Australia has a new contender for the most affordable electric vehicle on the market, with the arrival of the 2026 BYD Atto 1. This compact electric hatchback now claims the title of the country’s cheapest new EV, kicking off at $23,990 before on-road costs. Known internationally as the Seagull or Dolphin Surf, the Atto 1 enters the Australian market as BYD’s smallest and most budget-friendly offering. Despite its modest size, similar to familiar models like the Mazda 2 and Suzuki Swift, the Atto 1 manages to undercut most rival petrol and electric hatchbacks. Including on-road costs, buyers can expect a drive-away price between $25,200 and $26,500, depending on their state or territory.
For buyers looking for additional equipment and greater driving range, BYD offers the Atto 1 Premium, priced from $27,990 plus on-road costs, translating to a drive-away figure between $29,200 and $30,650 depending on regional fees. With these price tags, both versions comfortably reclaim the “cheapest EV” crown from the previously most affordable electric car, the BYD Dolphin Essential, which currently starts at $29,990 before on-road costs.
In terms of size, the Atto 1 measures 3990mm in length, 1720mm in width, 1590mm in height, and rides on a 2500mm wheelbase. This places it slightly larger than the Kia Picanto and close in dimensions to the Toyota Yaris, Mazda 2, or Suzuki Swift. Impressively, it offers a 308-litre boot, giving it more luggage space than many traditional light hatches.
Powering the Atto 1 Essential is a front-mounted electric motor producing 65kW and 175Nm, paired with a 30kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery. BYD claims a WLTP driving range of 220km and a 0–100km/h time of 11.1 seconds for this base model. Stepping up to the Premium variant brings a larger 43.2kWh LFP battery and a more powerful motor delivering 115kW and 220Nm, enabling up to 310km of range and a quicker 9.1-second sprint to 100km/h.
Both grades support DC fast-charging, with a claimed 10–80% recharge time of 30 minutes. The Essential can accept up to 65kW, while the Premium model increases that figure to 85kW. Charging from 30–100% takes 25 minutes in the base version and 22 minutes in the higher-grade model. Additionally, the entire range supports 11kW AC charging, allowing a full charge in about 3.5 hours for the Essential or five hours for the Premium.
Standard equipment across the line includes halogen headlights, 15-inch steel wheels, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, leather-look seats, and a rear-view camera. Safety technology such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centring, and traffic sign recognition is also included, though it lacks blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Upgrading to the Premium adds features like LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated and power-adjustable front seats, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera system, rain-sensing wipers, and front parking sensors.
BYD has opened orders for the 2026 Atto 1, with first deliveries expected in early December 2025, followed by larger shipments toward late December and into January.