Affordable BYD Atto 2 Electric SUV Coming to Australia with Competitive Price and 350 km Range
Budget EV manufacturer, BYD, unveils its most affordable electric SUV model, priced at approximately $A16,100.
BYD, the Chinese automaker known for its commitment to new energy vehicles, has announced plans to bring an affordable electric SUV variant of the Atto 2 to the Australian market. Priced under $A20,000 (estimated), the new model is expected to be one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Australia, offering a balance between affordability and practical urban EV use.
The Atto 2, also known as Yuan Up in China, is part of BYD's expanding lineup of affordable electric SUVs. The most affordable variant in Australia is expected to be called the Essential variant. While the exact Australian retail price is unconfirmed, reports suggest it will be one of the most affordable electric SUVs in Australia but likely won't be as low as the sub-AUD 20,000 price seen in China. Australian pricing should undercut many small SUV competitors, so likely in the low-to-mid AUD 20,000 range or slightly higher.
The Atto 2 Essential variant will be powered by a 51.13 kWh Blade battery, offering an estimated driving range of approximately 350 km. This is based on similar range figures previewed in Malaysia and expected for the Australian model. The SUV will have a 130 kW motor delivering 290 Nm torque, front-wheel drive, and BYD’s latest e-Platform 3.0 with Cell-to-Body structural battery technology for safety and rigidity.
The growth in new energy vehicle sales for BYD over the last few years is partially due to its affordable electric SUVs. This new variant is aimed at younger new car buyers who want an electric car for city driving.
BYD has reached a milestone of 1.5 million sales for its Yuan Family, which includes the Atto 3 and the Atto 2. The company's 8-in-1 powertrain integrates various components, contributing to the efficiency and affordability of its vehicles.
In addition to the Essential variant, another variant with a 51 kWh battery pack is destined for the Australian market in the fourth quarter of 2025. This variant will offer a larger driving range, but exact details have not been released yet.
Riz Akhtar, the founder of carloop, a company specializing in Australian EV data and trends, shares BYD's passion for electric vehicles. A mechanical engineer with a passion for EVs, Riz aims to reduce transport emissions in Australia. Riz currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.
The Atto 2 will also feature vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, offering up to 3.3 kW of AC power for camping or emergency situations.
With the introduction of the Atto 2 Essential, BYD continues to make strides in the Australian electric vehicle market, offering affordable, efficient, and practical electric SUVs for urban driving.
The new Atto 2 Essential variant, priced under $A20,000, showcases BYD's dedication to affordable electric vehicles, merging lifestyle choices with technological advancements, such as the 51.13 kWh Blade battery, V2L technology, and e-Platform 3.0. By 2025, another variant with a larger battery pack will enter the market, further expanding BYD's lineup of electric SUVs, which caters to younger buyers seeking eco-friendly city vehicles.
