The Forthing Taikon 5 Australia launch gives local EV shoppers another sharply priced electric SUV to consider. With drive-away pricing from $38,990 for the battery-electric model, the new entrant arrives in one of the most competitive parts of the market.
That price matters because Australian buyers are now comparing electric cars on practical ownership terms, not just novelty. Range, charging, warranty cover, cabin space and drive-away cost all shape whether a new SUV feels ready for everyday life. For drivers who are EV-curious but still weighing up the change, the Taikon 5 is the kind of arrival that makes the affordable electric SUV segment more interesting.
If you want to understand how an EV fits your routine before choosing your next car, you can rent an electric car with evee and test charging, school runs, commuting and weekend driving in real conditions.
What the Forthing Taikon 5 brings to Australia
The Taikon 5 is a five-seat electric SUV from Forthing, a Dongfeng Motor Group brand being introduced locally through Ateco. The Australian battery-electric range is expected to open with Luxury and Exclusive grades, giving the model a straightforward value-led pitch against established compact and medium electric SUVs.
The key headline is the entry price. At $38,990 drive-away for the Luxury grade and $42,490 drive-away for the Exclusive grade, the Taikon 5 lands close to the high-volume family EV conversation rather than the premium end of the market. It is not trying to be a halo car; it is trying to be an accessible electric SUV with enough specification to make budget-conscious buyers look twice.
| Forthing Taikon 5 item | Australian launch detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Five-seat electric SUV | Targets one of Australia’s busiest family-car segments. |
| Entry pricing | From $38,990 drive-away | Places the Taikon 5 below many better-known electric SUV rivals. |
| Higher BEV grade | Exclusive grade from $42,490 drive-away | Gives shoppers a step-up option while keeping the headline under the mid-$40,000s. |
| Battery | 64kWh LFP battery | LFP chemistry is common in value-focused EVs because it supports durability and cost control. |
| Motor output | 150kW and 340Nm from a front-mounted electric motor | Provides the level of performance many family SUV buyers expect from an EV. |
| Claimed range | About 430km WLTP, depending on specification reference | Enough for most weekly driving patterns with fewer charging stops. |
| DC charging | Up to 80kW peak, with 30–80% in about 30 minutes | Not class-leading, but workable for planned road-trip charging. |
| V2L | Up to 3.5kW vehicle-to-load capability | Useful for camping, tools or powering small appliances away from home. |
Why the price is the main story
The Taikon 5 enters the same shopping conversation as the BYD Atto 3, Geely EX5 and other value-focused electric SUVs. That does not guarantee success, because Australian buyers still need confidence in brand support, servicing, software and resale value. But a clear sub-$40,000 drive-away starting point gives Forthing a reason to be noticed.
Recent evee coverage of new EV reviews and launches in Australia showed how quickly the family SUV segment is filling with new choices. The Taikon 5 adds another pressure point for rivals because it focuses on the combination buyers often ask for first: SUV practicality, usable range and a purchase price that feels closer to petrol and hybrid alternatives.
Range and charging: practical, not headline chasing
A claimed WLTP range of about 430km puts the Taikon 5 in useful everyday territory. Real-world range will still depend on speed, temperature, tyre pressure, terrain, air-conditioning use and passenger load, but the number should be enough for regular commuting and many weekend drives without daily charging anxiety.
The 80kW peak DC charging rate is less dramatic than the fastest 800-volt EVs now arriving in Australia. That said, a quoted 30–80% charge time of about 30 minutes is still workable if the car is used mostly around town with occasional highway charging. The bigger practical question is where owners charge and how reliable those sites are. evee’s guide to EV charging infrastructure in Australia explains why charger availability can matter as much as peak charging speed.
The Taikon 5 also arrives with vehicle-to-load functionality rated up to 3.5kW. For families, campers and tradies, that can turn the car into a useful mobile power source for small appliances, devices or equipment. It is not the deciding feature for every buyer, but it strengthens the car’s lifestyle appeal.
Cabin and ownership considerations
The interior follows the modern EV formula: a clean dashboard, a large central screen, a digital driver display and a right-hand-drive layout for local buyers. The Taikon 5 will need to feel more polished than its price suggests, because buyers in this part of the market increasingly expect good infotainment, active safety technology and enough comfort for family use.
Brand familiarity is the bigger hurdle. Forthing is new to many Australians, even though its parent group has serious scale overseas and Ateco is a familiar importer in the local market. A seven-year, 200,000km warranty helps the launch story, but the ownership experience will depend on dealer access, parts supply, software support and how clearly the brand communicates with early buyers.
This is where short-term EV experience can be valuable. A test drive tells you whether a car feels comfortable, but living with an EV for a weekend reveals more about charging stops, parking, boot space and passenger comfort. evee’s broader Australian EV market trends coverage shows that buyers are becoming more practical and comparison-driven as more models arrive.
Who should consider the Taikon 5?
The Forthing Taikon 5 will make the most sense for shoppers who want an affordable electric SUV and are willing to consider a new badge. The price, LFP battery, useful claimed range and family-friendly body shape make it relevant for commuters, small families and households replacing a petrol SUV.
It may be less convincing for buyers who want the fastest highway charging, the reassurance of an established brand network or a proven resale story. Those buyers may prefer to wait for local reviews, dealer feedback and early-owner reports before committing.
The arrival also matters for hosts. As lower-priced EVs become more common, more Australians may be able to share electric cars with others. If you already own an EV, you can host your electric car on evee and help more drivers experience electric motoring before they buy.
The evee take
The Forthing Taikon 5 Australia launch is important because it adds more price pressure to the electric SUV market. It is not the fastest-charging or most familiar option, but it combines approachable drive-away pricing with enough range and specification to deserve attention.
For evee readers, the takeaway is simple: affordable electric SUVs are no longer rare. The Taikon 5 gives shoppers another reason to compare real-world usability, not just badges and brochure numbers. The best next step is to experience EV life first-hand, then decide which model best fits your daily routine.
If charging speed is high on your list, evee’s look at fast-charging EVs in Australia can help frame the comparison before you start shortlisting.
