BYD's Atto 1 Hits Australian Roads, Becoming Market's Most Affordable EV

BYD Atto 1 Introduces Affordable EV Option in Australia

The BYD Atto 1, known as the Seagull in China, has officially commenced customer deliveries in Australia. With a starting price of AUD 23,990 (≈USD $16,800), it claims the title of Australia's most affordable electric vehicle to date, directly targeting the urban commuter and secondary family car market.

Designed for City Drivers and Families

As BYD's latest entry-level electric SUV, the Atto 1 is designed for daily tasks like city driving and school runs. Its combination of competitive pricing, compact design, and full electrification attracts cost- and eco-conscious buyers, particularly from younger demographics.

Test Drive Reveals Practical Performance

As the media test drives just started, let’s take a look at some of the test-drive results. The car tested was the Atto 1 Premium, which claims 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.0 seconds, on par with the Suzuki hybrid.

- The powertrain delivers adequate performance for city traffic, though it was outpaced in an informal standing-start comparison with a sportier Corolla.

- The vehicle lacks a one-pedal driving mode, requiring conventional use of the brake pedal.

- Its auto-hold function works effectively, automatically maintaining braking at stops.

- Notably, the built-in navigation was inactive during the test due to an unloaded SD card—a common temporary issue for newly launched models in the region, typically resolved with a subsequent software update.

- Practical touches include a charging cable stored in the trunk and two charging ports located below the central air vents for front passengers.

A Crowded Market Awaits

The Atto 1 enters a competitive arena. While it ranked fifth in global EV sales last November, its success in Australia's small electric SUV/CUV segment will soon be tested. It faces imminent competition from rivals like the forthcoming Geely EX2, slated for launch later this year, setting the stage for an intense battle for budget-conscious Australian EV buyers.

*(Exchange rate: AUD 1 = USD 0.7011)*