BYD Introduces Australia’s First Sub-$30,000 EV
BYD’s Essentials range introduces Australia’s first sub-$30,000 EV, removing luxury features to focus on affordability.
BYD has announced its new "Essentials" range, which includes Australia’s first electric vehicle priced under $30,000.
The lineup features the Dolphin Essential at $29,990 and the ATTO 3 Essential at $39,990 (before on-road costs), with both models expected to arrive in March 2025. Orders will open on Monday, 13 January.
The Atto 3 Essentials range simplifies its offerings, removing the following features:
- Panoramic sunroof with electric slide and anti-trap
- One-touch open / close tailgate
- Roof rails
- DC charging port - CCS 2 Extended range (88kW), (now 70kW only for Atto 3)
- Driver and front passenger heated seats
- 15.6" intelligent rotating touch screen (now 12.6")
- Dirac HD sound®, 8 speakers (Now 6 speakers)
- Multi-color gradient ambient lighting with music rhythm (door handle)
- LED rear side reading light
- Wireless phone charger
- Connected Services Data Plan
The Dolphin Essential loses:
- DC charging port - CCS 2 Extended range(80kW), (now 60kW)
- Electrically foldable exterior mirrors
- Panoramic glass roof
- Rain sensing wiper
- Mobile phone wireless charging
- Heated Front Seats
- Tinted glass(rear window& rear windscreen)
- Mobile phone NFC key
- Mobile phone Bluetooth Key
- Exterior Colours: Ski White + Time Grey
- Connected Services Data Plan
These changes aim to provide a more accessible entry point for consumers seeking electric vehicles.
Both models retain BYD’s Blade Battery technology, which is known for its emphasis on safety and longevity. The Dolphin Essential features a 44.9kWh battery with a WLTP-certified range of 340km and 180Nm of torque. The ATTO 3 Essential is equipped with a 49.92kWh battery and offers a range of 345km (WLTP).
Safety remains a priority, with both vehicles achieving 5-star ANCAP safety ratings and standard safety features. BYD and its exclusive distributor, EVDirect, have stated that the range is designed to address cost-of-living pressures and make EV ownership more feasible for a wider audience.
“This is a win for the everyday Australian,” said EVDirect CEO David Smitherman. “We’re delivering on our commitment to simplify the transition to new energy vehicles. The Essentials range is designed to break down another barrier to EV adoption.”
Smitherman added, “Importantly, despite significant savings, the Essentials range doesn’t compromise on safety, driveability, or range.”
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The Essentials range is BYD’s new lineup of electric vehicles designed to provide a more affordable entry point for Australian consumers. It includes the Dolphin Essential, priced at $29,990, and the ATTO 3 Essential, priced at $39,990 (both prices exclude on-road costs). These models focus on affordability by simplifying certain features while retaining key safety and performance elements.
The Essentials range reduces costs by removing certain premium features from both the Dolphin and ATTO 3 models. The Dolphin Essential no longer includes items such as a DC charging port with CCS 2 extended range, electrically foldable exterior mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, rain-sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, tinted glass for the rear windows and windscreen, and mobile phone NFC and Bluetooth keys. Similarly, the ATTO 3 Essential excludes features like a panoramic sunroof, one-touch open/close tailgate, roof rails, a higher-capacity DC charging port, heated front seats, the larger 15.6-inch touch screen (now 12.6 inches), the Dirac HD sound system (reduced from eight to six speakers), wireless phone charging, and connected data plans.
Both models retain BYD’s Blade Battery technology, which is recognised for its focus on safety and durability. The Dolphin Essential is equipped with a 44.9kWh battery that offers a WLTP-certified range of 340km and delivers 180Nm of torque. The ATTO 3 Essential features a 49.92kWh battery, providing a WLTP-certified range of 345km, making it suitable for a range of driving needs.
Safety remains a core focus of the Essentials range. Despite the reduction of certain premium features, both the Dolphin Essential and ATTO 3 Essential maintain 5-star ANCAP safety ratings and standard safety features, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
