BYD Introduces Australia’s First Sub-$30,000 EV

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.

The Dolphin Essential and ATTO 3 Essential are expected to arrive in March 2025, with orders opening on Monday, 13 January 2025. This timeline provides consumers with an opportunity to secure their vehicles early for delivery in the first quarter of the year.

The Essentials range reflects BYD’s strategy to make electric vehicles more attainable for everyday Australians. By simplifying features, the company addresses cost-of-living pressures while maintaining safety and essential performance. According to EVDirect CEO David Smitherman, this range is aimed at breaking down barriers to EV adoption, offering more Australians the opportunity to transition to new energy vehicles.