“Thousands” of orders taken for BYD Atto 3, deliveries push back into October

BYD importer EV Direct has taken orders for “thousands” of its Atto 3 electric car, thanks to a spanking new colour (maybe) and rising interest in affordable electric cars in Australia.

The new Atto 3 currently rates as Australia’s most affordable new EV, with a driveaway price from $44,990 in its standard range configuration and $47,990 with an extended range battery.

In April, the extended range Atto 3 topped The Driven’s “best bang for buck” list, delivering the most driving range per dollar.

And it appears it is proving exceedingly popular, particularly in a market where EVs are either priced above $60,000 and/or are near impossible to obtain.

According to comments made by EV Direct CEO Luke Todd to The Driven, it would appear that at least 3,600 drivers have already out down a $1,000 deposit for one.

“I can advise we’ve been overwhelmed in a positive way,” said Todd. He added that EV Direct’s order list is now “in the thousands.”

In previous comments to The Driven, Todd said that BYD’s factory in Shanghai has a dedicated line for RHD Atto 3s. The Driven understands that this assembly line has a capacity of 1,200-1,500 units a month.

EV Direct’s website originally slated the first deliveries for July. Now, the website estimates a delivery date in October for new customers wanting an extended range Atto 3. Drivers after the standard range Atto 3 will receive their car in September, according to the website.

“That is indicative of pre-orders,” he said. “There’s only so many we can deliver every month and batches for July, August and September have already been pre-ordered.”

Stylish new colour, but only on the outside

And, with a new colour now on the options list, he says, “We’re seeing a lot of interest.”

The Atto 3 is now also available in a stylish metallic red, adding to a metallic grey and metallic blue. The metallic colours cost $700 on top of the low sub-$50,000 pricing, and the car comes in white as standard.

However, the red option is only available on the extended range Atto 3. Additionally, it would appear there are no alternative colour options for the Atto 3 as yet. In a note to The Driven, Todd said that there is one internal colour for the foreseeable future.

Currently, the Atto 3 is only available with a two-tone blue and white interior with red accents.

Meanwhile, Todd says the Shanghai-wide shutdown due to the pandemic will not delay existing orders. “We have a managing risk with Shanghai and shipping – at the moment it is under control,” he said.

EV Direct will conduct test drives in Sydney from June.