BYD Prepares Two Compact EVs For Australian Launch
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BYD is about to drop two new electric hatchbacks into the Australian market and, if you believe the brochure, they are the practical little revolutions we all need. The ATTO 1 and ATTO 2 arrive with sensible batteries, sensible ranges, and a prodigious appetite for technology. The launch date for the ATTO 1 is November 13, and BYD says it will be Australia’s most affordable EV. That is a bold claim, but the spec sheet makes a respectable case.
ATTO 1: A City EV That Punches Above Its Weight
The ATTO 1 is the compact model that wears its credentials proudly. Known in Europe as the BYD DOLPHIN SURF and in China as the SEAGULL, this small car has already shifted more than a million units worldwide and picked up awards including the 2025 World Urban Car of the Year and a place on TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2025 list. It uses BYD’s Blade Battery, which has won praise for safety, durability, and efficiency.
There are two trims: Essential and Premium. The Essential offers 65 kW and 175 Nm, driven to the front wheels, paired with a 30 kWh battery for up to about 220 km WLTP range. The Premium bumps output to 115 kW and 220 Nm and comes with a 43.2 kWh battery giving up to 310 km WLTP. DC fast charging will top the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, which is more than adequate for urban life and the odd longer trip.
Inside you get a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, synthetic leather seats and a decent boot. Safety is well covered with six airbags, a 360 degree camera and BYD’s Advanced Driver Assistance System. It is compact, uncomplicated and smartly packaged.
ATTO 2: Compact SUV With Proper Practicality
Step up to the ATTO 2 and you get a compact SUV that aims to feel a bit more grown up. Both Dynamic and Premium variants use a 130 kW motor and deliver 290 Nm of torque, fed by a 51.3 kWh Blade Battery that BYD claims will do up to 345 km on the WLTP cycle. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes roughly 39 minutes at a peak rate up to 82 kW.
The Dynamic is the sensible choice; the Premium is the one that tries to impress. The Premium adds a full 360 degree camera rather than a simple rear-view camera, swaps the 10.1-inch screen for a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, and upgrades the audio to an eight-speaker system. Comfort extras include power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and heated and ventilated fronts. Practicality is strong too, with up to 1,320 litres of boot space when you fold seats down and BYD’s DiPilot driver-assist suite standard across the range.
Pricing, Availability And What To Expect
BYD is pushing these models as affordable, tech-rich options for buyers who want everyday electric driving without drama. The ATTO 1’s confirmed launch on November 13 positions it as a serious contender for the title of Australia’s most affordable EV, and expressions of interest are now open ahead of orders becoming available from mid-November.
If you want to investigate further, details will be published on BYD Australia’s official channels. These two models are clearly designed to bring the maker’s battery and software advantages to a wider audience, offering sensible range, usable charging speeds and a surprising amount of kit for the money.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
