Everything Electric Sydney 2026: What We Saw, What It Costs and What’s Next
Everything Electric Sydney 2026 made one thing obvious: Australia’s EV market now runs through China. We spent the day at Sydney Showground testing seats, counting steering-wheel buttons and asking exhibitors the awkward questions, so you know what’s actually worth your money.
Everything Electric Sydney 2026 in 60 Seconds
- Chinese brands dominated the floor: BYD, MG, GAC, IM Motors, GWM, Geely-owned Polestar and newcomers like Forthing filled the halls. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Audi had no stand we could find.
- Cheap EVs are getting good: The GAC Aion UT hatch is listed from $31,990 with a claimed 430 km (WLTP) range.
- Electric utes are here: MG’s all-electric dual-cab ute is quoted at 3,500 kg braked towing and around 430 km of range.
- Your car can be your home battery: Amber and BYD expanded their vehicle-to-grid (V2G) trial to Atto 3 and Sealion 7 owners, with battery warranty support for participants.
- Smart home charging got cheaper: myenergi’s new zappi Glow comes in at $999.
- Public charging is still the weak spot: One exhibitor put Australia at roughly 90 EVs per public fast charger, about double Germany’s ratio.
What Is Everything Electric Sydney?
Everything Electric is Australia’s largest home energy and electric vehicle expo, run by the team behind the Fully Charged Show. The 2026 Sydney event ran from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, with EV test drives, live theatre sessions, e-bikes, e-motorbikes and home energy exhibitors under one roof.
The timing mattered. With petrol and diesel prices climbing this year, the crowd wasn’t just enthusiasts. Plenty of people were there with a calculator, working out whether now is the moment to switch.
Are European Car Brands Giving Up on Australian EVs?
Walking the halls, it was hard to find a European badge. We didn’t see Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz or Audi. When we asked GAC’s team whether the Chinese brands had won the race, the answer was diplomatic: no brand says it’s giving up, it’s a question of each company’s strategy, and Chinese makers are simply strong on EVs right now.
Even the exceptions have Chinese links. Polestar still stands out on design, avoiding the boxy “modern fridge” look many new SUVs share, but it’s majority owned by Geely. Subaru was the one Japanese brand we found, with three EV models built in Japan, and staff told us the batteries come from CATL, the Chinese battery giant.
Why Do So Many New EVs Look the Same?
There are two reasons. First, design trends: several brands are chasing the same squared-off, retro 4WD look, and more than one reminded us of an old Toyota Land Cruiser or Land Rover. Second, shared engineering. Some Chinese suppliers build a complete “skateboard” platform (battery, motors and chassis) and sell it to other manufacturers, who add the “top hat”: the body, interior and styling. Our understanding is that a mid-range platform sells for around US$10,000, which helps explain both the similarities and the aggressive pricing.
EV Prices and Range at Everything Electric 2026
Here are the vehicles we looked at, with prices and range as quoted on the stands or published by the brands. Always confirm current pricing with a dealer, as launch offers change often.
| Vehicle | Type | Price (as quoted) | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAC Aion UT | Small electric hatch | From $31,990 | 430 km (WLTP) |
| GAC M8 | 7-seat plug-in hybrid people mover | Show special offered | 100+ km electric, 1,000+ km combined |
| IM Motors IM5 / IM6 | Premium electric sedan / SUV | From $57,990; performance versions $72k to $79k | Varies by variant |
| MG electric ute | Dual-cab electric ute | Check with dealer | About 430 km; 3,500 kg towing |
| BYD Shark 6 | Plug-in hybrid ute | $50k to $60k bracket | Plug-in hybrid |
| MG Cyberster | Electric roadster | Around $100,000 | Varies by variant |
| ROLL’N Freedom | Electric moped | $4,850 ride-away | Up to 120 km, 80 km/h top speed |
Standouts From the Show Floor
- GAC: New to Australia but one of China’s largest carmakers, GAC is choosing proven models from its home range for local buyers. The Aion UT felt surprisingly upmarket for a small car. The M8 is, according to GAC, the only plug-in hybrid people mover on sale in Australia.
- IM Motors: This is the premium brand in the SAIC stable that also owns MG, a bit like Lexus sits alongside Toyota. That family connection gives buyers some reassurance about long-term support. The trade-off is an almost button-free cabin, run by touchscreen and voice commands.
- MG Cyberster: This roadster leans on MG’s sports car heritage. At around $100,000 it’s aimed squarely at buyers wanting to rediscover their youth without the petrol bill.
Buttons or Touchscreens?
If you grew up with silver bumper bars, this matters. Several new EVs bury basic functions like mirrors, volume and gear selection in screens or unusual stalks. In one GAC model we counted 24 buttons on the steering wheel alone. Cadillac and Subaru struck a better balance, keeping physical controls for everyday tasks. Our advice: sit in the car and try adjusting the air-con and volume before you sign anything.
Can an Electric Ute Tow a Caravan?
