$24K BYD Atto 1 becomes Australia’s cheapest EV, undercuts a petrol Suzuki Swift

Modest power output and battery size help BYD achieve low price for base model, while gruntier, rangier up-spec grade demands a further $4000

Pricing for the pint-sized BYD Atto 1 electric vehicle has come in about $1000 lower than expected, with a list price of $23,990 plus on-road costs confirmed for the Chinese model — making it Australia’s cheapest EV.

That is the price of the base model, dubbed the Atto 1 Essential, which also becomes the ninth-most affordable new car on sale in Australia.

Two grades of the Atto 1 are coming to Australia with the key distinctions between the pair being battery size, driving range and electric motor outputs.

Stepping up into the Atto 1 Premium, which has 40 percent more driving range — and nearly 80 percent more power — costs another $4000, with the high-grade Atto 1 priced at $27,990 + ORCs.

Ninth-cheapest new car overall, undercutting familiar petrol hatchbacks

The Atto 1 is set to arrive “this summer” in BYD Australia showrooms alongside a bigger sibling in the form of the Atto 2, for which pricing will start at $31,990 + ORCs.

While a base petrol-powered MG3 remains the cheapest of new car ($21,990 driveaway pricetag), the electric Atto 1 undercuts the mild-hybrid Suzuki Swift (from $24,990 + ORCs). The familiar Toyota Yaris hybrid is thousands dearer, priced from $28,990 + ORCs.

To achieve its barnstorming price, BYD has kept the Atto 1 small and mechanically relatively simple. Measuring 3990mm long, 1720mm wide and 1590mm high is a few centimetres longer than a Kia Picanto.

Just 220km range in the base model, 310km for another $4000

Buyers of the cheapie of the pair — the Atto 1 Essential — make do with a compact 30kWh lithium iron phosphate ‘Blade’ battery pack promising 220km range (WLTP) with consumption of 13.6kWh/100km.

That battery supplies a single front electric motor with 65kW of power and 175Nm of torque, with BYD claiming a relatively glacial 11.1 sec 0-100km/h time for the base grade.

Acceleration is noticeably quicker (9.1 sec) in the up-spec Atto 1 Premium, thanks to a much beefier 115kW/220Nm front motor.

The Premium steps up to a 43.2kWh LFP battery for 310km range (WLTP) and consumption of 13.9kWh/100km.

Mechanically simple package helped keep Atto 1 affordable

Charging speeds are acceptable. AC power of 11kW is decent for this class but DC peak speeds of 65kW (Essential) or 85kW (Premium) will keep owners at rapid chargers for 30 minutes in either variant for a 10-80 percent replenishment.

The larger battery adds 96kg of extra mass but either way, the Atto 1 remains one of the smallest and lightest EVs on the market, weighing in at just 1294kg (Essential) or 1390kg (Premium). Both have a payload of 344kg.

Under the skin, the Atto 1 rides on a compact wheel and tyre package in either trim (175/65 R15 steel wheels for Essential and 185/55 R16 alloys for the Premium). Disc brakes are fitted all round, but the rear suspension is a simple torsion beam setup common to small hatchbacks.

Boot space behind a manual tailgate measures a competitive 308 litres with the back seats up or 1037L with them folded 50:50. Keep in mind the Atto 1 only has four seats for passengers — not the usual five.

What’s included for your $24K or $28K spend?

Standard equipment for the Essential grade includes artificial leather upholstery, four-way manual adjustment for both front seats, 10.1-inch touchscreen, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, two USB ports, and an FB/DAB-only digital radio — plus 4G connectivity with over-the-air updates.

Other base spec inclusions take in an artificial leather steering wheel, keyless entry and start, mobile NFC key functionality, four-speaker stereo, automatic halogen headlights, and a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare wheel.

The $4000 step into the Premium grade buys tilt/telescoping steering wheel adjustment (tilt only for Essential), six-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless device charger, LED headlights, automatic wipers, power folding mirrors, privacy glass, and a one-touch up/down driver’s power window.

Both models include front, side and side curtain airbags, AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, and a reversing camera, with the Premium adding a 360-degree camera.

Spec omissions include an AM radio and front parking sensors, while BYD is yet to clarify the ongoing costs of the Atto 1’s data plan and the length and allowance of any complimentary period of car connectivity.

Warranty for the Atto 1 is expected to match BYD’s existing 6 year/150,000km vehicle warranty and 8 year/160,000km traction battery warranty arrangements.