Coming soon: The next wave of exciting EVs are heading to Australia, including the Cupra Born, Volkswagen ID.4 and Toyota bZ4X.
While the ID.4 is already available in Europe, its arrival in Australia is likely not until 2023 at the earliest.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been buzzing in 2021, and 2022 promises even more.
But that doesn't mean you should definitely rush out and buy an electric car, because there are some more cool additions coming to Australia in the not too distant future.
Not that anything is wrong with the recently added Hyundai Ioniq 5, Polestar 2 and Kia EV6 or the upcoming Audi e-tron GT, BMW i4 and Genesis GV60 – all of which are good choices for those looking for a new electric car. We just decided to look a little further to find out about some very interesting offers that are likely to expand your choice.
However, we are not looking into a crystal ball; these are models that will almost certainly appear in Down Under no later than 2024. These are vehicles that have already been introduced or confirmed for production overseas, but we are still waiting for official confirmation that they will be offered here for various reasons.
Kupra Born
The Volkswagen Group is fully committed to an electric future, but it is taking longer than anticipated to launch its electric vehicles. That's why the German giant's first model is likely to be from its Spanish brand in the form of Cupra Born.
Based on the Volkswagen ID.3 and its "MEB" platform, the Born hatchback has the same single or dual engine options, making it either rear or all wheel drive. The single motor model is rated at 110 kW, while the top two motor model delivers 170 kW/380 Nm; which works for Cupra's sporty image.
Expect The Born to arrive by the end of 2022 or early 2023 if the current congestion in the global supply chain drags on much longer.
Expect the arrival of the Born by the end of 2022.
Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4
Speaking of Volkswagen, it will follow Born with its own ID.3 hatch and ID.4 midsize SUV. Just when it stays in the air while the local army fights for supplies, but for the last time Cars Guide spoke to local executives that a 2023 sale date was the target.
The ID.3 will give VW competition for the likes of the Born, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3.
While the delay does mean the company risks missing out on current state government incentives for electric vehicles, Volkswagen will hope its timing should mean it enters a more mature and acceptable market in Australia.
The ID.3 will give VW competition for cars like the Born, Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3. While the ID.4 will compete with the Ioniq 5, EV6 and Tesla Model Y.
ID.4 will compete with Ioniq 5, EV6 and Tesla Model Y.
Skoda Enyak IV
Not to be left out, another major brand, Volkswagen, is also participating in the EV promotion. The Skoda Enyaq is another MEB-based offering that blurs the line between hatchback and SUV with its unique body shape.
Skoda is pushing the Enyaq hard with five different powertrain options, ranging from the entry-level 109kW model to the flagship 225kW RS version.
It is expected to arrive either towards the end of 2022 or in the first half of 2023 as supply increases.
Skoda is making a big push with the Enyaq.
Audi Q4 e-throne
You may have already noticed the topic because this is another VW Group based "MEB" model that has been shown and confirmed for Europe, but not yet officially blocked for Australia.
The Q4 e-tron will sit below the existing e-tron SUV in the German premium brand's lineup and is similar in size to the current Q3. Like sister models from other brands, Audi plans to offer it with multiple powertrain options - the Q4 e-tron 35 with 125kW, 40 with 150kW and 50 with two 220kW motors.
Audi will offer the Q4 in both station wagon and sportback body styles.
Audi will also offer the Q4 in both wagon and Sportback body styles, in line with the current SUV trend.
Officially, Audi Australia is working on a Q4 release, but it's likely just a matter of time. Given the repeated delays in securing first the e-tron and now the e-tron GT, which has resulted in multiple launch delays, the company is likely just waiting until the delivery is fixed before announcing.
However, since it's already being sold overseas, it's possible that the Q4 could hit local showrooms by the end of 2022, although sometime in 2023 is more likely.
Polestar 3
Polestar 2 will join Polestar 3 in 2023.
The Chinese-owned Swedish brand unveiled its expansion plans earlier this year, promising three brand new models by 2024. The first will be the Polestar 3, which is positioned as a "luxury aero SUV" with the clearly stated purpose of the Porsche Cayenne. .
Technical details are still unclear, but Polestar said the next generation of electric motors will be more powerful: 450kW in rear-wheel drive models and 650kW when combined with all-wheel drive. It will be supported by a new 800V electrical architecture that will enable faster charging.
3 is due to be unveiled in 2022 and is confirmed to arrive in Australian showrooms by early 2023.
Toyota bZ4X
Australia's most popular car brand is due to launch its first electric car by the end of 2022 or early 2023. Despite the awkward name, the bZ4X threatens to be the right car at the right time.
Toyota may have taken the lead in hybrid vehicles, but has taken a much slower approach to electric vehicles, and it could pay off as its electric midsize SUV should arrive when market demand should rise as electric vehicles become more widespread.
The new model is the first of several planned electric vehicles from the Japanese giant based on its new e-TNGA platform. While detailed specs are not yet available, it is believed that, like many of its competitors, the bZ4X will be available in both single-engine, two-wheel drive, and dual-engine, all-wheel-drive transmissions.
The bZ4X threatens to be the right car at the right time.
Kia EV6 GT
The hero model of the new Kia EV6 lineup has already been revealed, but a planned 2022 launch has been pushed back to 2023. The EV6 GT will replace the Stinger as the brand's halo model - and with good reason.
The twin-engine, all-wheel-drive machine will be the most powerful Kia has ever produced, with 430kW/740Nm. That's enough to reach 0 km/h in just 100 seconds, propelling Kia into true sports car territory. In addition, it still boasts a power reserve of up to 3.5 km.
The EV6 GT will replace the Stinger as the brand's halo model.
