BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle giant, is making a bold move into the Australian market with the Atto 2. This compact SUV aims to be the most affordable electric option for budget-conscious buyers, arriving in dealerships later this year starting from under $32,000 before on-road costs.
This price point puts it significantly ahead of comparable electric SUVs like the Chery E5 ($38,990 drive-away) and Leapmotor B10 ($38,990 drive-away). Notably, even BYD’s own Atto 3, which has been on sale for a while, starts at $39,990 before on-road costs.
Simple Specs and Range
The Atto 2 launches in Australia with just two trim levels: the Dynamic and the Premium. Both feature the same powertrain – a single electric motor producing 130kW of power and 290Nm of torque, coupled with a 51.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
BYD claims this setup delivers a WLTP-estimated range of 345km on a full charge. While convenient for everyday driving, it’s worth noting that the Atto 2 misses out on the more powerful motor and larger 64.8kWh battery offered in other global markets, which would have boosted its range to an impressive 429km.
Charging times are estimated at 8.2 hours from a standard household outlet for a full charge and 38.6 minutes from a DC fast charger for a 10-80% top-up.
Practical Features and Safety
Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the Atto 2 shares its underpinnings with the Atto 1 electric hatchback. It comes equipped with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear setup.
Safety features across both trims include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, emergency lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic assist, safe exit warning, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a suite of airbags.
The Premium model adds extras like a surround-view camera system, front parking sensors, larger 17-inch wheels with Hankook tyres, a panoramic sunroof with a sunshade, roof racks, power-folding mirrors, a wireless phone charger, a more expansive infotainment touchscreen, an upgraded eight-speaker sound system, and heated and ventilated front seats.
BYD Australia hasn’t yet revealed detailed servicing information for the Atto 2. However, it does offer a six-year, 150,000km warranty on the vehicle itself and an additional eight-year, 160,000km warranty specifically for the battery pack.
A Key Player in the Growing Electric Market?
BYD is making a clear statement with the Atto 2 – it wants to be a major player in Australia’s increasingly competitive electric vehicle market. By undercutting established rivals on price while offering appealing features, BYD may well attract buyers who are looking for an affordable and practical entry point into electric car ownership.
