BYD will shortly launch a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Atto 2 small SUV in Europe and the United Kingdom with 1020km of total driving range, with Australia firming to receive the hybrid version.
The PHEV would be a longer-range and cheaper alternative to the Atto 2 BEV that launched in Australia this week from $31,990 plus on-road costs, with 345km of electric driving range.
Pictured: European model BYD Atto 2 PHEV
BYD Australia executives have told Chasing Cars that they see significant potential in a hybrid small SUV — and that they are evaluating the Atto 2 PHEV and how it would fit into the local lineup.
The Atto 2 is being built in China in both BEV and PHEV formats and with a variety of battery sizes — and essentially the whole Atto 2 menu is available to BYD Australia product planners.
BYD Australia says there is “huge demand” for hybrid small SUVs
BYD pulled the covers off the Atto 2 PHEV in late October at a fleet sales convention in Luxembourg, with first customer deliveries of the hybrid version set to take place in Europe in early 2026.
Pictured: European model BYD Atto 2 PHEV
The European Union levies heavy tariffs on BEVs imported from China but PHEVs are exempt — so BYD has pulled hard on the plug-in hybrid lever for Europe, with Australia likely to also benefit.
“Is there a market here for a car like [the Atto 2 PHEV?] Absolutely there is,” BYD Australia chief product officer Sajid Hasan told Chasing Cars at the launch of the Atto 2 BEV.
“There is huge, huge demand and sales volumes in ICE and hybrid [small SUV] powertrains. The only hybrids we make are PHEVs. I think the product we would potentially be introducing in that space would be a PHEV, and I’d love to see something in that space.”
Pictured: Forthcoming BYD Atto 2 EV
That sentiment was echoed by BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins.
“What puts us in a good position is that we have both [EV and PHEV powertrains] well-covered. Where we can, a bit like the Atto 2 discussion, where we can possibly have both, we would have both,” he said.
Atto 2 PHEV confirmed for Europe, Australia could be next
Enter the Atto 2 PHEV, which uses similar “DM-i” plug-in tech to the BYD Sealion 6 midsize SUV, but in a lower state of tune.
Pictured: 2025 BYD Sealion 6
In Australia, BYD will increasingly sell models with both PHEV and BEV powertrains to cater for customers with different requirements.
“We have both powertrains available, and we will look to offer that for most of our vehicles,” said product boss Hasan.
BYD has not revealed power outputs and battery sizes, but the Atto 2 PHEV will almost certainly combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a front electric motor and an LFP ‘Blade’ battery with around 19kWh capacity.
Pictured: BYD 1.5-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain
The four-cylinder combustion engine acts primarily as a generator for the battery — meaning the Atto 2 PHEV will drive akin to the BEV most of the time — though the petrol mill can drive the front wheels directly at motorway speeds.
Total driving range for the Atto 2 PHEV has been confirmed by BYD to be 1020km with electric-only running of 90km. Both AC and DC charging are likely to be supported for the battery while long-distance driving is eased by the ability to fill up with petrol.
The Atto 2 hybrid would likely be cheaper than the electric version
Pricewise, Chasing Cars predicts that the Atto 2 PHEV would be around five per cent cheaper than the BEV, with a possible starting price of $29,990 plus on-road costs, compared to $31,990 + ORCs for the BEV.
Pictured: European model BYD Atto 2 PHEV
That kind of pricing would make the Atto 2 PHEV a little more expensive than the (plugless) Chery Tiggo 4 HEV ($29,990 driveaway) but likely cheaper than the MG ZS hybrid ($33,990 driveaway).
An important note is that size of the Atto 2 PHEV’s battery is around 10 times larger than those used by the Chery and MG.
Visual tweaks will be made to the Atto 2 in PHEV form. It scores differentiated 17-inch alloys, a new ‘Midnight Blue’ paint colour, enlarged front grille for extra cooling and hybrid-specific badgework.
Pictured: European model BYD Atto 2 PHEV
Exterior dimensions are identical to the BEV with length of 4310mm, width of 1830mm, height of 1675mm and a wheelbase of 2620mm.
BYD Atto 2 2026: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Dynamic (51kWh electric): $31,990
- Premium (51kWh electric): $35,990
