Electric Cars

BYD e6 is now Australia’s cheapest passenger electric vehicle

Published by
Bridie Schmidt

What is now Australia’s cheapest electric passenger vehicle – the BYD e6 electric crossover – is now on sale from just $39,999 through Nexport subsidiary EVDirect, and odds are its newly won status won’t last long.

That’s because there are currently just 15 units of the new e6 currently in Australia. But, as reported by The Driven in July, if interest is high, Nexport CEO Luke Todd says there will definitely be room to import more.

Made by the Warren Buffet-backed Chinese EV and battery maker BYD, the e6 is one of a series of electric vehicles planned for import by Nexport. It joins the T3 electric commercial van which is also now available and is officially Australia’s most affordable EV including commercial and passenger vehicles at just $34,950 before on-roads.

Several thousand BYD e6 vehicles are currently in operation as taxis in China, and the e6 is billed as a family-friendly people mover. At first glance it would seem perfectly suited to toppling the MG ZS EV off the “Australia’s cheapest EV” post – which is exactly what it has just done.

Undercutting the $44,990 driveaway MG ZS EV by several thousand, the BYD e6 is a 4.7m long, 1.93 tonne five-seater with a 71.7kWh BYD Blade battery.

BYD e6 interior. Source: Nexport
BYD e6 boot. Source: Nexport

There are some questions around its driving range – the Chinese BYD site lists it with 402km maximum range while the EVDirect site states 522km. On the front page it says this is according to WLTP rating, however on the specifications page it states in the fine print this is the NEDC rating. We’ve reached out to Nexport to clarify. Either way, it outdoes the MG ZS EV which has a real world range of about 230km.

Power output is a modest 70kW, maximum torque is 180Nm and top speed is 130km/hr, but as we said this is a vehicle meant for moving people, not smoking traffic lights.

With a 2.8m wheelbase it has a turning radius of 5.65m, while suspension sits on McPherson struts with a multi-linked rear.

In terms of charging, the BYD e6 has been modified to accept CCS2 DC fast charging at a top rate of 60kW, and AC charging at a top rate of 6.6kW using a Type 2 connector.

Vehicle controls are via a central dash touchscreen, and early images show a roomy seating plan with comfortable leather seats. The BYD e6 is initially available in blue or white.

BYD e6 dash. Source: Nexport
BYD e6 dash. Source: Nexport
BYD e6 dash. Source: Nexport

Recent Posts

NRMA totally rebuilds “world-first” off-grid EV fast charger, and it appears to be working fine

The world-first off-grid EV charger south of Alice Springs has been totally rebuilt and appears…

July 17, 2025

RAC ends support for “electric highway,” hands responsibility for EV chargers to local councils

RAC surprises EV drivers by ending its decade-long involvement in ground-breaking charging program and handing…

July 17, 2025

BYD’s smallest EV spotted again, reported to have a tiny 20 kWh battery

BYD's smallest EV spotted again, revealing new details about interior and reported specs.

July 17, 2025

Volkswagen ID.3 maintains 91 pct battery capacity after 160,000 km test

A four-year endurance test shows Volkswagen’s ID.3 retains 91% battery capacity after 160,000km—boosting confidence in…

July 16, 2025

Ioniq 9: Hyundai announces pricing for its biggest and most expensive EV to date

Hyundai has announced the Australian pricing for its flagship all electric SUV, the Ioniq 9,…

July 16, 2025

New Tesla Model Y with 6-seats reportedly rolls off the production line

A more family-friendly Tesla with 6-seat configuration has reportedly rolled off the production line, hinting…

July 16, 2025