T3 becomes Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle

The T3 electric van
BYD's thrifty T3 electric van

Chinese brand BYD has officially entered the Australian market with the most affordable new all-electric vehicle on sale, the T3, Carsguide reports.

The T3 is priced from from $35,855 driveaway, undercutting Australia’s previous cheapest all-electric vehicle, the MG ZS EV small SUV, which costs $44,990 driveaway.

The T3 is a two-seat small van that currently has one direct rival locally, the Renault Kangoo ZE, priced at $50,290 plus on-road costs.

The T3 is powered by a 70kW/180Nm front-mounted electric motor and its 50.3kWh battery provides 300km of WLTP-certified range. It won’t be breaking any speed records though, with a top speed of just 100km/h.

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A 40kW DC fast charger (with a CCS plug) is able to fully charge the T3’s battery in 1-1.5 hours, while a 6kW AC charger (with a Type 2 plug) will have it road-ready in 7-8 hours.

“Measuring 4460mm long (with a 2725mm wheelbase), 1720mm wide and 1875mm tall, the T3 offers 3.8 cubic-metres of cargo space and has a cargo volume of 3800L, a maximum payload of 700kg, a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 2420kg,” Carsguide wrote.

“Standard equipment in the T3 includes dusk-sensing lights, 16-inch steel wheels, disc brakes, dual sliding doors, keyless entry, push-button start, a touchscreen multimedia system, climate control, leather upholstery, a chequered-plate cargo-area floor, anti-skid brakes (ABS) and dual front airbags.

“BYD is distributed by zero-emissions transport company Nexport, with T3 buyers offered door-to-door delivery within 50km of each capital city (Darwin excluded).”

The T3 is expected to be followed by the E6 people mover next month, while other models will follow further down the track.

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