China to flood Australia with cheap electric cars - bringing brands we have never seen before Down Under READ MORE: Why Chinese electric cars like BYD and MG could be a security risk as Aussies are forced to ditch petrol and diesel utes and SUVs By Jennifer Dudley-nicholson For Aap Published: 22:38, 19 August 2024 | Updated: 22:40, 19 August 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Your next car might go by an unfamiliar name. Electric vehicle manufacturers from China are queuing up to launch models in Australia in the next 18 months, fuelled by rising interest and changes to regulations. Automotive experts say the influx is likely to benefit buyers, with greater competition forcing down prices, although they warn motorists might need to do more homework than usual.
Zeekr became one of the first little-known Chinese brands to confirm its Australian launch plans, showing off its compact luxury SUV, named X, in Sydney on Thursday. The modern, battery-powered vehicle, to be priced at less than $60,000 when it arrives in October, will compete with existing models from Tesla and Volvo - and the rest of a new vehicle generation. Swinburne University future urban mobility professor Hussein Dia said upcoming electric vehicle launches had the potential to change Australia's automotive mix.
'This is what we have been waiting and calling for - more variety across electric vehicle models and sizes and across a range of prices as well,' he said. 'It will be good for consumers because it means lower pr.