The Australian automotive landscape is undergoing a radical, electric transformation, and at the heart of this disruption is Chinese giant BYD. After conquering the mid-sized SUV segment with the popular Atto 3, BYD is now setting its sights on the next frontier: the truly affordable small electric SUV.
Enter the 2025 BYD Atto 2. Slotted squarely beneath its larger sibling, the Atto 2 is not just another new model; it’s a statement. With super-sharp Australian pricing just announced, it immediately establishes a new benchmark for accessible, electric SUV motoring, effectively making fully electric vehicles a viable choice for a huge new swathe of budget-conscious Aussie buyers.
💥 The Price Point: Shattering the $35,000 Ceiling
The most electrifying news surrounding the Atto 2 is its aggressively competitive pricing. BYD has confirmed the Atto 2 will launch in Australia with a starting price that dramatically undercuts its closest direct competitors.
| Model | Price (Before On-Road Costs) | Segment Positioning |
| BYD Atto 2 Dynamic | A$31,990 | Australia’s Cheapest Electric SUV |
| BYD Atto 2 Premium | A$35,990 | Feature-Rich, Still Undercutting Rivals |
| BYD Dolphin (Hatch) | A$39,990 | Small Hatchback (Previously Cheapest EV) |
| Chery E5 | A$38,990 (Drive-Away) | Competitor Small EV SUV |
| Leapmotor B10 | A$38,990 (Drive-Away) | Competitor Small EV SUV |
The starting price of $31,990 plus on-road costs for the Dynamic model makes the Atto 2 Australia’s most affordable electric SUV, handily undercutting rivals like the Chery E5 and Leapmotor B10, which launch from nearly $7,000 more (when comparing prices before on-roads). This positioning is critical; it places the Atto 2 barely above some petrol-powered small SUVs, making the decision to go electric a genuine economic consideration for the first time for many Aussie families.
📏 Specifications: Size and Power for the Urban Explorer
The Atto 2 is a compact SUV, sitting somewhere between a city hatch and a larger family SUV like the Atto 3. Measuring 4310mm in length, it is roughly the size of a Hyundai Kona or a Toyota Corolla Cross, making it perfect for navigating Australia’s tight city streets and finding parking in crowded suburban centres.
Drivetrain and Performance (Australian Spec)
For the Australian market, BYD has simplified the powertrain, offering one potent combination across both model grades:
- Motor: Single electric motor, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Power/Torque: 130 kW / 290 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: A quick 7.9 seconds
- Battery: 51.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery
This power output is generous for a vehicle of this size and price, easily besting most similarly priced petrol rivals and ensuring brisk, confident acceleration that is essential for Australian highway merging and overtaking.
Range and Charging Reality
The single powertrain is paired with the 51.3 kWh Blade battery, resulting in a claimed WLTP driving range of 345 km.
| Specification | Detail |
| WLTP Range | 345 km |
| Max AC Charge Rate | 7 kW |
| Max DC Charge Rate | 82 kW |
| DC Charge Time (10-80%) | Approx. 38.6 minutes |
While the range is more than sufficient for urban commuters and daily duties, the maximum DC charging rate of 82 kW is functional but not class-leading. This charging speed is the main trade-off for the aggressive price point, meaning buyers planning frequent long-distance road trips will spend slightly longer at public fast chargers compared to rivals with 150kW+ peaks.
💎 Feature-Rich: The Premium Model Punch
The real benchmark-setting moment for the Atto 2 is the Premium variant, priced at $35,990 plus on-road costs. For just $4,000 more than the entry Dynamic model, the Premium adds luxury features that are almost unheard of in this price bracket:
| Atto 2 Premium Addition | Value Proposition |
| 12.8-inch Rotating Touchscreen | Upgraded from the 10.1-inch in the Dynamic, adding a sense of high-tech luxury. |
| Heated and Ventilated Front Seats | A rare inclusion in any SUV under $40,000, offering immense comfort in Australian weather. |
| Panoramic Glass Roof | Adds airiness and a premium feel to the cabin. |
| 50W Wireless Phone Charger | Essential convenience for modern drivers. |
| 8-speaker Audio System | Significant upgrade from the Dynamic’s 4-speaker system. |
| 17-inch Alloy Wheels | Adds to the SUV stance and aesthetic appeal. |
Crucially, both the Dynamic and Premium come standard with a Heat Pump, a highly efficient system that aids in maximising range in cold weather—a major plus for drivers in Tasmania, Victoria, and the Snowy Mountains. Furthermore, the Atto 2 is expected to feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, transforming the car into a mobile power bank for camping or emergencies, a feature quickly becoming a favourite among Australian EV owners.
🛡️ Safety and Assurance: Backed by BYD
While the Atto 2 has yet to receive an official ANCAP safety rating, it arrives in Australia with a comprehensive suite of safety features expected to include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Lane-Keep Assist (LKA)
In terms of long-term assurance, the Atto 2 is backed by BYD’s market-leading warranty commitment for Australian consumers: a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty (guaranteeing 70% state of health). This strong coverage provides a level of peace of mind that comfortably exceeds many established players in the Australian market.
🇦🇺 The Benchmark: Redefining Electric Affordability
The 2025 BYD Atto 2 is more than just a compact electric SUV; it represents a major turning point. By placing a fully-fledged electric SUV with a 345 km range and 130kW of power below the psychological $35,000 barrier, BYD is effectively challenging the last stronghold of the petrol car: the budget end of the market.
For the Australian buyer, the choice is now stark: Do you opt for a similar-sized petrol SUV (like a Mitsubishi ASX or Hyundai Kona), which will cost you thousands in fuel and servicing over its lifetime, or do you take advantage of the Atto 2’s super-sharp price and step into the electric future?
The Atto 2’s blend of practicality (380L boot, 1320L max), impressive power, and segment-leading features for its price makes it a truly revolutionary arrival. It sets a new benchmark for what Aussies can—and should—expect from an affordable electric vehicle. The Atto 2 is poised to not only be a sales success but to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles faster than any model before it.
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