Yes. Politicians have told Australians for years that an EV ute doesn’t exist and can’t tow. MG’s team pointed to their all-electric dual-cab: 3,500 kg of braked towing capacity, around 430 km of range and a large front boot (frunk) that’s handy for muddy or smelly gear. Towing will reduce range significantly, so plan charging stops on long trips.
The BYD Shark 6 opened up the $50,000 to $60,000 plug-in hybrid ute segment, and GWM, MG and others have followed. For now, plug-in hybrids remain the most popular choice with tradies who regularly drive long distances, because they can fall back on fuel.
Are Electric Trucks Working in Australia?
They already are. Volvo told us nearly 170 of its electric trucks are working every day across Australia. The one on display carries a 540 kWh battery (a typical family EV has 60 to 80 kWh), with range around 410 km and roughly one to one-and-a-half hours to charge on a 350 kW DC charger.
Volvo’s pitch is the urban freight task, which makes up about 34 per cent of Australian trucking: building sites, earthworks and depot runs rather than Sydney-to-Cairns hauls. Electric trucks are quieter and produce no exhaust on city streets. Don’t expect vehicle-to-grid on these, though: a truck only earns money when it’s moving.
Can I Use My EV as a Home Battery?
Increasingly, yes. Amber Electric and BYD announced at the show that their vehicle-to-grid trial now includes the Sealion 7 as well as the Atto 3. Owners in the trial get a bidirectional charger and keep BYD battery warranty support while they participate. That support applies to the official program, not to V2G setups outside it.
The V2G charger costs $2,990, partly offset by a 6 per cent discount on eligible new BYD models. The program is backed by ARENA, has more than 50 live sites and a waitlist above 8,000 people.
V2G could be a big deal for renters and apartment dwellers. Asking a landlord to install an EV charger is a far easier conversation than asking for solar panels and a home battery.
What’s the Cheapest Way to Charge an EV?
At home. Amber’s team said about 90 per cent of EV charging happens at home, and it’s by far the cheapest option. Charge from your own rooftop solar and it’s close to free. On a wholesale-price plan, midday charging can cost very little because the grid is full of other people’s solar.
- myenergi zappi Glow under $1,000: The zappi has long been popular for its solar-matching smarts, but price was the barrier. The new zappi Glow condenses six circuit boards into one and brings the price down to $999.
- Public charging gap: One charging-app exhibitor told us Germany has about 45 EVs for every public fast charger, while Australia sits around 90. More than 4,000 public charging locations can now be found through roaming apps, but if you drive regional routes, plan ahead.
- EV tyres: EVs are heavier because of the battery, so tyres need the right load rating. Many EV-specific tyres also have foam padding inside to cut road noise, which is far more noticeable without an engine.
Australian Innovation at the Show
- Sunswift Racing (UNSW): Sunswift has built solar cars for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge since 1996. Its next car is designed to meet Australian Design Rules, with windscreen wipers, air conditioning and an occupant cell made from reclaimed carbon fibre. It’s backed by more than 40 partners, including Australian solar cell company SunDrive.
- ROLL’N Mopeds: This Australian-owned brand designs its electric mopeds for local conditions. Founder Jason spent three and a half years getting them ADR approved. The Freedom model offers up to 120 km of range and an 80 km/h top speed for $4,850 ride-away.
- Hypershell exoskeleton: This wearable amplifies your leg movements. On full power it felt like being a puppet, but for people with bad knees or limited mobility it could be genuinely useful.
- Electric Porsche conversion: A classic Porsche converted to electric is a reminder that conversions let you keep the car you love and run it on sunshine.
Buying an EV From a New Brand? Ask These Questions First
- Spare Parts and Servicing: How many dealers and service centres are near you, and how quickly can parts arrive?
- Parent Company: Is the brand backed by a large group? Bigger backing usually means better long-term support.
- Durability in Australian Conditions: How will interiors, screens and paint hold up after 10 to 15 years in the Australian sun?
- Battery Origin and Warranty: Who makes the battery, and how long is it covered? Check the terms if you plan to use V2G.
- Home Charging Plan: Pair the car with a smart charger and solar to get the lowest running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Everything Electric Sydney 2026?
It ran from 18 to 20 September 2026 at Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW.
What was the cheapest new EV at Everything Electric 2026?
Among the cars we looked at, the GAC Aion UT was the most affordable, listed from $31,990 with a claimed 430 km WLTP range.
Can an electric ute tow 3,500 kg?
Yes. MG’s all-electric dual-cab ute is rated for 3,500 kg braked towing with around 430 km of unladen range. Expect range to drop considerably when towing.
Does vehicle-to-grid void my BYD battery warranty?
Not if you’re in Amber’s official V2G trial. BYD provides battery warranty support for Atto 3 and Sealion 7 owners participating in the program.
Is it cheaper to charge an EV at home?
Yes. About 90 per cent of EV charging happens at home, and it’s the cheapest option, especially when charging from rooftop solar.
Charge Your EV With Your Own Sunshine
The cheapest kilometres come from your own roof. Pairing an EV with solar, a home battery and a smart charger slashes running costs and protects you from rising fuel prices. Find a quality local installer and use our calculators to see what you could save.
