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New EV Brands Coming to Australia

Author: Danny Thai   |   10 July 2026

Australia’s EV market already has more than 50 brands on sale, and a fresh wave is preparing to launch here. Every one of them is either Chinese or Chinese-backed, extending a run that started with BYD, MG and Geely. Here’s where things stand as of mid-2026, including how each brand is actually performing back home. 

Explore Novated Lease Options for EVs & PHEVs

Firefly (Nio)

Firefly is a sub-brand of Chinese EV maker Nio, built for smaller, more affordable electric cars. It’s now Nio’s spearhead for global right-hand-drive expansion.

The Firefly is a compact electric hatch about the size of a Toyota Yaris and will compete with the BYD Dolphin, MG4 and GWM Ora on size, though not on price. Firefly is positioning itself as a premium alternative, aiming at the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen ID.3 and Volvo EX30 rather than value-focused Chinese rivals.

Considering an EV under $40,000? Compare current novated lease deals before Firefly and other new arrivals land.

Forthing

Forthing is a Chinese brand owned by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, a Dongfeng subsidiary, specialising in crossover SUVs. Ateco Automotive, which already distributes LDV, Ram and Renault locally, has secured Australian distribution rights.

Forthing launched the Taikon 5 in June, a medium SUV priced from $36,990 drive-away, making it one of the most affordable electric SUVs available.

Jetour

Jetour is a Chery-owned brand but is being set up as a standalone entity with its own distribution network, separate from Chery’s other Australian labels. It’s invited media to pre-launch events and says it’s in the preparation phase for an Australian debut.

Models likely to arrive include the Dashing compact SUV, the T1 and T2 mid-size SUVs, and the seven-seat X70 Plus, all already sold in right-hand drive in South Africa with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. 

Xiaomi

Xiaomi is best known as a smartphone and consumer electronics brand, also known as the ‘Apple’ of China. Xiaomi entered the car market in 2024 with the SU7, a fully electric sedan which has become one of the best selling sedans in China. An Australian launch has been confirmed for early 2027, with the SU7 arriving first.

Weighing up an EV with strong runs on the board? Compare novated lease options on what’s already available while brands like Xiaomi work through Australian approval.

iCar

iCar is a Chery-owned, export-focused EV label launched in 2023, offering boxy, retro-styled SUVs sold under the Chery Fulwin sub-brand in China. Chery has filed to trademark the iCar name in Australia, though an industry body has opposed it, so the local name may end up different.

The range spans the compact electric V23, smaller than a Mazda CX-3, up to the large, LandCruiser-sized V27 EREV. Some markets also get a smaller 03 electric SUV. An Australian launch is expected in 2027.

Freelander

Freelander is a new SUV brand formed through a partnership between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, with vehicles built at their joint plant in Changshu, China, for both domestic and export markets. It was previewed via the Concept 97, an SUV drawing design cues from the old Land Rover Freelander.

Dreame

Dreame is better known for robot vacuum cleaners than cars, but it has confirmed Australian plans with customer deliveries targeted for early 2027. Under its Nebula brand, Dreame has shown two concept cars: the Next 01 four-door hypercar and the 01X SUV, both on a quad-motor electric platform claiming a combined 1,399kW and 23,000Nm of torque. The hypercar’s claimed 0-100km/h time is 1.8 seconds.

Dreame also plans electric SUVs under a separate Star Motor brand, with both Nebula and Star Motor vehicles slated for Australia. The company says it’s tuning early models for local roads and working through compliance, with solid-state batteries planned for production versions from 2027.

What this means for fleets and drivers

More brands means more choice across price points and body styles, from compact hatches to seven-seat SUVs. Most of these new entrants are still 6 to 18 months out, so near-term decisions will keep coming down to the EVs already on sale today.

If you’re weighing up a new EV or PHEV through a novated lease, Flare Cars can help you work out what’s eligible for the FBT exemption and compare running costs before you commit.

Electric vehicles are growing quickly in Australia, with more people making the switch each year as prices fall and more models become available. Global events since the start of the year have further accelerated interest in EVs, adding momentum to an already rapidly growing market.