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Best EV for a novated lease in Australia 2025–26
All six models below are fully FBT exempt under the $91,387 LCT threshold. The tax treatment is identical — what differs is price, range, charging speed, and practical fit. Here's a direct comparison.
6 models comparedAll FBT exempt10 min read
Side-by-side comparison
Sorted by vehicle price. All estimates based on a 3-year lease at 7.5% p.a. — use the calculator for your exact numbers.
ModelPrice (from)WLTP rangeDC chargingAnnual sacrificeGST saving (yr 1)Sales rank
Kia EV5 →$61,611555 km150 kW~$22,640$5,601#5 Mar 2026 Zeekr 7X →$57,900615 km (LR)450 kW (800V)~$21,390$5,264#3 Mar 2026 What each model is best at
Who each model is for
Since every model is FBT exempt and the tax treatment is identical, the decision comes down to your lifestyle, commute, and driving habits.
- Lowest entry price of any mainstream EV — smallest sacrifice from your salary
- Compact SUV body suits urban parking
- Proven track record — one of the first mainstream EVs in Australia
Consider skipping if: Skip if you regularly drive 300+ km days or need fast DC charging on road trips.
- Longest WLTP range of any mainstream EV from $54,900 (713 km on Long Range)
- $4,000 cheaper than the Model Y with more range on the base variant
- Full Supercharger network access
Consider skipping if: Skip if you need SUV cargo space or have a family that prefers a raised seating position.
- LFP Blade Battery tolerates daily 100% charges — less battery management needed
- Second-cheapest SUV on the list with 482 km real-world range
- Growing BYD dealer and service network across Australia
Consider skipping if: Skip if you depend on fast DC charging frequently — 150 kW peak is slower than Tesla or Zeekr.
Kia EV5 →Family buyer who wants reliability and practicality - 7-year/unlimited km warranty covers battery and drivetrain
- V2L standard — power appliances from the car (camping, tools, power outages)
- 555 km WLTP range on the Air variant covers most weekend trips
Consider skipping if: Skip if you need the lowest monthly sacrifice — Kia EV5 Air is the most expensive non-performance option here.
Zeekr 7X →Road tripper with access to high-powered chargers - 800V architecture charges at up to 450 kW — adds ~300 km in 10 min at compatible stations
- 615 km Long Range WLTP gives genuine intercity range confidence
- Geely (Volvo, Polestar) engineering backing
Consider skipping if: Skip if you mainly charge at home or don't have a 350 kW+ charger near your usual routes — the 800V advantage only appears at high-powered stations.
- Australia's largest fast-charging network (Supercharger) — most reliable for long-distance driving
- SUV practicality — 854L boot, 7-seat option (on LR), tow capability
- #1 best-selling car in Australia multiple months — strong resale value
Consider skipping if: Skip if budget is the primary concern — $4,000 more than the Model 3 and $3,910 more than the Sealion 7.
Key decision factors
FactorBest optionWhy
Lowest monthly sacrificeBYD Atto 3Cheapest car = smallest pre-tax deduction
Most rangeZeekr 7X LR / Model 3 LR615 km and 713 km respectively
Fastest chargingZeekr 7X450 kW peak on 800V architecture
Best charging networkTesla Model Y / Model 3Supercharger — most reliable in Australia
Best battery longevityBYD Sealion 7LFP tolerates 100% daily charges
Best warrantyKia EV57 years / unlimited km on all components
Best value SUVBYD Sealion 7$54,990 with 482 km range and LFP battery
Most sales volumeTesla Model Y#1 seller — strongest resale market
The tax saving is the same regardless of which model you choose — so long as it's FBT exempt. A $90,000 salary earner saving $6,999/year in income tax gets exactly that whether they drive a Zeekr or a BYD. The model choice affects your monthly sacrifice amount (driven by car price) and your practical ownership experience — not the tax rate.
Frequently asked questions
Which EV has the lowest monthly novated lease payments?
The BYD Atto 3 at $44,990 has the lowest entry price, giving it the smallest annual sacrifice (~$18,100/year) of any model on this list. The Tesla Model 3 and BYD Sealion 7 are close behind at ~$20,290 and ~$20,340 respectively.
Does it matter which EV I pick for FBT purposes?
No — all six models are fully FBT exempt as long as the vehicle price stays under the $91,387 LCT threshold. The tax exemption applies equally to all. What changes between models is the car price (which affects your monthly sacrifice) and the residual value at the end of the term.
Which EV holds its value best at the end of a novated lease?
Tesla vehicles historically hold value well in Australia due to brand recognition and the Supercharger network. The ATO sets minimum residuals (46.88% for 3 years) which are not affected by market prices, but the actual resale or trade-in value at lease end will vary. Newer brands with less established Australian presence (Zeekr) carry slightly more residual value uncertainty.
Can I switch EVs between novated leases?
Yes. At the end of your lease term, you can choose a completely different model for your next novated lease. Many people use this to upgrade to a new generation vehicle every 3 years — one of the practical advantages of leasing over buying.