Comparison of Australia’s Three Cheapest Electric Vehicles: BYD Dolphin, MG4, and GWM Ora

A fierce competition is underway among three Chinese automakers vying for the coveted title of Australia’s three cheapest electric vehicles. The MG4 51kWh Excite initially claimed the throne last year with a price tag of $38,990 plus on-road costs, but its reign was short-lived as the BYD Dolphin Dynamic swooped in at $38,890 plus ORCs. Now, GWM-Haval Australia joins the fray with a temporary $4000 discount on its small electric hatchback range, reducing the base GWM Ora Standard Range to just $35,990 plus ORCs until March 31.

To provide insight into this rivalry, let’s compare the key metrics of price, warranty, performance, range, and practicality among the three contenders.

Price and Warranty:
The 2024 BYD Dolphin Dynamic holds the title of the cheapest EV among the trio, priced at $38,890 plus on-road costs. However, with GWM’s limited-time discount, the 2024 GWM Ora Standard Range takes the crown as Australia’s cheapest EV at $35,990 plus ORCs until March 31. In terms of warranty, the Ora offers an impressive seven-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty, surpassing the MG4’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

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BYD Dolphin

Performance and Range:
The MG4 51kWh Excite boasts the highest power output among the three, with 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, resulting in a swift 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.7 seconds. Although the GWM Ora Standard Range matches the MG’s power output at 126kW/250Nm, its 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds falls short. Meanwhile, the BYD Dolphin Dynamic lags in power and performance, with 70kW/180Nm and a 12.3-second 0-100km/h time. The MG4 also leads in driving range, offering 350km on a full charge compared to the BYD’s 340km and the GWM’s 310km.

MG4

Practicality:
In terms of practicality, the MG4 and BYD Dolphin are closely matched, with the MG4 offering the largest boot capacity at 363 litres and the Dolphin providing ample space when the rear seats are folded, boasting a maximum cargo volume of 1310 litres. The GWM Ora Standard Range falls behind in practicality, with a smaller boot capacity of 228 litres.

GWM Ora

Verdict:
Despite being slightly pricier, the MG4 51kWh Excite emerges as the winner in this comparison, offering strong performance, the longest range, generous cargo space, and impressive warranty coverage. While the GWM Ora Standard Range may temporarily hold the title of the cheapest EV, the BYD Dolphin Dynamic presents a compelling alternative with a longer driving range, spacious cabin, and competitive pricing.

Conclusion:
The MG4 takes the top spot, with the BYD Dolphin closely trailing behind. However, the GWM Ora’s promotional pricing makes it a worthy contender, albeit temporarily.

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