Best EV for Your First Car — Novated Lease
The best electric vehicles for your first car, ranked by novated lease value. Costs calculated at $80K salary.
Top 5 EVs for Your First Car
| Rank | Car | Price | Fortnightly | Annual Saving | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | BYD Dolphin | $38,890.00 | $397.23 | $4,012.05 | Lowest price EV |
| #2 | MG 4 | $38,990.00 | $394.15 | $3,988.27 | Fun to drive, affordable |
| #3 | MG ZS EV | $43,990.00 | $438.38 | $4,447.18 | Compact SUV on a budget |
| #4 | Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | $37,990.00 | $457.62 | $929.31 | Reliable hybrid entry point |
| #5 | BYD Atto 3 | $47,381.00 | $474.08 | $4,805.86 | Step up in space without big cost |
#1: BYD Dolphin
Why it suits your first car
Lowest price EV
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 your first car
Fun to drive, affordable
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: MG ZS EV
Why it suits your first car
Compact SUV on a budget
Range: 440 km | Battery: 72.6 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $438.38
- Annual saving: $4,447.18
- 5-year saving: $22,235.89
- FBT: Exempt
#4: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Why it suits your first car
Reliable hybrid entry point
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $457.62
- Annual saving: $929.31
- 5-year saving: $4,646.53
- FBT: $3,568.78/yr
#5: BYD Atto 3
Why it suits your first car
Step up in space without big cost
Range: 420 km | Battery: 60.5 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $474.08
- Annual saving: $4,805.86
- 5-year saving: $24,029.28
- FBT: Exempt
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best EV for your first car?
BYD Dolphin is our top pick for your first car — Lowest price EV.
How much does it cost to novated lease an EV for your first car?
On an $80K salary, the top-ranked EV for your first car costs approximately $397.23 fortnightly.
Are all EVs suitable for your first car?
No. Range, charging speed, boot space, and towing capacity vary significantly. Our ranking considers the specific needs of your first car to find the best match.
Is an EV better than a petrol car for your first car?
For most your first car 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.