One of the industry’s worst kept secrets is starting to loom large on the horizon, in the form of the BYD Seagull, which is set to start from a disruptive $21,990. This would make it Australia’s cheapest electric car.
The unfortunate catch is that it is tipped to ditch the charming Seagull name in favour of Atto 1, which would bring it in line with the Atto 3 and upcoming Atto 2 small SUV.
While not officially confirmed for Australia just yet, the Atto 1 has been confirmed for the New Zealand market and is set to arrive before the end of this year. There will be two battery options; 30kWh in the Essential variant, providing 220km of range (WLTP), and 42kWh in the Atto 1 Premium, with 310km range.
Performance ranges from 0-100km/h in a claimed 13.0 seconds for the Essential, or 9.0 seconds for the Premium. They have 65kW and 114kW, respectively.
The interior consists of a 10.1-inch rotating screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has won many hearts and minds with its mini-Lambo styling and fun driving experience. To be honest, we are quite eager to get behind the wheel when it arrives.
According to our sources, who preferred to remain anonymous, the price of the (Seagull) Atto 1 could start from as low as $21,990 for the entry model. However, full specifications and variant lineup details are yet to be officially confirmed.
Other models poised to join the lineup include the Sealion 8 large PHEV seven-seater SUV. It is based on the BYD Tang L – a vehicle which has been available in China since 2015 and helped build the foundation for the brand’s success. It is expected to land early next year.
We will also get the Fangchengbao 3 and 5, set to be renamed Tai 3 and Tai 7.
