BYD is gearing up for a major expansion in Australia, with two new vehicles set to join its growing line-up before the end of the year. Among them is a particularly significant addition—the model that is likely to become the country’s most affordable fully electric car. Scheduled to arrive in showrooms this November, the BYD Atto 1 will debut alongside the already confirmed Atto 2, offering Australians another accessible option in the EV market. Known in different markets as the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin Mini, or Seagull, the Atto 1 will undercut the existing Dolphin—which currently starts at $29,990 before on-road costs—becoming BYD’s new entry-level electric model.
While official pricing for the Atto 1 has not yet been revealed, BYD Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Collins, has strongly hinted that it will be positioned to compete directly with petrol-powered rivals. If his projections hold true, the Atto 1 could sit close in price to popular small hatchbacks like the Mazda 2 (from $28,190) and Toyota Yaris (from $28,990). If achieved, this would make it one of the most competitively priced EVs ever introduced in the Australian market, lowering the cost barrier for drivers considering the switch to electric.
Details of the Australian specification are still to be confirmed, but international models provide a good indication of what to expect. In the United Kingdom, for example, the Dolphin Surf comes with a choice of two battery sizes—30 kWh or 43.2 kWh. Depending on the version, range is rated under the WLTP cycle at 220 km or 322 km respectively. Power outputs also vary by trim, with the single-motor setup delivering either 65 kW or 115 kW. Dimensionally, the Atto 1 measures 3990 mm long, 1715 mm wide, 1590 mm tall, and sits on a 2500 mm wheelbase, putting it firmly in the same size bracket as the Toyota Yaris.
But the Atto 1 is not arriving alone. The brand has also locked in the Sealion 5, due for release alongside the larger Sealion 8 in early 2026. Positioned below the Sealion 6 in terms of size, the Sealion 5 is a plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV related to the Song Pro sold overseas. Measuring 4710 mm long, 1880 mm wide, 1720 mm tall, with a 2712 mm wheelbase, it will offer practicality in a slightly smaller package than its siblings. Overseas versions use a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with a single electric motor, delivering a combined output of 120 kW and 210 Nm. Buyers can choose between two battery options—12.9 kWh or 18.3 kWh—providing WLTP electric-only ranges of 64 km or 93 km.
These new arrivals will join other models already confirmed for Australia, including the Atto 2 small electric SUV and the Sealion 8 three-row plug-in hybrid. With the addition of the Atto 1 and Sealion 5, BYD’s local portfolio will expand to an impressive 10 models—covering everything from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs.
Beyond this, BYD is also preparing to introduce its Denza premium sub-brand to Australian buyers later this year, starting with the B5 and B8 models. This move further demonstrates BYD’s ambitious strategy: not only does it want to dominate the affordable EV segment, but it also aims to compete in the higher-end market with premium offerings.
Altogether, the expansion highlights BYD’s aggressive approach in Australia, where it is positioning itself as both an affordable and technologically advanced alternative to traditional petrol-powered competitors. With the Atto 1 leading the way as the cheapest EV on sale, the company is signaling its intention to make electric mobility mainstream.