Chinese carmaker BYD is making a serious play for Australian buyers with its newest electric vehicles (EVs): the Atto 1 hatchback and Atto 2 SUV. These models shake up the market by offering incredibly competitive pricing – in fact, they’re now the cheapest EVs available in Australia, period.
The Atto 1 starts at $23,990 before on-road costs, making it not only more affordable than other entry-level EVs but also undercutting many comparable petrol-powered cars like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris hybrid. Meanwhile, the Atto 2 SUV kicks off at $31,990 before on-roads, significantly beating out competitors like the Chery E5 and Leapmotor B10.
These aggressive prices are part of a broader strategy for BYD to become one of Australia’s top three car brands by as early as 2026. To achieve this goal, they’re flooding the market with new models – both pure electric vehicles (like the Atto 3 and Seal sedan) and plug-in hybrids (including the Sealion 5, Sealion 6, Sealion 8, and Shark 6).
What Makes These EVs Stand Out?
More Than Just Price: While affordability is a major drawcard, BYD also emphasizes practical features. Both the Atto 1 and Atto 2 come standard with equipment like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – features often found as expensive add-ons in competitor models.
Australian Focus: BYD has gone beyond simply importing existing vehicles. They’ve specifically tailored the Atto 1 and Atto 2 suspension systems and advanced driver assistance systems for Australian conditions through extensive testing and calibration.
Looking Under the Hood (and Behind the Seats)
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Atto 1: This tiny hatch offers a decent 220km range on its standard 30kWh battery, making it suitable for daily commutes and short trips. For buyers who need more range or want faster acceleration, there’s a higher-spec Premium model with a larger 43.2kWh battery (boosting the range to 310km) and a more powerful motor.
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Atto 2: This compact SUV provides a comfortable balance between size and practicality. Its 51.3kWh battery delivers a generous 345km of WLTP-rated driving range, making it ideal for longer journeys or those with less convenient access to charging stations. The more potent electric motor (130kW/290Nm) also makes for noticeably quicker acceleration compared to the Atto 1.
Both models arrive in Australian showrooms towards the end of 2025.
BYD’s bold pricing strategy and commitment to developing EVs tailored for Australian needs signals a significant shift in the local EV market. Whether this wave of affordable options sparks increased adoption of electric vehicles by mainstream consumers remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: BYD is making a major statement with its latest offerings.
