Best EV for Tradies — Novated Lease
The best electric vehicles for tradies, ranked by novated lease value. Costs calculated at $80K salary.
Top 5 EVs for Tradies
| Rank | Car | Price | Fortnightly | Annual Saving | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ford Ranger | $55,990.00 | $688.38 | $1,485.66 | Tray and towing capacity |
| #2 | Tesla Model Y | $65,900.00 | $637.69 | $6,503.78 | SUV with roof rack options |
| #3 | BYD Atto 3 | $47,381.00 | $474.08 | $4,805.86 | Affordable workhorse SUV |
| #4 | Mazda CX-5 | $42,990.00 | $534.54 | $1,190.52 | Proven reliability for work |
| #5 | MG ZS EV | $43,990.00 | $438.38 | $4,447.18 | Cheap to run for site visits |
#1: Ford Ranger
Why it suits tradies
Tray and towing capacity
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $688.38
- Annual saving: $1,485.66
- 5-year saving: $7,428.30
- FBT: $5,259.70/yr
#2: Tesla Model Y
Why it suits tradies
SUV with roof rack options
Range: 533 km | Battery: 75 kWh
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $637.69
- Annual saving: $6,503.78
- 5-year saving: $32,518.91
- FBT: Exempt
#3: BYD Atto 3
Why it suits tradies
Affordable workhorse SUV
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
#4: Mazda CX-5
Why it suits tradies
Proven reliability for work
Novated Lease at $80K
- Fortnightly: $534.54
- Annual saving: $1,190.52
- 5-year saving: $5,952.58
- FBT: $4,038.48/yr
#5: MG ZS EV
Why it suits tradies
Cheap to run for site visits
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
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best EV for tradies?
Ford Ranger is our top pick for tradies — Tray and towing capacity.
How much does it cost to novated lease an EV for tradies?
On an $80K salary, the top-ranked EV for tradies costs approximately $688.38 fortnightly.
Are all EVs suitable for tradies?
No. Range, charging speed, boot space, and towing capacity vary significantly. Our ranking considers the specific needs of tradies to find the best match.
Is an EV better than a petrol car for tradies?
For most tradies 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.