Strong demand for EVs has brought sharper prices for electric cars and SUVs, with many now below $40,000. Chinese brands are leading the charge: BYD, Geely, Jaecoo, GWM, MG, Chery, Leapmotor and others. Here are the cheapest EVs you can buy in Australia right now.
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2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo: price, specs and release date in Australia
BYD has overhauled the Atto 3 electric family SUV with its new Evo series, headlined by a rear-wheel drive variant with a bigger battery, longer range and faster EV charging. Here’s everything you need to know.
The 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo has arrived in Australia, marking a significant upgrade for the fast-growing Chinese brand’s battery-electric small-medium SUV that brings more power, extra equipment, higher tech, a longer driving range and faster charging.
The overhaul for the SUV that launched BYD onto the Australian market in 2022 – and which is now just one plank in an 11-strong EV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model line-up – also brings a unique choice with both front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive options from the single-motor powertrain.
Prices have increased with the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo, but the value equation remains strong for what’s still a cheap and affordable family EV. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
More: Research and compare new cars, SUVs and utes on sale today in Australia
In this article
- When does the 2026 BYD Atto 3 go on sale in Australia?
- How much does the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo cost?
- 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo design and specification
- 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo standard equipment and features
- What is the power and range of the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo?
- What safety and technology features on the BYD Atto 3 Evo?
The BYD Atto 3 Evo has a redesigned cockpit that frees up space around the console area.
When does the 2026 BYD Atto 3 go on sale in Australia?
Both the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic FWD (front-wheel drive) and the Atto 3 Evo Premium RWD (rear-wheel drive) are available for order now, with first customer deliveries expected to commence in September.
The 2025 BYD Atto 3 Essential is now in runout, while the previous Atto 3 Premium can no longer be ordered through BYD Australia’s online configurator.
How much does the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo cost?
The 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic FWD is priced from $41,990 plus on-road costs, which is $2000 more expensive than the outgoing Atto 3 Essential (from $39,990 plus ORCs). From there, the new BYD Atto 3 Evo Premium RWD starts from $46,990 plus ORCs.
In Victoria, private buyers can secure the Atto 3 Evo Dynamic FWD for $45,919 drive-away, while the Atto 3 Evo Premium RWD tips over $50,000 once on-road costs are added ($51,129 drive-away).
Even with the higher pricing, the BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic remains one of the cheapest electric mid-size family SUVs on the market in Australia – with the caveat that its dimensions place it closer to small SUVs, despite the official ‘medium’ classification.
Key rivals include the Geely EX5 (Complete from $45,963 drive-away for Victorian private buyers, Inspire from $50,131 drive-away), GAC Aion V (Premium from $46,180 drive-away, Luxury from $48,720 drive-away) and Leapmotor C10 (BEV Style from $47,990 drive-away, BEV Design from $50,990 drive-away).
The Deepal S07 has recently been subject to a special offer at $47,990 drive-away while the Kia EV5, MG S6 EV and Skoda Elroq all currently start at $49,990 drive-away.
The Atto 3 Evo’s larger stablemate, the BYD Sealion 7, currently starts at $54,990 drive-away for the RWD Premium variant and $63,990 drive-away for the dual-motor/AWD Performance. Sitting below the Atto 3 is the popular BYD Atto 2 small SUV, starting at $35,518 drive-away.
The Atto 3 is covered by BYD Australia’s six-year/150,000km new vehicle warranty and separate eight-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. The drive unit is covered for eight years/150,000km. Service intervals and capped price servicing costs are still to be announced, but expect the Atto 3 Evo to retain 12-month/20,000km intervals for routine logbook maintenance.
Research and compare EVs on sale: models, prices, specs, features, running costs, safety
| 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo pricing | |
|---|---|
|
Atto 3 Evo Dynamic FWD |
$41,990 |
|
Atto 3 Evo Premium RWD |
$46,990 |
The BYD Atto 3’s so-called ‘Chinese‑knot’ LED tail-lights now stretch across the full width of the SUV.
2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo design and specification
The 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo has similar looks and comparable dimensions to the SUV that made its Australian debut in 2022, and while the front-drive Evo Dynamic is based on the same platform, the rear-drive Evo Premium is underpinned by BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 EV architecture.
This brings with it several advantages for the Evo Premium, including an 800-volt electrical system (for faster DC charging), a larger high-voltage battery (for a longer range) and the rear-drive layout that improves interior packaging and, according to BYD, driving dynamics.
With packaging, the RWD model adds 56 litres of boot space to the Premium variant – taking it to 490 litres (with the rear seats upright) compared to the Dynamic’s 434L. With the second-row seats folded, the volume extends by 20 litres, from 1340 litres to 1360L.
The Premium model also offers another 101 litres of extra storage space below the bonnet with the electric motor relocated to the rear axle.
In both FWD and RWD guise, the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo has the same external dimensions as the outgoing model, measuring 4455mm long, 1875mm wide and 1615mm tall, with a 2720mm wheelbase. The Premium RWD variant does have a 5mm-wider wheel track front/rear at 1580/1585mm respectively.
BYD has redesigned the Atto 3 Evo’s daytime running lights, which now extend fully across the front fascia, while its LED tail-lights similarly stretch across the rear end. Also at the back is a redesigned rooftop spoiler that’s flared at each tip, with the integrated centre brake light now with vertical twin stripes instead of a single horizontal bar.
The lower rear bumper gets a new look, too, with a more distinctive swept-up duck tail emerging from underneath, amid other minor tweaks.
