BYD has fired back in the electric vehicle (EV) price war, with a new entry-level version of its Dolphin hatchback sliding under $30,000.
The new Essential version of the Dolphin is priced from $29,990 before on-road costs – $6900 less expensive than the now mid-spec entry-level Dynamic – and has had some features removed to get it to this price point.
BYD has applied the same treatment to its popular Atto 3 crossover, of which an Essential version is priced at $39,990 before on-road costs.
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Atto 3 Extended Range pictured
While mechanically unchanged from what were previously the entry-level Dolphin and Atto 3, the Essential versions lose features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, a wireless phone charger, and data plans.
Orders have opened for the Essential models, ahead of deliveries beginning in March.
Like the Dolphin Dynamic, the Dolphin Essential features a single 70kW/180Nm front-mounted electric motor, powered by a 44.9kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Claimed WLTP range is 340km.
The Atto 3 Essential features a single 150kW/310Nm front-mounted electric motor and a 49.9kWh Blade battery, with claimed range of 345km.
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Dolphin Dynamic pictured
We’ve contacted BYD’s local distributor EVDirect for more information on the Essential models, as well as imagery.
The new entry-level Dolphin sees BYD take the crown of Australia’s cheapest EV.
Last year, MG offered its rival MG 4 51 Excite for $30,990 drive-away and later for $32,990 drive-away. It’s now being offered for $34,990 drive-away.
GWM’s slower-selling Ora hatch is currently priced from $33,990 drive-away, while Nissan is running out its Leaf hatch at $34,990 drive-away.
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