Your next car may have an unfamiliar name.
Chinese electric vehicle makers are lining up to launch their models in Australia over the next 18 months, fuelled by growing interest and regulatory changes.
Auto experts say the influx is likely to benefit buyers as increased competition drives down prices, but they warn that drivers may have to do more homework than usual.
Zeekr was one of the first unknown Chinese brands to confirm its launch plans in Australia, unveiling its compact luxury SUV, dubbed X, in Sydney on Thursday.
The modern, battery-powered vehicle, which will be priced under $60,000 when it launches in October, will compete with existing models from Tesla and Volvo — and the rest of a new generation of vehicles.
Hussein Dia, professor of urban mobility at Swinburne University, said the upcoming launch of electric vehicles has the potential to change Australia’s car mix.
“This is what we’ve been waiting for and pushing for: more variety in electric car models and sizes, and also in different price ranges,” he said.
“It’s good for the consumer because it means lower prices, more competition and, from what I’ve seen, they’re quality vehicles.”
However, the brands may sound strange to Australian car buyers.
The XPeng G6 is part of a range of electric vehicles set to flood the Australian market. (HANDOUT/XPENG)
Electric cars from little-known Chinese brands are set to rival existing models from Tesla and Volvo. (Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson/AAP PHOTOS)
Examples include Geely, XPeng, Jaecoo, Skywell and Aion. The vehicles range from Range Rover-style SUVs to electric mini-cars.
According to Professor Dia, these would be luxury vehicles, as many Chinese car manufacturers have started working with European brands to refine their approach.
“They have been doing this in China for a long time,” he told AAP.
‘They have entered into joint ventures with international car manufacturers and are now reaping the benefits.’
The electric vehicles are also launching at roughly the same time as the federal government’s new Vehicle Efficiency Standard, which sets a cap on automakers’ emissions.
According to Chris Mills, CEO of Evie Charging, the increased competition is likely to have a big impact on drivers, especially those who have picked up a bargain electric car.
“In the coming calendar year, through 2025, we’re going to be inundated with a lot of new cars and new models,” he said.
“And I think it’s true when people say that 50 percent of people who are considering a new car are considering an electric car for their next car.”
Mr Mills said the company is expanding its public charging sites and aims to have 840 sites operational by Christmas.
The Electric Vehicle Council estimates Australian motorists will buy more than 100,000 new battery-powered cars in 2024, compared to more than 87,000 in 2023. This is despite slower growth than in 2023.
The Electric Vehicle Council estimates Australian motorists will buy more than 100,000 new battery-powered cars by 2024
ELECTRIC CAR BRANDS TO CHARGE IN AUSTRALIA
Seaweed: The Chinese brand, whose name stands for “zero, evolving, electric and krypton”, has pledged to bring three electric cars to Australia by the end of 2025. The Zeekr X compact SUV will cost less than $60,000 and is expected to arrive in October.
Geely: The Chinese auto giant could turn heads when it launches its electric Radar ute in Australia later this year. The electric Toyota HiLux rival, called the Riddara R6 in other markets, could have a range of up to 571km.
XPeng: Three electric vehicles from the automaker are expected in Australia over the next three years, with the first model, the G6 SUV, due for release in October. Pricing for the vehicle, which promises to hit 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, will be announced in September.
Aion: Automaker GAC’s electric vehicle arm, or Guangzhou Automobile Group, has pledged to launch a battery-powered hatchback similar in size to a Toyota Corolla by 2025.
Jaecoo: Jaecoo, a luxury spin-off from the Chery brand, is expected to bring a mid-size SUV called the J7 to Australia this year. The vehicle will feature styling similar to that of a Range Rover and will be available in two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.
Jump motor: Expect two cars from this Chinese brand to hit the Australian market by the end of 2024. The mid-size SUV C10 and the small car T03, also known as mini car, will announce their arrival.
Heaven source: A competitively priced SUV from the brand is expected in 2024. Known overseas as the Skywell ET5, locally it will be sold as the EVA 5 and promises a range of up to 300 miles (489 km) and a price tag of less than $50,000.
