2026 BYD Atto 1 (Seagull) Set to Become Australia’s Most Affordable EV

BYD is preparing to launch what could be a game-changing addition to Australia’s electric vehicle market. The 2026 BYD Atto 1, known globally as the Seagull, will arrive in November 2025, positioned as the country’s cheapest new EV.

This compact hatchback has already made waves internationally, selling more than one million units across China, Europe, and the UK, where it’s also called the Dolphin Surf. For Australian buyers, it’s expected to sit below the new Atto 2 in BYD’s line-up, targeting city drivers with an affordable price tag and practical design.

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Pricing and Market Position

While BYD has not confirmed final Australian pricing, company COO Stephen Collins said the Atto 1 would be “Australia’s most affordable EV by some margin.” In China, the Seagull is priced between ¥69,800 and ¥85,800 (around A$14,800–A$18,200), and in the UK it undercuts the larger BYD Dolphin by about one-third.

Locally, this suggests the Atto 1 could be priced below the current Dolphin’s starting figure of $29,990, with estimates hinting at a launch price closer to $25,000 or even lower before on-road costs. If confirmed, that would make it the cheapest new EV available in Australia.

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Powertrain and Range Options

Globally, the Atto 1 is offered with a choice of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) Blade batteries, ranging from 30 kWh to 39 kWh. A higher-spec 43kWh version is also available in some markets. Depending on the configuration, it produces:

• 55kW of power and 135Nm of torque in entry models
• 115kW and 220Nm in the higher-output variant

WLTP-rated driving range varies between 220km and 321km, depending on battery size. Overseas, charging speeds range from 6.6kW to 11kW AC, with DC fast-charging capacity reaching up to 85kW.

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Compact Yet Practical

At 3,990mm long and 1,590mm tall, the Atto 1 sits between a city hatch and a small hatch in size. Its 2,500mm wheelbase and clever packaging allow for a usable 230-litre boot, which expands to around 900 litres with the rear seats folded down.

In overseas trims, the Atto 1 is available with 15- or 16-inch wheels and interior features such as a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment screen, 5.0-inch driver display, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Higher-spec versions add luxuries like electrically adjustable seats, memory functions, heated fronts, and a 360-degree camera system.

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Safety and Driver Assistance

Despite its budget-friendly positioning, the Atto 1 includes modern safety technologies. Overseas models feature automatic emergency braking, lane-departure assist, and adaptive cruise control, putting it on par with many higher-priced competitors.

This combination of affordability and equipment makes the Atto 1 a serious contender for buyers looking for a low-cost entry into EV ownership without sacrificing essential features.

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BYD’s Broader Australian Expansion

The launch of the Atto 1 is part of BYD’s biggest expansion in Australia yet. November 2025 will also bring the arrival of the Atto 2 small SUV, while early 2026 will see the SEALION 5 PHEV and SEALION 8 PHEV join the line-up.

These models will sit alongside BYD’s existing range, which already includes the Dolphin, Seal, Shark 6, SEALION 6, SEALION 7, and Atto 3.