Editorial Picks: Electric crossovers below $170k
30 Sep 2025|4,688 views
Are new cars still within reach in this red-hot climate of climbing COEs? Is going electric still feasible, or will it just break the bank?
These are some of the questions that occupy the minds of would-be EV buyers. It's understandable, because it seems that a brand-new car these days - even a Cat A COE model - costs north of $200,000.
Fortunately, that's not true - at least not yet. In fact, there are electric crossover models that can be had for under $170,000 inclusive of COE. While this is not pocket change, it's relatively affordable in this context.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
So, whether you're seeking something practical, fun to drive or efficient, these are the choices you should consider. (All prices correct at time of publishing.)
Wallet-friendly pick: Opel Mokka-e
Price: $149,500
Depreciation: $14,800/yr
Power: 97kW (130bhp)
Range: 363km
When we drove the Mokka-e in 2022, it was retailing for $174,500. But instead of its price rising in tandem with Cat A COEs, it now costs $25,000 less. In fact, it is the least expensive brand-new EV model in the market today.
There are some compromises, though. It has a busy ride over woolly surfaces, the backseat is small, and wind noise is audible. It does claw back points with its good looks, thanks to its Vizor Design, and Pure Panel cockpit.
Also sure to delight drivers is the crossover's performance. With 130bhp and 260Nm of torque, it feels quicker than its century sprint time of 10.1 seconds. And if you spend a lot of time navigating through built-up areas and tight carparks, you'll like the effortless steering, too.
Pros:
- Handsome design
- Zippy performance
- Least expensive
Cons:
- Compact backseat
- Unsettled ride
Read our review of the Opel Mokka-e
Stylish pick: Omoda E5
Price: $169,999
Depreciation: $16,999.90/yr
Power: 99kW (133bhp)
Range: 430km
When the E5 first arrived, it was only available as a 150kW (201bhp) variant. However, as Cat B COE premiums skyrocketed, Omoda brought in this Cat A model instead.
The good news, apart from the lower asking price, is that the Cat A model retains all the equipment and features of the Cat B version. It hasn't been pared down just because it's been detuned. Even the battery size remains the same.
The futuristic cabin comes with two 10.25-inch screens with sharp graphics, there's a 50-watt wireless charger, and the front seats are ventilated as well.
Pros
- Well-equipped
- Torquey performance
- Same battery capacity as Cat B model
Cons
- Limited rear visibility
- Slightly busy ride
Read our review of the Omoda E5 99kW
Unconventional pick: Seres 3
Price: $168,000
Depreciation: $16,800/yr
Power: 99kW (133bhp)
Range: 331km
Seres is unfamiliar to most consumers because it's not a mainstream brand. But that reason alone shouldn't stop you from at least checking out the Seres 3 crossover. Though the cockpit is simple, it is all-digital, and the infotainment has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The backseat is roomy, and the boot is rather spacious as well. If badges don't matter to you, this may be worth a look.
Pros
- Surprisingly large boot
- Plush materials inside
- Decent equipment
Cons
- Vanilla design
- Range could be better
Used pick: Tesla Model Y
Price: $163k - $179k
Depreciation: ~$17,420/yr
Technically, its size makes it an SUV, but for roughly the same price and depreciation, you could have a pre-owned Model Y instead. Globally, it is Tesla's best-selling model and it's not hard to see why. It offers plentiful space, an enormous 854-litre boot (with the rear seats in place!), and delivers a polished EV experience, thanks to the tight integration between the car's hardware and software.
Pros
- Versatile cabin
- Roomy backseat
- Can be Supercharged
Cons
- Not as attractive as the current model
- Minimalist aesthetic not for everyone
You can see available listings of this model here, and also read our review of the pre-facelift car here.
And don't forget to check out these other Editorial Picks:
Editorial Picks: Cat A petrol sedans under $200k
Are new cars still within reach in this red-hot climate of climbing COEs? Is going electric still feasible, or will it just break the bank?
These are some of the questions that occupy the minds of would-be EV buyers. It's understandable, because it seems that a brand-new car these days - even a Cat A COE model - costs north of $200,000.
Fortunately, that's not true - at least not yet. In fact, there are electric crossover models that can be had for under $170,000 inclusive of COE. While this is not pocket change, it's relatively affordable in this context.
In this series, the Editorial Team will explore different segments of the car market. We'll highlight some picks that you should consider, and also breakdown some of the pros and cons you should look out for.
So, whether you're seeking something practical, fun to drive or efficient, these are the choices you should consider. (All prices correct at time of publishing.)
Wallet-friendly pick: Opel Mokka-e
Price: $149,500
Depreciation: $14,800/yr
Power: 97kW (130bhp)
Range: 363km
When we drove the Mokka-e in 2022, it was retailing for $174,500. But instead of its price rising in tandem with Cat A COEs, it now costs $25,000 less. In fact, it is the least expensive brand-new EV model in the market today.
There are some compromises, though. It has a busy ride over woolly surfaces, the backseat is small, and wind noise is audible. It does claw back points with its good looks, thanks to its Vizor Design, and Pure Panel cockpit.
Also sure to delight drivers is the crossover's performance. With 130bhp and 260Nm of torque, it feels quicker than its century sprint time of 10.1 seconds. And if you spend a lot of time navigating through built-up areas and tight carparks, you'll like the effortless steering, too.
Pros:
- Handsome design
- Zippy performance
- Least expensive
Cons:
- Compact backseat
- Unsettled ride
Read our review of the Opel Mokka-e
Stylish pick: Omoda E5
Price: $169,999
Depreciation: $16,999.90/yr
Power: 99kW (133bhp)
Range: 430km
When the E5 first arrived, it was only available as a 150kW (201bhp) variant. However, as Cat B COE premiums skyrocketed, Omoda brought in this Cat A model instead.
The good news, apart from the lower asking price, is that the Cat A model retains all the equipment and features of the Cat B version. It hasn't been pared down just because it's been detuned. Even the battery size remains the same.
The futuristic cabin comes with two 10.25-inch screens with sharp graphics, there's a 50-watt wireless charger, and the front seats are ventilated as well.
Pros
- Well-equipped
- Torquey performance
- Same battery capacity as Cat B model
Cons
- Limited rear visibility
- Slightly busy ride
Read our review of the Omoda E5 99kW
Unconventional pick: Seres 3
Price: $168,000
Depreciation: $16,800/yr
Power: 99kW (133bhp)
Range: 331km
Seres is unfamiliar to most consumers because it's not a mainstream brand. But that reason alone shouldn't stop you from at least checking out the Seres 3 crossover. Though the cockpit is simple, it is all-digital, and the infotainment has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The backseat is roomy, and the boot is rather spacious as well. If badges don't matter to you, this may be worth a look.
Pros
- Surprisingly large boot
- Plush materials inside
- Decent equipment
Cons
- Vanilla design
- Range could be better
Used pick: Tesla Model Y
Price: $163k - $179k
Depreciation: ~$17,420/yr
Technically, its size makes it an SUV, but for roughly the same price and depreciation, you could have a pre-owned Model Y instead. Globally, it is Tesla's best-selling model and it's not hard to see why. It offers plentiful space, an enormous 854-litre boot (with the rear seats in place!), and delivers a polished EV experience, thanks to the tight integration between the car's hardware and software.
Pros
- Versatile cabin
- Roomy backseat
- Can be Supercharged
Cons
- Not as attractive as the current model
- Minimalist aesthetic not for everyone
You can see available listings of this model here, and also read our review of the pre-facelift car here.
And don't forget to check out these other Editorial Picks:
Editorial Picks: Cat A petrol sedans under $200k
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