Australia's new cheapest electric car! 2024 BYD Dolphin to launch next week, so move over, MG ZS EV and GWM Ora

The fight to be Australia's most affordable electric car will have a new contender next week, when the 2024 BYD Dolphin launches.

Confirmation of its Australian arrival next week was made by Luke Todd, the head of EV Direct which imports BYD models to Australia, via a post on LinkedIn.

"A big splash drops June 22nd," Todd said, "Australia's most affordable, high-quality electric vehicle of all time will be on sale."

Currently, the cheapest electric cars in Australia are the GWM Ora Standard Range, which costs $44,490 drive-away, and the slightly more expensive MG ZS Excite EV at $44,990 drive-away.

The Dolphin is, however, already available to order over the ditch in New Zealand, with the Standard Range variant starting from NZ$49,990 (AU$45,355) before on-road costs - coming in with a 340km range thanks to its 45kWh battery, with outputs of 70kW/310Nm.

A Long Range variant can be had for NZ$55,990 (AU$50,800), and comes with a larger 60kWh battery and a 427km range - outputs for the higher spec come in at 150kW/ 310Nm.

The Dolphin is, however, already available to order over the ditch in New Zealand, with the Standard Range variant starting from NZ$49,990 (AU$45,355).

Of course, exact Australian specification and pricing will be revealed next week, but expect a similar two-variant line-up to arrive - albeit at lower pricing locally.

In New Zealand, a NZ$7015 discount can be claimed for buyers of EVs, though Australian states each have their own incentives - Victoria has recently announced it will scrap the rebate for electric cars.

New Zealand dealer specifications show the Dolphin coming with a 12.8-inch multimedia touchscreen and 5.0-inch instrument screen, as well as LED headlights, power adjustable heated front seats trimmed in synthetic leather, wireless phone charging, and a panoramic glass roof.