Xpeng's Large Electric SUV Is Being Tested in Australia
A second Xpeng EV has been spotted testing in Australia — this time a large SUV. Here's what it could mean for novated lease buyers watching the EV market.
A large Xpeng electric SUV has been spotted testing at a Tesla Supercharger site in Australia, according to a report from The Driven [Source 1]. It's the second Xpeng model to be seen on Australian roads in recent months — suggesting the Chinese brand is doing serious pre-launch groundwork here, not just a casual drive-by.
Xpeng isn't a household name in Australia yet, but it's one of China's better-regarded EV makers — known for driver-assist technology and competitive pricing in markets where it already sells. The fact that it's testing NACS / Tesla Supercharger compatibility is notable: it signals the brand is paying attention to the charging infrastructure Australians actually use.
What this means for novated lease customers
More competition in the Australian EV market is almost always good news for buyers — and particularly for anyone considering a novated lease. The FBT exemption for eligible battery electric vehicles (introduced under the Treasury Laws Amendment Act and confirmed by the ATO) still applies to qualifying passenger EVs under the luxury car tax threshold. If Xpeng launches a large SUV priced under that threshold, it could join the list of vehicles worth serious consideration.
That said, a test sighting is a long way from a confirmed launch date, pricing, or ANCAP safety rating — all things that matter when you're signing a three- to five-year lease. Don't restructure your salary packaging around a vehicle that isn't on sale yet. What you can do is use this as a prompt to model out what a comparable large electric SUV might look like under a novated lease, so you're ready to move when the market catches up.
The broader trend is worth tracking: as more brands enter the Australian EV market, the range of FBT-exempt vehicles available under a novated lease continues to grow. More options means more negotiating leverage — and potentially better value for PAYG employees using pre-tax dollars to run a car.
Common questions
Is the Xpeng large SUV available on a novated lease in Australia right now?
No. As of the date of this article, Xpeng has not officially launched this vehicle in Australia. It has only been spotted testing. A novated lease requires a vehicle that is available for purchase from an authorised dealer.
Would a large Xpeng SUV qualify for the FBT exemption?
Potentially — if it's a battery electric vehicle and its value falls under the luxury car tax threshold at the time of purchase. We won't know until Xpeng announces Australian pricing. The ATO's FBT exemption criteria would need to be assessed against the specific model and price when it launches.
Why is it testing at a Tesla Supercharger?
Tesla's Supercharger network has opened to other manufacturers in several markets. Testing at a Supercharger site suggests Xpeng may be validating NACS plug compatibility — which would be a meaningful practical advantage for Australian buyers given how extensive the Supercharger network is here.
Should I wait for new EV models before signing a novated lease?
That's a personal call. If a vehicle that suits you is available now and the numbers stack up, waiting for an unconfirmed future model carries its own cost — you'd be missing months of pre-tax contributions in the meantime. A good broker will model both scenarios for you.
How do I stay across new EVs that qualify for the FBT exemption?
The ATO and Treasury periodically update guidance on eligible vehicles. millarX monitors these changes and can advise you on whether a new model qualifies when it launches in Australia.