BYD Atto 3 EV Becomes Most Affordable Electric SUV

Note: Since this article was published Chery reduced the price of 2024-plated Omoda E5 BX models to $36,990 from $42,990, making it thecheapest electric SUV.

The BYD Atto 3 is now the best value SUV with the introduction of the Essential trim with a reduced price of $39,990 plus on-road costs. The impending discontinuation of the MG ZS EV means the Atto 3 Essential will be Australia's most affordable electric SUV, undercutting the $42,990 Chery Omoda E5 BX.

Similar to the Dolphin EV, the Essential trim will replace the previous most affordable Dynamic trim, lowering the starting prices by $4509 – with no change in 350km claimed driving ranges but less features. The BYD Atto 3 range is now priced as follows:

▶️MORE: 2025 BYD Atto 3 Price and Specs

Compared to the previous Standard grade, the Atto 3 Essential features several changes. It now comes with 17-inch wheels instead of 18-inch ones, a 12.8-inch display replacing the 15.6-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker system instead of an eight-speaker stereo, and a single-tone black cabin instead of the blue/black interior.

Additionally, it no longer includes a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, roof rails, heated front seats, LED rear-side reading lights, and the 'music rhythm' function for the ambient interior lighting system.

The powertrain specifications remain the same as the previous base variants. The Atto 3 Essential is equipped with a150kW/310Nm electric motor and a 49.9kWh battery.

Following strong uptake in 2024, the Australian electric vehicle market is poised for even stronger growth with the imminent arrival of new models from Hyundai, XPeng, Leapmotor, and other international brands.