The wait is over for confirmation of the BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 pricing and specs – two of the most hotly anticipated EVs of the year. As expected, they enter as the cheapest EVs on sale.
Starting with the Atto 1, it opens from just $23,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Essential, and from $27,990 for the Premium. This makes it surprisingly cheaper than most media estimates, which pegged the Essential at around $25,000, but is somewhat dearer than the $21,990 figure we heard earlier in the year. Many leasing companies have started advertising the Atto 1 too, expecting it to be a hit with novated lease customers.
Measuring just 3990mm long, 1720mm wide and 1590mm tall, the diminutive Atto 1 has a wheelbase of 2500mm, a 4.95-0metre turning radius, with boot space that varies from 308 litres with the rear bench in play, or 1037L when folded.
It is not equipped with a frunk (front boot). This means we are getting only the longer ‘Dolphin Surf’ spec as opposed to the 200mm shorter version sold in China. Could it be offered later for the $21,990 outlay?
The Atto 1 Essential features a 30kWh LFP Blade battery, good for 220km of range (WLTP), 0-100km/h in 11.1 seconds, with a 65kW/175Nm electric motor between the front wheels. How long does the BYD Atto 1 take to charge? It can charge in just 3.5 hours via 11kW AC charging or just 30 minutes using DC fast charging. It weighs just 1294kg and has received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Upgrading to the Premium gives you far more herbs, range and equipment. Power jumps up to 115kW, while torque rises to a respectable 220Nm. Its 43.2kWh battery extends range to 310km, with the same charging times as the Essential.
As a result of the extra power, it takes two seconds less to reach 100km/h, at 9.1 seconds. Over-the-air (OTA) updates and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability give the Atto 1 an unexpected degree of capability for the outlay. Both cars are set to feature a suite of ADAS systems, with minor equipment differences between the two models.
Small SUV buyers will be keen on the Atto 2. Based on the BYD Yuan Up, it is 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm tall, riding on a 2620mm wheelbase. Prices vary between $31,990 for the Atto 2 Dynamic and $35,990 for the Premium (before on-road costs).
Either way, a single front-wheel drive spec is offered with 130kW/290Nm, and 345km of driving range (WLTP) via a 51.3kWh battery. Acceleration across 0-100km/h is claimed in 7.9 seconds.
Equipment differences include a 12.8-inch main touch-screen for the Premium versus a 10.1-inch screen for the entry Dynamic, and there’s an eight-speaker sound system instead of four in the base model. The flagship also gets a 360-degree parking camera and panoramic glass roof.
Stay tuned for local driving impressions of the Atto 2, under embargo until November 20. See below for the starting prices (excludes on-road costs):
2026 BYD Atto 1 Essential FWD 65kW, 220km range: $23,990
2026 BYD Atto 1 Premium FWD 115kW, 310km range: $27,990
2026 BYD ATTO 2 Dynamic FWD 130kW, 345km range: $31,990
2026 BYD ATTO 2 Premium FWD 130kW, 345km range: $35,990
