Chinese EV giant BYD has reduced the Australian price of its entry level 2026 BYD Atto 1 Essential model. The cost was cut from $AU23,990 to $AU19,990, a price that includes all additional fees. This reduction means that a new electric vehicle is now cheaper to purchase than a petrol car in Australia. The Atto 1 Essential, previously the country's most affordable EV, has become the cheapest new car available across all categories, including electric, hybrid, and petrol powered vehicles.
Previously, Australia's cheapest new car was the manual 2026 Kia Picanto Sport, a petrol vehicle with a base price of $AU19,190. Its full cost exceeds that of the Atto 1 Essential. The BYD Atto 1 Essential currently shares the title with MG's petrol powered MG3 Vibe at $AU19,990 including fees, due to a cash back offer. This MG deal ends on September 30, after which the BYD Atto 1 Essential is expected to be Australia's sole most affordable new car.