Another affordable electric vehicle is about to hit the Australian market, but first it’s getting a name change.
Chinese EV specialist BYD will launch its first electric SUV in Australia, but the model will change names from the Yuan Plus to the Atto 3 for the local market.
The new SUV is set to be launched this Saturday February 19 at BYD’s flagship “EV experience centre” in the inner-city Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst.
Unlike MG, which operates as a factory-backed importer in Australia, BYD is distributed via a company called Nextport, which retails via its EV Direct website.
Pricing and specification for the Atto 3 won’t be revealed until the launch, but it is expected to be close in price to its most obvious competitor, the MG ZS EV, which is currently the cheapest electric SUV in Australia at $44,990 drive-away.
The Atto 3 will also go up against the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and Mazda MX-30 Electric, as well as targeting the Nissan Leaf and more.
BYD undercut MG with pricing for its e6 small wagon/MPV that went on sale in very limited numbers late last year. The e6 was priced at $39,999 plus on-road costs, but the 15 examples were snapped up fast.
BYD also has another model in its stable, the T3 light-commercial van, that has also sold out of its initial allocation.
As reported, BYD will ramp up its presence in Australia with the launch of more models, including the Dolphin – also known as the EA1 – light city hatch, while an electric performance car and ute are also possibilities down the track.
As more Chinese makes enter the Australian market with competitive EV pricing, it could force established mainstream manufacturers from Japan, South Korea and Europe to offer more affordable electric cars.
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