China’s EV Invasion: The Brands Shaking Up Australia’s Car Market

If you’ve been paying even the slightest attention to Australia’s car market, you’ve probably noticed something—Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands are popping up everywhere. A few years ago, Tesla had the EV scene on lockdown, but today? The competition is fierce, and a wave of new players from China is changing the game.

These brands aren’t just bringing in budget-friendly EVs; they’re coming in hot with everything from sleek sedans to luxury people movers, all packed with tech and value that’s hard to ignore. Whether you’re considering making the switch to electric or just curious about who’s who in this rapidly evolving market, here’s a look at the Chinese EV brands making moves in Australia.

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BYD – The Fastest-Growing EV Brand You’ve Never Heard Of (Until Now)

First Model in Australia: 2022 (Atto 3)

Current Lineup: Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, Sealion 6 PHEV, Sealion 7, Shark 6 PHEV

BYD (short for Build Your Dreams) came out of nowhere in 2022 with the Atto 3, and before anyone could blink, it became one of Australia’s best-selling EVs. Not content with just one hit, BYD quickly expanded its lineup with the Dolphin hatchback and the Seal sedan in 2023. Fast-forward to 2024, and they’ve added plug-in hybrid SUVs—the Sealion 6 and Shark 6—to the mix.

The brand’s rapid-fire expansion shows one thing: they’re here to stay, and they’re serious about giving Australians affordable, high-tech EVs.

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MG – The British Badge With a Chinese Heart

First Model in Australia: 2020 (MG ZS EV)

Current Lineup: MG ZS EV, MG4 EV, MG HS, MG MG3

MG might have started as a British sports car icon, but today, it’s owned by China’s automotive giant, SAIC Motor. It was one of the first Chinese brands to bring an EV to Australia with the MG ZS EV in 2020—the cheapest electric car in the country at the time.

They followed it up in 2023 with the MG4 EV, a stylish and well-equipped hatchback with multiple variants to suit different buyers. If you’re looking for a well-priced EV with a familiar badge, MG is still one of the go-to brands in Australia.

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GWM Ora – Retro Looks, Modern Tech

First Model in Australia: 2023 (Ora Good Cat)

Current Lineup: Ora Good Cat

Great Wall Motor (GWM) decided to get playful with their EV sub-brand, Ora, and their first Australian release, the Good Cat (also known as the Funky Cat in other markets), is exactly what it sounds like—quirky, fun, and a bit different from the pack.

With its retro-inspired design and a focus on urban driving, the Ora Good Cat is a solid choice for those wanting a stylish, city-friendly EV that won’t break the bank.

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Zeekr – Volvo’s Edgy Sibling Enters the Game

First Models in Australia: Zeekr X, Zeekr 009

Upcoming Models: Zeekr 001

Zeekr is Geely’s high-tech EV brand, sitting alongside Volvo and Polestar. Zeekr’s first offering is the Zeekr X, a small electric SUV aimed at premium buyers who want something different. They’ve followed it up with the Zeekr 009, a high-end, all-electric people mover that looks straight out of the future.

Expect sleek designs, cutting-edge tech, and a price tag that reflects its premium aspirations.

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Xpeng – The EV Underdog With Big Ambitions

First Model in Australia: 2024 (Xpeng G6)

Upcoming Models: X9, P7, plus two smaller SUVs in 2026

Xpeng is another brand trying to carve out a niche in Australia’s growing EV market. They kicked things off with the G6, a mid-sized electric SUV that packs a punch in terms of tech and pricing and a rival for the Tesla Model Y. By 2025, they’ll expand their lineup with the X9 people mover and P7 sedan, with two smaller SUVs expected to follow in 2026.

Xpeng has been making waves in China with its autonomous driving tech—so expect some serious AI-driven features in their Aussie lineup.

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Geely – The Powerhouse Behind Volvo & Polestar

First Model in Australia: 2025 (Geely EX5)

Geely isn’t new to Australia—its influence is already felt through Volvo and Polestar—but 2025 will mark the arrival of its first Geely-branded car, the EX5. A mid-sized electric SUV designed for families, the EX5 will be a practical, efficient, and likely well-priced alternative to more established brands.

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Deepal – The New Name on the Block

First Model in Australia: 2024 (Deepal S07)

Owned by Changan, Deepal is a fresh face in the EV market. The brand will debut in Australia with the S07 electric SUV, arriving in late 2024. With a 160kW/320Nm motor and a 79.97kWh battery, it promises around 475 km of range—which puts it in direct competition with the big names.

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Jaecoo – Chery’s Premium SUV Division

First Model in Australia: 2025 (Jaecoo J7)

Upcoming Model: Plug-in hybrid variant under consideration

Jaecoo is Chery’s attempt at a more upmarket SUV brand, and the J7 will be its first model in Australia. Launching in early 2025, the mid-sized J7 SUV will offer both front- and all-wheel-drive options, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. A plug-in hybrid version is also rumored to be in the works.

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Leapmotor – A New Challenger Arrives

First Model in Australia: 2024 (Leapmotor C10)

Upcoming Model: Leapmotor B10 in 2025/2026

In partnership with Stellantis (the company behind Jeep, Peugeot, and Fiat), Leapmotor is bringing the C10, a mid-sized electric SUV, to Australia in late 2024. The smaller B10 SUV will follow in 2025 or early 2026, aiming to provide affordable EV options for price-conscious buyers.

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GAC Motor & Aion – A Full-Scale Attack on the SUV Market

Planned Models: M8/E9 people movers, GS8/ES9 large SUVs, Aion V small SUV

GAC Motor and its electric sub-brand Aion are planning an Australian assault with multiple SUVs and people movers, covering everything from large family haulers to compact EVs.

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Skywell – A Newcomer Testing the Waters

First Model in Australia: TBD (Skywell ET5)

Skywell (also called Skyworth) is a fresh name in the EV world, and the ET5 mid-sized SUV has been spotted testing in Brisbane. It’s only a matter of time before we see an official launch.

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Final Thoughts: Australia’s EV Market Is Getting Crowded

The days of Tesla dominating Australia’s EV market are officially over. With Chinese brands offering more variety, better prices, and increasingly competitive technology, the options for Aussie buyers have never been better.

Whether you’re after a budget-friendly commuter, a luxury electric SUV, or a people mover for the family, there’s now an EV for every kind of driver. And with brands like BYD, MG, and GWM already making waves, it won’t be long before names like Zeekr, Xpeng, and Leapmotor are just as familiar.

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Ready to sell your car and make the switch? You’re spoiled for choice.