EV Auction Prices Still Lag as Fuel Nears $3/L in Australia (March 2026 Update)
Australia’s EV market is at a turning point.
Fuel prices have surged from $1.61/L at the start of March to nearly $3.00/L, driven by ongoing global supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. For many Australians, the cost of running a petrol vehicle has effectively doubled in just weeks. Diesel is a similar story.
At the same time, EV prices at auction, particularly through Manheim Australia QFleet and public auctions, have not caught up.
We’ve tracked real auction results over the past three weeks, and the data shows one thing clearly:
EVs are still selling thousands below retail, even after fees
Why This Matters Right Now
- Fuel costs are rapidly increasing
- EV running costs remain stable
- Auction prices have not yet reacted
- Retail prices are still $3,000–$10,000+ higher
This creates a rare window where buyers can beat the market before it adjusts
Best EV Auction Deals Right Now (Quick Snapshot)
| Model | Auction Price | Est. Total Cost inc fees | Lowest Dealer Price | Potential Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG ZS EV (2021) | $14,000 | $14,860 | $19,900 | $5,000 |
| Hyundai Ioniq (2022) | $17,500 | $18,400 | $23,437 | $5,000 |
| Kia EV6 GT-Line (2023) | $42,500 | $43,750 | $49,450 | $5,700 |
EV Auction Results (March 2026)
Hyundai Sold Price Examples
| Model | Year | KM | Auction Price | Est. Fees | Total Cost | Cheapest Dealer Listing | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ioniq Electric | 2022 | 17,000km | $17,500 | $900 | $18,400 | $23,437 | $5,000 |
| Ioniq 5 | 2023 | 7,077km | $36,750 | $1,200 | $37,950 | $41,770 | $3,800 |
| Ioniq 6 Dynamic | 2023 | 19,554km | $32,500 | $1,100 | $33,600 | $37,339 | $3,700 |
| Ioniq 6 Epiq | 2023 | 12,440km | $40,000 | $1,250 | $41,250 | $40,423 | $0 to $1,000 |
Kia Sold Price Examples
| Model | Year | KM | Auction Price | Est. Fees | Total Cost | Cheapest Retail | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EV5 Air | 2024 | 3,422km | $40,500 | $1,250 | $41,750 | $44,990 | $3,200 |
| EV5 GT-Line LR | 2024 | 1,720km | $57,500 | $1,500 | $59,000 | $62,514 | $3,500 |
| EV6 GT-Line RWD | 2023 | 2,217km | $42,500 | $1,250 | $43,750 | $49,450 | $5,700 |
| EV6 GT-Line RWD | 2023 | 3,222km | $45,500 | $1,325 | $46,825 | $52,990 | $6,100 |
MG Sold Price Example
| Model | Year | KM | Auction Price | Est. Fees | Total Cost | Cheapest Dealer Listing | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZS EV | 2021 | 45,000 to 49,919km | $14,000 | $860 | $14,860 | $19,900 | $5,000 |
Nissan Sold Price Example
| Model | Year | KM | Auction Price | Est. Fees | Total Cost | Cheapest Retail | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf | 2019 | 146,276km | $7,500 | $760 | $8,260 | $18,500 | $10,000 (solely based on price) |
Tesla Sold Price Example
| Model | Year | KM | Auction Price | Est. Fees | Total Cost | Cheapest Retail | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Y RWD | 2023 | 69,730km | $34,250 | $1,160 | $35,400 | $37,000 to $38,988 | $2,000 to $3,500 |
Manheim Australia Auction Fees (March 2026 – Accurate Breakdown)
Understanding fees is essential to calculating your true purchase price.
Manheim Australia National Public Auction Fees (General Buyers)
| Purchase Price | Buyer Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $2,001 | $500.01 |
| $2,001+ | $650 + 1.5% |
Example Fees
| Price | Buyer Fee |
|---|---|
| $14,000 | $860 |
| $18,000 | $920 |
| $34,250 | $1,163.75 |
| $45,000 | $1,325 |
| $57,500 | $1,512.50 |
Manheim QFleet Auctions (Government Vehicles)
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flat Buyer Fee | $698.50 |
Key advantage: Flat fee makes QFleet Auctions especially attractive on higher-value EVs.
Battery Health Insights
From Aviloo testing. Please note, not all cars are tested by the sellers.
- MG ZS EV: 92 percent state of health
- Hyundai Ioniq: 94 percent state of health
Real-world takeaway:
- Minimal degradation, typically 5 to 8 percent
- Strong long-term reliability indicators
- Auction EVs are often in better condition than expected
What to Check Before Buying at Auction
Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)
Some vehicles do include an RWC
Look for:
- Green RWC sticker on the windscreen
- Confirmation in the auction listing
Many vehicles do not include an RWC, so always confirm before bidding.
Warranty
- Many vehicles still have remaining new car warranty
- Battery warranties are often up to 8 years
Best practice:
- Contact a dealer
- Provide the VIN
- Confirm remaining warranty coverage
General Tips
- Review condition reports carefully
- Budget for transport
- Consider an inspection where possible
Are EVs cheaper to run than petrol cars in 2026?
What are Manheim Australia's auction fees?
Do auction cars come with a roadworthy certificate?
Do auction EVs still have warranty?
Why are EVs cheaper at auction?
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