BYD’s colour palette for the Atto 3 Evo remains limited – Ski White exterior paint is standard, while Harbour Grey, Cosmos Black and (Premium-only) Atlantis Grey cost an extra $600.
Both models sport 18-inch alloy wheels, the Dynamic with a dual-tone straight-line design and the Premium featuring a five-spoke pattern with dual-tone swirls. No spare wheel is provided.
Inside, BYD has relocated the Atto 3’s gear shifter from the centre console to the steering column and has expanded the digital driver’s display to 8.8 inches (up from 5.0”).
Other key interior changes include new door panels and a revised grey interior trim, while the wireless phone charging power capacity moves from 15W to 50W.
Research and compare current BYD EVs and PHEVs on sale today in Australia
The gear selector on the BYD Atto 3 has been relocated to the steering column with the Evo series.
2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo standard equipment and features
The 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic and Premium models have a similar level of equipment, with the main points of difference found in the mechanical package.
There are, however, some detail changes, such as the Premium offering dual-zone climate control (up from single-zone on Dynamic) as well as six-way electric front passenger seat adjustment with lumbar support (four-way in Dynamic).
Overall, there’s a high level of standard equipment across the BYD Atto 3 Evo range, including:
- LED headlights, daytime running lights and tail-lights
- Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade
- Keyless entry/start with mobile Bluetooth key compatibility
- 15.6-inch touchscreen
- 8.8-inch digital instrument display
- Wireless/wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
- Electric windows with anti-trap function
- Climate-control air-conditioning with PM2.5 high-efficiency filter
- Tinted rear windows and acoustic front glass (windscreen/windows)
- Six-way driver’s seat power adjustment
- Synthetic leather seat upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Multi-colour ambient interior lighting
- One-touch open/close power tailgate
- Roof rails
- 18-inch alloy wheels with Continental tyres (235/50R18)
Research and compare BYD Atto 3 variants on sale: prices, specs, features, running costs, safety
The new BYD Atto 3 Evo has a similar footprint and appearance to the outgoing model, but changes underneath the Premium RWD are extensive.
What is the power and range of the BYD Atto 3 Evo?
The 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic uses a carryover single electric motor that drives the front wheels and produces 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque. This enables the SUV to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.
The Dynamic is based on the previous vehicle platform that runs a 400V electrical architecture, combining with a 60kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) ‘Blade’ battery. The Dynamic delivers up to 420km of claimed driving range, based on the WLTP test cycle, while maximum charging speeds are 7kW AC and 110kW DC. BYD says it needs 41 minutes to replenish the battery from 0-80% at the maximum DC rate.
The new BYD Atto 3 Evo Premium, with its 800V e-Platform 3.0 EV architecture, has a higher-output (230kW/380Nm) electric motor that drives the rear wheels and can send the SUV from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.5 seconds. It also boasts a bigger 75kWh battery that extends the driving range to 510km (WLTP) and can manage higher charging speeds – 11kW AC and 220kW DC. The latter reduces battery charging times to 30 minutes (0-80%), according to BYD.
Note that the maximum braked towing capacity of the Atto 3 Evo Premium is also higher at 1500kg, up from 750kg on the Dynamic. Both models have 3.3kW Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality, enabling external electrical devices to be powered using the high-voltage battery.
More: How to charge an electric car at home and how long it can take
| BYD Atto 3 Evo – FWD v RWD | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Powertrain |
Single electric motor/ |
Single electric motor/ |
|
Output (power/torque) |
150kW/310Nm |
230kW/380Nm |
|
0-100km/h acceleration |
7.3 seconds |
5.5 seconds |
|
Battery capacity |
60.48kWh LFP |
74.88kWh LFP |
|
Claimed range (WLTP) |
420km |
510km |
|
Energy consumption (WLTP) |
16.0kWh/100km |
16.4kWh/100km |
|
Charging capacity |
7kW (AC), 110kW (DC) |
11kW (AC), 220kW (DC) |
|
Claimed DC charging times (0-80%) |
41 minutes |
30 minutes |
What safety and technology features on the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo?
The upgrade for the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo brings a child presence detection system to the vehicle for the first time. Standard on both the Dynamic and Premium grades, the system uses sensors to detect whether an occupant remains in the car after it is locked, triggering an alert.
BYD’s suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) also includes driver monitoring that’s designed to issue timely alerts when it detects signs of driver fatigue, distraction or unsafe behaviour.
Strangely, the Atto 3 Evo’s front cross traffic alert and braking systems are only included on the Premium variant. Otherwise, the standard safety equipment list is comprehensive across the range, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist, lane departure assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward and rear collision warning
- Rear cross traffic alert and braking
- Blind spot detection
- Door open warning
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Adaptive headlights
- 360-degree surround-view camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
There are seven airbags fitted standard to the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo (dual front, dual front side and side curtain airbags as well as a front centre airbag), plus two ISOFIX and three top tether child restraint anchor points. At this stage, its connected services suite does not extend to an automatic collision notification system with emergency call (eCall), as found on the BYD Sealion 8, for example.
For infotainment tech, the 2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo offers a 15.6-inch central touchscreen as standard alongside the 8.8-inch digital driver’s display. Owners are provided with a 2GB/month data plan for two years after purchase.
Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is included, as is BYD’s intelligent voice assistant. The car also comes with AM, FM and DAB radio, an eight-speaker sound system and USB-A and USB-C ports in the front and rear compartments.
An ANCAP safety rating has not yet been announced for the upgraded Atto 3. The original model earned a maximum five-star rating, based on testing conducted in 2022..
More: The safest affordable electric cars in Australia for 2026
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