Chinese carmaker BYD is set to release its smallest electric vehicle (EV), the Atto 1, in Australia—saying it will become the cheapest new EV available in the country.
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While BYD hasnt confirmed exact pricing for the small hatchback, car sites suggest it will be cheaper than the BYD Dolphin Essential, which at $29,990 before on-road costs is Australia’s cheapest electric model car.
“The Atto 1 will be Australia’s most affordable EV by some margin, opening the door for even more Australians to get behind the wheel of their own new energy vehicle,” BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins said in a statement.
“As we’ve seen with those incredible sales numbers overseas, we expect really strong pre-order interest locally. When it comes to the Atto range, start believing the hype.”
BYD says the Atto 1 hatch and Atto 2 SUV will be launched in Australia this November.
The Atto 1 seats four passengers and is 3990mm long, 1715mm wide, and 1590mm tall, making it roughly the same size as the Toyota Yaris. It will be available with a front-mounted electric motor and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
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BYD says it will release more information about the Atto 1 in the lead-up to its November launch date.
