Australia's new cheapest electric car and SUV massively undercut the competition

The BYD Atto 2 is now Australia’s cheapest electric SUV, while its more affordable sibling – the Atto 1 hatchback – is now Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle (EV), period.

BYD’s two new entry-level EVs not only undercut their battery-powered rivals – they’re also more affordable than many similarly sized combustion-powered models.

The light-sized Atto 1 electric hatch range opens at $23,990 before on-road costs, while the Atto 2 small electric SUV starts at $31,990 before on-roads.

Both new models, part of an onslaught of new product for the BYD lineup, will arrive in local showrooms in December 2025.

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BYD says it has also done extensive R&D testing for their suspension and advanced driver assistance system calibration to ensure they can handle Australian conditions.

It has now released full pricing and specifications for the Australian-market Atto 1 and Atto 2.

Previously, the most affordable EV in Australia was another BYD, the small Dolphin hatchback. It’s priced from $29,990 before on-road costs.

With a base price $6000 below that, the Atto 1 not only undercuts other EVs but also similarly sized combustion-powered vehicles. The petrol-powered Mazda 2, for example, opens at $26,990 before on-roads, while the Toyota Yaris hybrid starts at $28,990 before on-roads.

For your money, you get a small 30kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery offering 220km of WLTP electric range, and a 65kW/175Nm electric motor that gets the Atto 1 to 100km/h in a claimed 11.1 seconds.

You also get safety features like adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, though blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert aren’t available for any local Atto 1.

Every Atto 1 does, however, get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The top-spec Premium upgrades to a 43.2kWh LFP battery, upping range to 310km, and a 115kW/220Nm electric motor that slashes the claimed 0-100km/h time to 9.1 seconds.

Measuring 3990mm long, 1720mm wide and 1590mm tall on a 2500mm wheelbase, the Atto 1 is 95mm shorter, 25mm wider and 95mm taller than the Mazda 2 on a 70mm longer wheelbase.

The Atto 2, in contrast, is 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm tall on a 2620mm wheelbase, making it 40mm shorter, 5mm wider and 90mm taller than the Hyundai Kona on a 40mm longer wheelbase.

With a base price of $31,990 before on-roads, it undercuts the Chery E5 and Leapmotor B10, which are both currently priced at $38,990 drive-away.

It also undercuts the BYD Atto 3 ‘mid-size’ electric SUV, which opens at $39,990 before on-roads, and offers a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment.

The Atto 2 is being offered exclusively with a 51.3kWh LFP battery and a 130kW/290Nm electric motor, with a claimed WLTP range of 345km.

The two new models join a growing BYD lineup that’s split between electric offerings – including the Atto 3, Seal mid-size sedan, Sealion 7 mid-size SUV – and a raft of plug-in hybrids (Sealion 5, Sealion 6, Sealion 8 and Shark 6).

The slew of new product is part of BYD’s goal to become a top-three brand in Australia, potentially as soon as 2026.

MORE: Explore the BYD Atto 1 showroom

MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 1 price and specs

MORE: Explore the BYD Atto 2 showroom

MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 2 price and specs