These small EVs could change Australia’s EV landscape forever: BYD announces Atto 1 and Atto 2 small electric vehicles to kick EV price wars into overdrive

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BYD is set to release what it claims will be Australia’s cheapest electric vehicles into local markets imminently.

Slated for a November release, BYD will unveil both the Atto 1, known in some markets as the Dolphin Surf, and Atto 2 small electric vehicles to bolster its current affordable EV range, which comprises the Dolphin compact city car and Atto 3 midsize SUV.

The BYD Dolphin currently holds the title of Australia’s cheapest EV, with a starting price of just $29,990 before on-roads. Its closest rival, the GWM Ora, starts at $34,490 before on-roads. Both models made their local debut in mid 2023. 

BYD claims the Dolphin’s cheapest EV title will be stripped by the Atto 1 when it makes its debut early next year. No local details have been confirmed, but in international markets, the Atto 1 measures 3990mm long, 1720mm wide, and 1590 tall, with a 2500mm wheelbase.

The current Dolphin measures 4290mm long, 1770mm wide, and 1570mm tall, featuring a 2700mm wheelbase.

Introducing the Atto 1 to the Australian market shows great potential to re-ignite competition in the affordable compact vehicle segment, this time with an EV twist. 

We anticipate an onslaught of price cuts, deals and new models from rivals to follow in the wake of the Atto 1.

Meanwhile, in the small SUV segment, BYD will bring a similarly sized reinforcement for its current Atto 3 electric. The Atto 3 was BYD’s first model in Australia, measuring 4455mm in length, and predominantly rivalling the MG S5, Leapmotor C10, and Deepal S07.

The soon to release Atto 2 is 145mm shorter than the Atto 3, measuring 4310mm long, 1830mm wide (-45mm), and 1675mm tall (+60mm). Its wheelbase is 2620mm (-100mm). 

It will be yet another rival to the between-sizes $40,990 MG S5, as well as the cut price $38,990 Chery E5 and new-release $38,990 Leapmotor B10. All prices are drive-away.

Expect the Atto 2 to undercut its larger, expectedly more powerful Atto 3 sibling, which starts at $39,990 before on-road costs.

BYD COO Stephen Collins was adamant that the introduction of both the Atto 1 and Atto 2 to local markets will allow “even more Australians to get behind the wheel of their own [electric vehicle].”

He was more than happy to turn up the heat on an already intense EV price war in Australia, claiming that the Atto 1 will “be Australia’s most affordable EV by some margin” and for punters to “start believing the hype” around the two new models. 

Read Chasing Cars exclusive international first drive of the BYD Atto 2 here.