Chery Q Electric Car Set to Enter Australian Market in 2027
Chery is preparing to introduce one of Australia’s most affordable electric vehicles when its new model arrives in showrooms next year. This vehicle, which is set to compete with the Geely EX2 and BYD Atto 1, could become a strong contender in the local electric car market.
The Chery Q electric hatch is expected to be the brand’s first new electric car for Australia in approximately three years. It is anticipated to arrive in showrooms sometime in 2027. If the pricing strategy from China translates well into the Australian market, the Chery Q could potentially be one of the country’s most cost-effective electric cars.
In China, the Chery Q is known as the Chery QQ3, but it will be rebranded as the Chery Q for export markets. This compact hatch-styled SUV is similar in size to the MG 4 Urban or a petrol-powered Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla.
While the exact price has not been confirmed yet, the top-of-the-range version of the Chery Q in China, equipped with a 41.3kWh battery similar to what is expected in Australia, is listed at 78,900 yuan (approximately AUD$16,000).
It is only 100 yuan more expensive than the flagship BYD Atto 1 in China, which is sold as the Seagull. However, the BYD Atto 1 has half the power and a less complex crash structure compared to its Australian ‘Premium’ equivalent, which is priced from $27,990 plus on-road costs.
High-grade versions of the MG 4 Urban in China are priced from 89,800 and 96,800 yuan, while equivalent variants in Australia are priced at $31,990 and $34,990. Given that a full suite of advanced safety features is optional in China but must be standard in Australia for top ANCAP ratings, a flagship model may end up closer to $30,000 before on-road costs rather than $25,000 – seemingly contradicting earlier comments.
Although it won’t undercut Australia’s cheapest EV, the Atto 1 Essential ($23,990), the Chery Q would still be among the most affordable options in the country.
The Chery Q will join the larger Chery E5 SUV as the brand’s second battery-powered model in local showrooms. The Chery Q is powered by a modest 90kW/115Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, a rare layout in an electric car at this price point, matched only in Australia by Geely’s upcoming EX2. It also features a 42kWh battery pack.
A driving range rating for Australia has not yet been published, but it is estimated to be around 350km WLTP, based on the 420km quoted by Chinese versions with a 41.3kWh pack under less stringent CLTC lab testing. This would make it competitive with the MG 4 Urban 43kWh (316km WLTP) and Atto 1 Premium (310km WLTP).
Chinese models with the 41.3kWh battery claim to recharge from 30 to 80 per cent in 16.5 minutes and can accept AC charging or provide power to external electrical devices at up to 6.6kW.
The Chery Q is larger than both the MG 4 Urban and the Atto 1, closer in size to the BYD Dolphin. It measures 4195mm in length, 1811mm in width, and 1574mm in height, with a 2700mm wheelbase. The 374-litre boot is bigger than that of the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 petrol hatchbacks, plus there is an additional 70 litres under the bonnet with a drain plug.
The Chery Q comes with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment, a power tailgate, a 50-watt wireless phone charger, climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a 360-degree camera.
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