Aussie buyers could soon get their hands on a cheap new EV as the Chery QQ3 prepares for an Australian launch, potentially challenging the BYD Atto 1 for the title of the cheapest electric car on sale Down Under.
Size and Specs
The China-built hatchback is substantially bigger than the Atto 1, and closer in size to the BYD Dolphin and the incoming Geely EX2. It measures up at 4195mm long, 1811mm wide, 1568mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. The QQ3 is available in rear-wheel drive, with a single electric motor producing either 58kW/90Nm or 90kW/115Nm.
It is offered with 29kWh and 41kWh battery units, and a driving range of up to 420km, according to lenient CLTC standards. The Indonesian model has a driving range of 400km, according to the more reliable, but still outdated, NEDC cycle that is still not reflective of real-world figures. DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent takes less than 17 minutes.
Interior and Features
The QQ3 features similar elements to the petrol-powered first-generation QQ city car, but it is substantially bigger. It has a bubble-like overall design, with rounded headlights and side mirrors. There is a crossed-over ‘X’ wheel design, with two vertical strips, contrasting a spoked alloy set-up.
Inside, the cabin includes a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and an 8.8-inch digital driver display, along with a six-speaker audio system. It also boasts plenty of storage space for a small car, including up to 1450L of boot space and a 70L front storage compartment.
The QQ3 is pitched as a budget electric car, so it will have to be competitive with the BYD Atto 1 starting from $23,990, before on-road costs. It is priced in Indonesia from 200,000,000 rupiah, which is roughly $16,000. It costs 68,920 yuan ($14,500) in China, so it could potentially be offered from less than $25,000 in Australia.
Testing and Arrival
The QQ3 has still not been officially confirmed for Australia, but its right-hand drive status accelerates its path here. The car also underwent hot-weather testing in Australia at the start of 2026.
Chery Australia’s Chief Operating officer told CarsGuide at the start of this year the brand was keen on introducing a car from the QQ series. “I think having a very small and then a small hatchback would be a game changer,” Harris said. “So if we could bring something like the QQ, I think it’d be a huge amount of opportunity.”
It is unlikely we will see the car Down Under this year, with 2027 a more likely prospect.
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