BYD Atto 1: BYD’s tiny Atto 1 is a deliberately stripped-back, city-first electric hatch that brings battery safety, sensible packaging and genuinely low headline pricing to the mass market. In several markets, it’s being positioned around the AUD/USD-equivalent ~$25,000 point, which makes mass adoption conversations suddenly more interesting. In this quick drive review, I explain what the Atto 1 actually is, how it drives, where the compromises are, and why the arrival of an EV at this price matters.
Table of Contents
BYD Atto 1: key specs
- Battery options: small 30 kWh pack for the entry model (claimed WLTP ~220 km) and larger 39–43 kWh packs on higher trims (~310 km WLTP for the biggest offered in some markets). BYD uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) Blade batteries for safety and durability.
- Motors/power: entry models are modest (suitable for city driving); higher trims get ~115 kW/200 Nm in some markets.
- Size & packaging: It is about 3,990 mm long, has a wheelbase ~ of 2,500 mm, has a small external footprint but clever interior packaging, and has a 230 L boot that expands to around 900 L with the seats down. Its compact turning circle and light weight are aimed at urban use.
- Charging: basic DC fast-charge capability (30%–80% quoted fast-charge windows on BYD materials) and standard home AC charging — expect slowish absolute rates compared with high-power 800 V systems but fine for the car’s city role.
- Price/timing: BYD has signalled or local reporting points to a starting price around the $25,000 mark in Australia and similar positioning elsewhere; exact local pricing and equipment lists differ by market and taxes. Launch timing in Australia was reported for November 2025, with global rollouts staggered.
BYD Atto 1: Practicality & interior
BYD has squeezed commendable usability out of a sub-4-metre footprint:
- Space: clever wheelbase-to-length ratio gives usable front and rear room for average-height adults; rear headroom is OK, but legroom is tight if the front seats are set back. The boot is small in absolute terms (230 L) but expands dramatically with folding seats.
- Features: expect a pared-back list on entry models (basic infotainment, essential active safety systems), with more tech and power on the Premium trims. Importantly, BYD includes its Blade battery and safety tech across the line-up, which is a tangible safety benefit at this price.
- Build & feel: plastics are economical but fit and finish are solid for the segment. Controls are simple — which for a first EV can reduce the learning curve.
BYD Atto 1: Who should buy one?
Pick an Atto 1 if:
- You mostly drive in the city and do short daily commutes (under ~60 km/day).
- You want the lowest possible new-car electric entry without giving up modern battery safety tech.
- You value low purchase price and simple ownership over long nonstop range or ultra-fast charging.
Avoid it if:
- You take frequent long motorway trips and need fast top-up charging.
- You habitually carry three adults in the rear for long distances.
Conclusion
The Atto 1 is not a halo car; it’s an economic play. BYD has built a small EV that prioritises safety (Blade LFP battery), price and practicality for urban life. If you want a compact, safe, inexpensive EV for daily city life and you’re okay with planning for limited long-distance range, the Atto 1 deserves serious consideration. If your drives are long, fast and frequent, you’ll probably be better off with a larger-battery car — at least until public charging and range expectations catch up.
Bhakti Rawat is a Founder & Writer of InsureMyCar360.com. This site Provides You with Information Related To the Best Auto Insurance Updates & comparisons. 🔗