For $23,990, you expect compromises. You expect wind noise, flimsy plastics, and a range that barely gets you to the next suburb. But as the 2026 price war hits a fever pitch, two new “Budget Kings” are challenging the narrative that cheap means nasty. We’ve put the BYD Atto 1 against the Leapmotor B10 to find out: are these entry-level heroes actually safe enough for your family, or is the $20k price tag just a high-voltage trap?

At EV Evolution, we’re obsessed with the “Total Life Savings” of the electric transition, but we also know that a bargain isn’t a bargain if it fails the “Vibe Check” on the M1. If 2024 was about luxury SUVs, 2026 is officially the year of the Cheapest EV in Australia. We’re cutting through the marketing fluff to see which basement-price entry deserves a spot in your driveway.

The Contenders: A Tale of Two Strategies

1. The BYD Atto 1: The “City-Slicker” Specialist

BYD has officially broken the $25,000 barrier with the Atto 1. This isn’t just a “compliance car”; it’s a dedicated four-seater city hatch designed to make petrol city-cars look like fossils.

• The Price: Starting at a jaw-dropping $23,990 (plus on-roads).
• The Range: 220km (WLTP) for the Essential; 310km for the Premium.
• The Vibe: It’s small, zippy, and feels significantly more “premium” than its price tag suggests.

2. The Leapmotor B10: The SUV Disruptor

If the BYD is a hatch, the Leapmotor B10 is the SUV that shouldn’t exist at this price point. Backed by the global power of Stellantis (the people behind Jeep and Maserati), Leapmotor is coming for the crown of the “Most Affordable SUV.”

• The Price: Launching at $38,990 drive-away for the Style variant.
• The Range: 400km (WLTP est.) for the Style; 450km for the Design LR.
• The Vibe: It’s a proper small SUV with a 160kW rear-wheel-drive motor. It feels bigger, beefier, and more capable for a weekend away than the BYD.

The “Cheap Car” Anxiety: Are They Actually Safe?

In the old days, a $20k car usually meant you were the crumple zone. In 2026, the data tells a different story.

BYD Atto 1 Safety: 5-Star Benchmark

Despite its “diminutive” size, the Atto 1 arrived with a full 5-star ANCAP rating. It’s packed with seven airbags (including a centre-side airbag) and the full suite of “Active Safety” tech—Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist, and even Junction Assist. In the side-impact and pole tests, it achieved full marks.

Leapmotor B10 Safety: The Euro Standard

Leapmotor hasn’t cut corners either. The B10 was engineered to meet the latest Euro NCAP 2026 standards, achieving a 5-star rating with an Adult Occupant Protection score of 93%. It features “Child Presence Detection” (so you never accidentally leave a pet or bub in the back) and advanced AEB that can spot a cyclist “dooring” risk.

The EV Evolution Verdict: If you’re worried that a cheap EV is a “death trap,” breathe easy. In 2026, the Chinese brands have realized that without a 5-star rating, they simply won’t sell in Australia. These cars are objectively safer than a 10-year-old used petrol SUV.

BYD Atto 1 vs Leapmotor: Which One Wins Your Week?

The “Human” Perspective

The BYD Atto 1 is the ultimate second car. If you’ve got a “Big” family car in the garage and you just need something for the school run and the train station, the Atto 1 is an absolute slay. It’s easy to park, costs almost nothing to run, and the Blade Battery is virtually bulletproof.

The Leapmotor B10, however, is a “First Car” contender. With 400km of range and a much larger boot, it can handle a trip to the coast or a bulk-buy at Costco without breaking a sweat. It feels more like a “Real SUV” and less like a “City Toy.”

Don’t Buy Blind: Audit Your Evolution

At EV Evolution, we don’t just want you to buy the cheapest car; we want you to buy the smartest car for your life. A $23,990 BYD might look like a bargain, but is it a bargain for you?

Use the EV Evolution Strategy Tools to settle the debate:

1. Vibe Check Tool: Is your local area “Charging Desert” or “Supercharged”? If you’re buying the Atto 1 with its 220km range, you need to know exactly where the plugs are. Our tool maps the 2026 infrastructure for your specific postcode.
2. EV Tax Savings Estimator: Even at $24k, an EV qualifies for the 0% FBT Novated Lease benefits. Run your salary through our estimator to see how a $20k EV can effectively cost you the same as a monthly bus pass.
3. 24/7 AI Strategy Agent: Still torn between BYD Atto 1 vs Leapmotor? Ask the AI: “I drive 45km a day in Brisbane and have a small dog. Should I go the BYD or the B10?” It will factor in the Atto 1’s small cabin versus the B10’s SUV practicality to give you a definitive answer.

The Final Word

In 2026, “Cheap” has finally become “Good.” The BYD Atto 1 and Leapmotor B10 aren’t just budget options; they are proof that the electric revolution has reached the masses. You don’t need a $100,000 budget to get a 5-star safety rating and a car that looks like the future.

About EV Evolution

EV Evolution is Australia’s authoritative strategic platform for electric vehicle market, dedicated to providing a high-fidelity knowledge base for the next generation of drivers. In a year defined by the Federal statutory review of FBT exemptions and the rapid arrival of record-breaking affordable models, we serve as your professional co-pilot to ensure every automotive decision is data-driven and future-proof. Our EV Strategy Suite—including the EV Tax Savings Estimator, Vibe Check Tool, and 24/7 AI Strategy Agent—empowers young professionals and families to navigate complex technical and regulatory shifts with total transparency. At EV Evolution, we don’t just track the market, we provide the strategic roadmap for your transition to the new electric standard.