Best EV for City Driving — Novated Lease
The best electric vehicles for city driving, ranked by novated lease value. Costs calculated at $80K salary.
Top 5 EVs for City Driving
| Rank | Car | Price | Fortnightly | Annual Saving | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | BYD Dolphin | $38,890.00 | $397.23 | $4,012.05 | Compact, easy to park |
| #2 | MG 4 | $38,990.00 | $394.15 | $3,988.27 | Nimble and fun in traffic |
| #3 | Volvo EX30 | $49,990.00 | $507.62 | $5,132.27 | Small footprint, premium build |
| #4 | Kia Niro EV | $55,490.00 | $538.38 | $5,488.27 | Efficient in stop-start |
| #5 | Hyundai Kona EV | $54,500.00 | $534.62 | $5,438.91 | Compact SUV, tight turning circle |
#1: BYD Dolphin
Why it suits city driving
Compact, easy to park
Range: 427 km | Battery: 44.9 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $397.23
- Annual saving: $4,012.05
- 5-year saving: $20,060.25
- FBT: Exempt
#2: MG 4
Why it suits city driving
Nimble and fun in traffic
Range: 450 km | Battery: 64 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $394.15
- Annual saving: $3,988.27
- 5-year saving: $19,941.35
- FBT: Exempt
#3: Volvo EX30
Why it suits city driving
Small footprint, premium build
Range: 476 km | Battery: 69 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $507.62
- Annual saving: $5,132.27
- 5-year saving: $25,661.35
- FBT: Exempt
#4: Kia Niro EV
Why it suits city driving
Efficient in stop-start
Range: 460 km | Battery: 64.8 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $538.38
- Annual saving: $5,488.27
- 5-year saving: $27,441.35
- FBT: Exempt
#5: Hyundai Kona EV
Why it suits city driving
Compact SUV, tight turning circle
Range: 490 km | Battery: 65.4 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $534.62
- Annual saving: $5,438.91
- 5-year saving: $27,194.55
- FBT: Exempt
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best EV for city driving?
BYD Dolphin is our top pick for city driving — Compact, easy to park.
How much does it cost to novated lease an EV for city driving?
On an $80K salary, the top-ranked EV for city driving costs approximately $397.23 fortnightly.
Are all EVs suitable for city driving?
No. Range, charging speed, boot space, and towing capacity vary significantly. Our ranking considers the specific needs of city driving to find the best match.
Is an EV better than a petrol car for city driving?
For most city driving scenarios, yes. EVs cost 60-70% less to run per kilometre and qualify for FBT exemption on novated leases, saving thousands per year.
What salary do I need for an EV novated lease?
Any salary works, but you see meaningful savings from around $50,000. The sweet spot is $80K-$120K where the 30-37% marginal rate creates significant tax savings.
Want exact numbers for your situation?
Use our full novated lease calculator with your exact salary, car price, and lease term.
Open Novated Lease CalculatorEstimates based on 2025-26 Australian tax rates. Actual savings depend on your employer arrangement, residual value, and exact running costs. Car prices are drive-away estimates and may vary by dealer. This is general information only, not financial advice. Consult a financial adviser for personal guidance.