Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle (EV) is here: the BYD Atto 1, priced from $23,990 before on-road costs. This positions it as the most affordable EV in the Australian market, undercutting even many traditional petrol and hybrid city cars like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris.
The Price Point Matters
The Atto 1’s aggressive pricing isn’t accidental. It reflects a broader trend: Chinese EV manufacturers are disrupting the market with competitive pricing, forcing established automakers to respond. This affordability makes EVs accessible to a wider range of buyers, accelerating the transition away from internal combustion engines.
What You Get
The Atto 1, known as the Seagull or Dolphin Surf in other regions, will arrive in December with two variants. The Essential model features a smaller 30kWh battery and a 65kW electric motor, while the Premium upgrades to a 43.2kWh battery and 115kW motor. Range figures are 220km and 310km, respectively.
Key Specs
| Feature | Essential | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 30kWh | 43.2kWh |
| Motor Power | 65kW | 115kW |
| Range (WLTP) | 220km | 310km |
Charging takes 3.5 hours on AC power or 30 minutes (10-80%) on DC fast charging. The Atto 1 also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power external devices.
Dimensions and Platform
The Atto 1 is a five-door hatchback built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, shared with other models like the Atto 2 SUV. Suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.
Warranty and Servicing
BYD Australia offers a six-year, 150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km battery warranty. Specific service details are yet to be announced.
Safety Features
The Atto 1 has received a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with high scores in adult and child occupant protection. Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a reversing camera. The Premium adds a surround-view camera.
Standard Equipment
The Essential trim comes with 15-inch steel wheels, automatic halogen headlights, keyless entry, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Premium upgrades to 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated front seats.
Exterior Colors
The Atto 1 is available in Pine Lime, Apricity White, Arctic Blue, and Cosmos Black. The interior comes standard with a two-tone black/grey colorway.
The Bottom Line
The BYD Atto 1 is a game-changer for the Australian EV market. Its aggressive pricing and decent specifications make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking to switch to electric. This model signals a new era of affordability in the EV sector, forcing competitors to adapt or risk losing market share
