Drive.com
CHINESE carmaker Chery is preparing to shake up Australia’s affordable electric vehicle market, confirming its new compact EV, the Chery Q will arrive in local showrooms in 2027.
Positioned as a low-cost rival to models like the BYD Atto 1 and MG 4, the Chery Q could emerge as one of the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia, depending on final pricing.
Sold in China as the QQ3, the vehicle will be rebranded as the Chery Q for export markets. Despite its compact footprint, it is sized closer to a small SUV hatch, comparable to petrol favourites such as the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf.
While Australian pricing is yet to be locked in, Chinese-market figures offer a strong clue. A high-spec version equipped with a 41.3kWh battery is priced at around $16,000 in China. However, stricter safety requirements in Australia – including mandatory advanced driver-assist systems for strong ANCAP ratings – are expected to push the local price closer to $30,000 before on-road costs.
That would place it above the entry-level Atto 1 Essential, currently Australia’s cheapest EV at $23,990, but still firmly within the budget EV bracket.
Under the skin, the Chery Q features a 90kW/115Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, an uncommon setup in this price range. Power comes from a roughly 42kWh battery, with an estimated driving range of about 350km (WLTP), putting it in line with competitors like the MG 4 and Atto 1 Premium.
Charging performance is also competitive, with Chinese models claiming a 30 to 80 per cent fast charge in just 16.5 minutes. The car also supports 6.6kW AC charging and vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing it to power external devices.
In terms of size, the Q measures 4195mm long with a 2700mm wheelbase, making it slightly larger than its closest budget rivals and closer in scale to the BYD Dolphin. Practicality is a highlight, with a 374-litre boot and an additional 70 litres of front storage.
Inside, the Chery Q is expected to punch above its weight, offering features such as a 15.6-inch infotainment display, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera system.
The Q will join the larger Chery E5 as the brand’s second electric model in Australia, signalling a renewed push into the growing EV market.
