Australia's Cheapest New Car Is Now Electric: BYD Slashes Atto 1 to A$19,990 Drive-Away

SYDNEY — For the first time in Australian history, the country's cheapest new car is an electric vehicle. BYD has cut the Atto 1 Essential to A$19,990 drive-away nationwide, down from A$23,990 plus on-road costs — about A$27,000 on the road — a discount of up to 26 per cent. Running until December 15, it undercuts the petrol Kia Picanto and matches the petrol MG3 Vibe's temporary deal.

Compact EV value

The Essential carries a 30 kWh LFP Blade Battery, a 65 kW front motor, 220 km of WLTP range and a five-star ANCAP rating. "At a time when Australian families are carefully considering every household expense, we're committed to making vehicle ownership more attainable," said BYD Australia COO Stephen Collins.

Electric momentum down under

The deal deepens BYD's momentum in Australia, where it ranks No. 2 year-to-date behind Toyota after August became the first month in which battery-electric cars outsold petrol vehicles. Separately, BYD has rolled out its "DiDi Xia" AI agent to the flagship Tang SUV.

Release date: September 18, 2026 · Sydney, Australia