BYD is Prioritising Tech and Value over Low Prices Despite Cheapest EV Title

Despite making recent headlines with the pricing of the 2026 Atto 1 and Atto 2, BYD’s Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division General Manager, Liu Xueliang, says the new-energy vehicle brand prioritises value and technology over low price tags. 

With their recent pricing announcements, the 2026 BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 have claimed the titles of Australia’s cheapest EV and electric SUV models, respectively. 

Priced from $23,990 before on-road costs, the Atto 1 took the most-affordable EV title away from its Dolphin stablemate. Meanwhile, the Atto 2 – priced from $31,990 before on-roads – undercut the Chery E5 and the Leapmotor B10, both of which wear a drive-away price of $38,990. 

However, these aren’t the only cheapest vehicle titles BYD currently holds. 

The Shark 6 also holds the title of Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid ute, with a price tag of $57,900 before on-road costs. 

Up until the arrival of the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid, BYD also sold Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid vehicle with the Sealion 6. The brand appears poised to take back the title with Sealion 5, which launches in Australia in early 2026. 

Speaking to CarSauce at the local launch of the BYD Atto 2, Mr Liu explained that BYD prioritises meeting technology and value requirements, rather than a low price point. 

“In terms of the product position, we actually care more about the values of the product rather than the price,” Mr Liu said. 

“So, we have a concept that all customers should enjoy the full technology from BYD.”

This philosophy is reflected in the equipment and technology highlights of both the Atto 1 and the Atto 2. 

Tech features across both models include, but aren’t limited to, mobile Bluetooth and NFC key cards, voice control, 10.1-inch infotainment screens, and comprehensive ADAS safety suites are standard on both models. The Atto 1 and Atto 2 also each support vehicle-to-load functionality and over-the-air updates. 

As for the wider BYD range, all of the brand’s current Australian lineup utilises its LFP Blade Battery technology, which, in short, is designed to be cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting than older battery technologies.

Despite prioritising value and technology over pricing, BYD’s Atto 1 is set to remain Australia’s cheapest EV for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the Atto 2 may soon face competition from the recently unveiled Leapmotor A10 for Australia’s cheapest electric SUV, although, a local launch for the latter remains to be confirmed.