Xpeng's Large Electric SUV Is Being Tested in Australia
A second Xpeng EV has been spotted testing in Australia. Here's what it could mean for novated lease buyers watching the large electric SUV market.
A large Xpeng electric SUV has been spotted testing in Australia — seen at a Tesla Supercharger site, which tells you something useful straight away: it's NACS-compatible, meaning it can tap into the fastest and most widespread charging network in the country.
This is the second new Xpeng model observed on Australian roads in recent months, according to The Driven. Pre-launch testing at public charging infrastructure is a standard step before a manufacturer seeks type approval, so an Australian release — while not confirmed — isn't a distant prospect either.
What this means for novated lease customers
If Xpeng does launch a large electric SUV here, it would land in a segment that's currently thin on FBT-exempt options. Under the current electric car FBT exemption, battery electric vehicles under the luxury car tax threshold can be packaged through a novated lease with no fringe benefits tax applied — effectively letting you pay for the car from pre-tax salary.
More competition in the large electric SUV space is genuinely good news for anyone sitting on the fence. More choices tend to mean sharper pricing, and sharper pricing means the potential savings through salary packaging stretch further. That said, until Xpeng confirms Australian pricing and the model clears ANCAP and ADR requirements, it's worth watching rather than waiting on.
If you're already considering a novated lease on a large EV — whether that ends up being an Xpeng, a Tesla Model Y, a BYD Sealion 7, or something else — the tax treatment is what matters most. The vehicle badge is secondary to getting the structure right.
Common questions
Is Xpeng officially launching in Australia?
No official launch has been confirmed. Spotting a vehicle during pre-launch testing suggests Xpeng is evaluating the market, but that doesn't guarantee a release date or confirmed pricing.
Would an Xpeng large SUV qualify for the EV FBT exemption?
Potentially, yes — if it's a battery electric vehicle and its price falls under the luxury car tax threshold at the time of delivery. The exact threshold is indexed annually by the ATO, so it's worth checking current figures when you're ready to commit.
Why does it matter that the Xpeng was seen at a Tesla Supercharger?
It suggests the vehicle uses the NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector, which gives access to Tesla's Supercharger network in Australia — currently one of the most reliable fast-charging options available.
Should I wait for Xpeng before committing to a novated lease?
That depends on your timeline and current vehicle situation. If you're ready to go now, there are already strong FBT-exempt EVs available. If you have flexibility, watching how Xpeng's Australian rollout progresses is reasonable — but don't let perfect be the enemy of savings you could be accessing today.
Can I novated lease a car that hasn't launched in Australia yet?
No. The vehicle needs to be available for purchase from an Australian dealer and meet local compliance requirements before it can be structured into a novated lease.