The World Atto 2 is now Australia’s cheapest electric SUV, while its cheaper sibling – the Act 1 Hatchback – is now Australia’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV), period.
BYD’s two new entry-level electric vehicles not only undercut their battery-powered competitors – they are also cheaper than many similarly sized models with combustion engines.
The light size Act 1 The electric hatch area opens around $23,990 before on-road costswhile the Act 2 small electric SUV starts at $31,990 before travel.
Both new models, part of a wave of new products for the BYD range, will arrive in local showrooms in December 2025.
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BYD says it has also carried out extensive research and development testing on the calibration of its suspension and advanced driver assistance systems to ensure they can cope with Australian conditions.
Full pricing and specifications for the Australian market Atto 1 and Atto 2 have now been released.
Previously, the cheapest electric vehicle in Australia was another BYD, the small Dolphin hatchback. Price is $29,990 (excluding on-road costs).
With a base price of $6,000 less, the Atto 1 not only undercuts other electric vehicles, but also similarly sized combustion engine vehicles. The petrol Mazda 2, for example, starts 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 with 220km of WLTP electric range and a 65kW/175Nm electric motor that propels 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, although blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert aren’t available on any local Atto 1.
However, every Atto 1 has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The top-of-the-line premium model is equipped with a 43.2kWh LFP battery that increases the range to 310km and a 115kW/220Nm electric motor that reduces the claimed 0-100km/h time to 9.1 seconds.
Measuring 3990mm long, 1720mm wide and 1590mm high on a 2500mm wheelbase, the Atto 1 is 95mm shorter, 25mm wider and 95mm taller than the Mazda 2 on a 70mm longer wheelbase.
In contrast, the Atto 2 is 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm high, with a wheelbase of 2620mm. This makes it 40 mm shorter, 5 mm wider and 90 mm higher than the Hyundai Kona with a 40 mm longer wheelbase.
With a pre-launch base price of $31,990, it sits below the Chery E5 and Leapmotor B10, which are currently priced at $38,990.
It also outperforms the BYD Atto 3 “mid-size” electric SUV, which starts at $39,990 before on-road launch and offers a comprehensive list of standard safety equipment.
The Atto 2 is 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 made up of electric offerings – including the Atto 3, the Seal midsize sedan, the Sealion 7 midsize SUV – and a range of plug-in hybrids (Sealion 5, Sealion 6, Sealion 8 and Shark 6).
The numerous new products are part of BYD’s goal of potentially becoming one of the top three brands in Australia as early as 2026.
MORE: Explore the BYD Atto 1 showroom
MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 1 price and specifications
MORE: Explore the BYD Atto 2 showroom
MORE: 2026 BYD Atto 2 price and specifications
