Award-Winning EVs Skipping Australia — What's Going On?
The Renault 5 E-Tech and Nissan Micra EV are sweeping prizes overseas. Neither is coming to Australia. Here's why that matters for novated lease buyers.
Two of Europe's most celebrated small EVs — the Renault 5 E-Tech and the Nissan Micra EV — keep collecting awards overseas. Neither is available to buy in Australia. According to The Driven, both Renault and Nissan have so far declined to bring these models to the local market, leaving Australian buyers and fleet managers scratching their heads [[Source 1]](https://thedriven.io/2026/07/16/renault-5-e-tech-and-nissan-micra-evs-win-yet-ever-more-prizes-overseas-but-why-wont-they-bring-them-to-oz/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=renault-5-e-tech-and-nissan-micra-evs-win-yet-ever-more-prizes-overseas-but-why-wont-they-bring-them-to-oz).
These aren't obscure concepts. The Renault 5 E-Tech is a production car already selling in volume across Europe, and the Nissan Micra EV shares its platform with the Renault 5. They are affordable, practical small EVs — exactly the segment that's been missing from Australia's EV market, which has been dominated by larger, pricier models.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're an Australian PAYG employee trying to take advantage of the FBT exemption on eligible EVs, the lack of affordable small EVs in the local market is a real constraint. The EV FBT exemption applies to battery electric vehicles under the luxury car tax threshold — but your options in that price range remain limited when manufacturers like Renault and Nissan sit on the sidelines.
The good news is that the pool of eligible vehicles is still growing, and new models continue to arrive. The frustrating part is that genuinely compelling, affordable options exist overseas right now — they're just not being offered here. For employees considering a novated lease, this is a reminder to stay across what's actually available in Australia rather than being distracted by overseas press coverage. A model winning awards in Europe does you no good if it's not on a local price list.
When new eligible models do land, novated leasing can be one of the most tax-effective ways to get into them — combining the FBT exemption with pre-tax salary contributions to reduce the overall cost of ownership. The vehicle selection problem is real, but the novated lease structure itself remains solid for whatever eligible EV you do choose.
Common questions
Does the EV FBT exemption apply to any EV, or just specific models?
The FBT exemption applies to eligible battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid vehicles below the luxury car tax threshold. The vehicle must be a new car provided under a valid novated lease arrangement. Check the ATO website for the current list of conditions, as rules can change.
If the Renault 5 or Nissan Micra EV eventually comes to Australia, could it be novated?
Potentially yes, provided the vehicle meets the eligibility criteria at the time of purchase — primarily the FBT exemption conditions and the luxury car tax threshold. We'd assess any new model as soon as it's locally available.
Why do manufacturers skip Australia for EV launches?
Australia is a right-hand-drive market with relatively low volume compared to Europe or the US, which affects manufacturer prioritisation. Compliance costs, distribution infrastructure, and warranty obligations all add to the complexity of launching a new model here.
What affordable EVs are currently available for a novated lease in Australia?
The Australian EV market does include a number of models under or near the luxury car tax threshold. Talk to us directly — availability and pricing change regularly, and we'll give you a straight answer based on what's actually on local price lists today.
Is a novated lease still worth it if EV choice is limited?
For most PAYG employees, yes — the tax savings on an eligible EV through a properly structured novated lease are substantial regardless of which model you choose. The key is picking a vehicle that suits your needs from what's actually available and eligible.