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11 December 2025

Australia's New Cheapest Electric Cars: BYD Atto 1 & 2

Cheap EVs are no longer just a headline.

With the BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2, Australia finally has an electric city car and SUV that start in the low to mid $20k and $30k range before on road costs.

For employees who can salary package a car, that changes everything. Pair these prices with the Electric Car Discount and a novated lease and you are looking at some of the most affordable ways to get into a brand new EV today.

And the real game changer?

Novated lease pricing for eligible employees currently starts from just $58 per week for the Atto 1 and $82 per week for the Atto 2 (plus running costs).


The Affordability Problem These BYDs Solve

Lots of people like the idea of going electric.

Then they see the price and quietly close the browser tab.

For years, the biggest barrier has been simple: Up front cost. Even with lower running costs, many EVs have still felt out of reach for everyday drivers on a salary.

The BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 tackle that head on:

For anyone that has been waiting for an EV that fits both their lifestyle and their budget, these two models are where the conversation starts. 

Under a novated lease, the budget moves even further.

Instead of saving for a big upfront deposit or paying full price from take-home pay, eligible EVs like these allow many employees to pay for the vehicle and running costs using pre-tax earnings. 

BYD Atto 1:

The Atto 1 is a compact city hatch, similar in size to a Mazda 2 or a Suzuki Swift, but with a larger boot than most small petrol hatches.

Two versions are coming to Australia:

1. Atto 1 Essential

2. Atto 1 Premium

Both include:

Novated Lease Pricing Snapshot: BYD Atto 1 Essential from $58 per week plus running costs.

That's a brand new EV for less than most people spend on petrol each week.

BYD Atto 2:

If you like sitting a bit higher or need extra space, the Atto 2 steps in. It sits below the Atto 3 in BYD's line-up but still offers practical space and strong range.

Key points:

It is a strong option if you want:

Novated leasing pricing snapshot: BYD Atto 2 Dynamic from $82 per week plus running costs.

For many families, this puts a brand new electric SUV at a weekly cost comparable to a mid-range petrol Corolla, Mazda CX-4 or Mitsubishi ASX.


Why These Sticker Prices Look Even Better with a Novated Lease

The sticker price is only half the story. 

When you salary package an eligible electric through a novated lease, you can benefit from the federal Electric Car Discount. Eligible zero or low-emission vehicles under the luxury car tax threshold are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax.

Both the BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 sit well below that threshold, so they are expected to qualify.

Combine:

...and the total cost of ownership can fall below many petrol cars of the same size. 

That is the big shift. The numbers finally make sense for everyday employees, not just tech lovers and early adopters. 


Ready to see if Australia's cheapest new EV works for you?

The BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 prove that electric does not have to mean expensive. With novated leasing, they become even more accessible.

Next steps:

Your first EV might be much closer than you think.