to 285 km WLTP driving range.
See also: Electric light commercial vans: What’s available in Australia and what’s coming?
Tim has 20 years experience in the IT industry including 14 years as a network engineer and site reliability engineer at Google Australia. He is an EV and renewable energy enthusiast who is most passionate about helping people understand and adopt these technologies.