BYD has revealed the full specifications of the upcoming Atto 1 electric hatchback and the Atto 2 SUV, ahead of these models’ imminent launch next month.
The Atto 1, is expected to be Australia’s cheapest EV with a price of around $25,000, although the actual price will be revealed closer to the launch in mid November. The Atto 2 is expected to be pitched around $35,000, between the BYD Dolphin and the Atto 3.
Most focus is on the Atto 1, however, because of its groundbreaking price. It will be available in two variants, the base level Essentials with a 30 kWh battery, as well a top-spec Premium variant with a 43.2 kWh battery. The small batteries are key to the lower price, although it means less range.
On the entry-level Atto 1, the Essential model will come with BYD’s 30 kWh blade battery pack, and up to 220 km of WLTP range. This variant will have a rated energy consumption of 15.5 kWh/100 km.
The smaller battery pack in the Essential variant will power a front-mounted 65 kW motor and allow a 0-100 km/h sprint in approximately 11.1 seconds.
On the charging front, this 11 kW AC charging is on offer, even on the base model, which would be welcomed by many inner city drivers who may rely on kerbside charging options.
DC charging rates of up 65 kW are also available with 30-80% time of around 25 minutes.
There will also be a top-spec Premium variant with a bigger 43.2 kWh battery pack, which is good for 310 km of WLTP range. This variant has a slightly higher consumption of 16 kWh/100 km.
That top-spec Atto 1 comes with a more powerful 115 kW motor, which reduces the same 0-100 km/h sprint time by around 2 seconds to around 9.1 seconds.
Like the Essential model, the Premium also features 11 kW AC charging as well as a peak DC charging rate of up to 85 kW.
Charging this variant at a fast charger can help get the car from 30-80% in just 22 minutes.
Both variants also offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities which would be welcomed by many owners of this hatchback.
Overall size-wise, the Atto 1 comes in just shy of 4 metres at 3,990 mm in length. It also has a height of 1,590 mm.
On the inside of this model, there’s a centred infotainment screen measuring 10.1 inches. Like other BYDs, this screen rotates and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the owner’s convenience by bringing their favourite apps into the car.
Like all other BYD vehicles in our market, it will be connected with a 4G simcard, allowing for connectivity in the car when on the go.
Locally, four colours have been revealed which would include Sprout Green, Apricity White, Cosmos Black and Arctic Blue.
The Atto 1 was officially launched at the Shanghai auto show in April 2023 as the BYD Seagull. Since then, the company has delivered over a million of these cars to customers in China and around the world.
We also had a chance to drive the Atto 1 locally last week on a test track in Victoria. In the available Premium variant, the car felt quite plush and well-built on the inside, with all the comfort features you’d expect from the brand.
Driving it around the test track showed how nimble the car really is and it has a pretty good fun factor. It doesn’t have much body roll around corners and will surprise many drivers at how composed it really is on the road.
First impressions in Australia are quite impressive, and having driven this car multiple times in China, it’s easy to see how BYD has sold over a million of these in just over 2 years.
We look forward to spending more time with the car when it lands on local roads in the coming months.
The model is expected to be officially launched in November, with pricing to be announced closer to that date.
BYD Atto 1 Australian Specs
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.