Australian electric vehicle buyers are set to gain a new, aggressively priced option this August with the confirmation of the Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback’s local launch. Priced from just $35,990 drive-away, the B05 will become Australia’s most affordable rear-wheel-drive EV, challenging established budget contenders from MG and BYD.
Details confirmed on July 1, 2026, reveal two variants: the entry-level B05 Style at $35,990 drive-away and the B05 Design Long Range at an introductory offer of $39,990 drive-away. This strategic pricing positions Leapmotor to capture a significant share of the growing budget-conscious EV market, which has seen considerable expansion in 2026.
Driving Down the Cost of EV Ownership
The arrival of the Leapmotor B05 underscores a critical trend in the Australian EV landscape: increasing affordability. For many years, the upfront cost of electric vehicles was a significant barrier for mainstream adoption. However, the influx of new models, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, has dramatically shifted this dynamic.
“The influx of new electric models has meant the upfront price difference from petrol vehicles has narrowed dramatically, while EV buyers also benefit from lower running costs.”
The B05 Style, with its 56.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offers a 401km WLTP driving range. The Design Long Range steps up to a 67.1kWh LFP battery, extending the WLTP range to 482km. Both variants feature a 160kW/240Nm rear-mounted electric motor, a configuration often associated with more premium, performance-oriented EVs.
Key Specifications: Leapmotor B05 for Australia
| Feature | B05 Style | B05 Design Long Range |
|---|---|---|
| Drive-Away Price | $35,990 AUD (introductory offer) | $39,990 AUD (introductory offer) |
| Battery Capacity | 56.2kWh LFP | 67.1kWh LFP |
| WLTP Range | 401km | 482km |
| Motor Output | 160kW / 240Nm | 160kW / 240Nm |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| AC Charging | 11kW | 11kW |
| DC Fast Charging | 156kW | 174kW |
| 0-100km/h | Not specified | 6.7 seconds |
| Arrival Date | Late August 2026 | Late August 2026 |
The B05’s competitive pricing directly targets rivals such as the MG4 Urban, priced from $39,990 drive-away, and the BYD Dolphin, starting from $32,698.90 drive-away. While the Dolphin offers a lower entry point, the Leapmotor B05 distinguishes itself with its rear-wheel-drive architecture and a claimed 50:50 weight distribution, with chassis tuning reportedly conducted in Italy with Stellantis input.
Expanding Consumer Choice and Market Dynamics
Leapmotor, a brand under the Stellantis umbrella for international sales, is expanding its Australian presence with the B05. This marks a significant step in diversifying the affordable EV segment, offering consumers a broader array of choices beyond the dominant players. The B05 will join Leapmotor’s existing B10 and C10 SUV models in the Australian market.
The continued introduction of such competitively priced EVs is vital for accelerating Australia’s transition to electric mobility. Lower upfront costs, combined with the inherent running cost advantages of EVs, make the switch increasingly appealing for Australian households. For those considering the transition, understanding the total cost of ownership, including charging, is crucial. Resources such as Slash EV Charging Costs by Up To $800/Year: Best Electricity Plans in Australia 2026 can help new EV owners maximise their savings.
As the EV market matures, the availability of diverse models at various price points will be key to achieving broader adoption. The Electric Vehicle Council reported that plug-in vehicles accounted for nearly 30% of all new vehicle sales in May 2026, with the Tesla Model Y becoming Australia’s best-selling car for that month. The arrival of models like the Leapmotor B05 further fuels this momentum, particularly for urban drivers or those looking to downsize. For first-time buyers, a guide like From Petrol to Plug: The Ultimate First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Switching to an EV in Australia 2026 can provide essential information.
While the focus remains on personal vehicles, the broader electrification of transport is also gaining traction. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) recently highlighted the critical role of EVs and charging infrastructure as Consumer Energy Resources (CER) in its 2026 Integrated System Plan (ISP), forecasting 80% of vehicles on Australian roads to be electric by 2050. This long-term vision underscores the importance of every new EV model, like the Leapmotor B05, in shaping Australia’s energy future.
With showroom arrivals slated for late August 2026, the Leapmotor B05 is poised to be a significant entrant in Australia’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle market, offering an attractive proposition for buyers seeking an affordable, rear-wheel-drive electric hatchback. For those planning their charging setup at home, exploring options in Best EV Home Chargers in Australia 2026: A Buyer’s Guide to Costs and Installation could be beneficial.