√2023 BYD Atto 3 prices rise by $3600, existing orders protected

The BYD Atto 3 from China is no longer the cheapest new electric car on sale in Australia, after all models were hit with a $3600 hike for new orders.

Prices for the 2023 BYD Atto 3 electric car have increased by $3630 for new orders, just months after deliveries began – and weeks after they resumed following a three-week pause.

BYD’s $3630 price rise – applicable to new orders from December 8, but not existing orders – pushes the starting price for the Atto 3 Standard Range to $48,011 plus on-road costs, or $50,011 plus on-road costs for the Extended Range flagship.

The price rises mean the BYD Atto 3 loses its title of Australia’s most affordable new electric vehicle to the MG ZS EV, which is priced from $44,990 drive-away in Excite form.

Previously, the Atto 3 was available for less than the MG – but only in Tasmania, where government costs are lowest, and only by $9, with an drive-away price of $44,980.92 for the BYD. In all other states the BYD was more expensive.

A reason has not been given for the price rises, however it appears no standard specifications have changed – indicating it is more likely a result of rising manufacturing and shipping costs.

In a message to existing order holders on Thursday (December 8), BYD’s local distributor EVDirect said: “Today we will be releasing a new price for the Atto 3 which will apply for any new orders of the Atto 3.

“For clarification as an existing order holder your vehicle price will remain the same and the price increase will not apply to your order.”

The price rise comes three months after local deliveries of the BYD Atto 3 began in early September, and three and a half weeks after deliveries resumed following three weeks on hold, as concerns over the vehicle’s compliance with Australian motor vehicle regulations were resolved.

It was found the Atto 3 breached Australian vehicle compliance laws for five-seat passenger vehicles in two areas: hiding the child-seat top tether point for the centre rear seat under the carpet, and fitting accessible ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the front passenger seat.

After two rounds of delays, the first batch of sales data for the BYD Atto 3 was published this week, revealing 845 examples as sold since deliveries began – placing BYD as Australia’s second-best selling electric vehicle brand over the period.

BYD’s website says orders placed today can expect delivery in April or May 2023 – a wait of about four to five months.

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