$29,990 Dolphin dives in! BYD wins the race to price an EV under $30,000 in Australia. Cuts the price of the Atto 3 as well

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 Bruce Newton 999 Views 0 Comments Atto 3, BYD, Dolphin, Essential

Unless another brand gazumps it, BYD will become the first auto brand to sell a new battery electric vehicle priced under $30,000 in Australia.

That vehicle is the new BYD Dolphin Essential, which will be priced from $29,990 plus on-road costs when it launches in March. The move was forecast by EV Central last year.

As EV pricing currently stands it will slot in just under the $33,990 drive-away GWM Ora once on-road costs are taken into account.

But it’s still more expensive once on-road costs are taken into account than the $30,990 drive-away the MG4 Excite 51 was pitched at back in late 2024.

Joining the Dolphin Essential in the BYD line-up with be the Atto 3 Essential priced at $39,990 plus on-road costs.

Currently, the Dolphin line-up starts at $38,890 plus on-road costs for the Dynamic model, which the Essential appears to replace.

The Dolphin Premium continues.

As previously reported, facelifted Dolphin (pictured top) is expected in Australia in 2025 and we’ve asked for clarification from importer EVDirect if the new Essential line is part of that.

The Atto 3 line-up currently starts at $44,499 plus on-road costs for the Standard Range, which the Essential appears to replace. With the demise of the MG ZS EV imminent, the Atto 3 Essential will be at the forefront of compact electric SUV pricing.

The Atto 3 Long Range continues and has been renamed Premium.

BYD appears to have cut equipment rather than the powertrain performance of the Dolphin Essential and Atto 3 Essential.

The Dolphin Essential has the same 70kW/180Nm e-motor as the Dynamic, 44.9kWh battery pack and 340km range.

The Atto 3 Essential has the same 150kW/310Nm e-motor as the Standard Range, the same 49.92kWh battery pack and 345km range.

Equipment the new Dolphin Essential omits compared to the old Dynamic includes a glass roof, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, power folding exterior mirrors and rear-side glass tinting.

No revised pricing for the Premium has yet been announced.

Compared to the old Atto 3 Standard Range, equipment deletions include a glass roof, roof rails, a one-touch tailgate and heated front seats.

The rotating touchscreen drops from 15.6- to 12.8-inches, the audio system has six rather than eight speakers and it drops from 18- to 17-inch alloy wheels.

No safety equipment appears to have been dropped from either Essential model.

“This is a win for the everyday Australian, and a significant moment in Australia’s automotive evolution,” EVDirect CEO David Smitherman declared in a press release.

“We’re delivering on our commitment to simplify the transition to new energy vehicles. The ‘Essentials’ range is designed to break down another barrier to EV adoption.”

“Importantly, despite significant savings, the Essentials range doesn’t compromise on safety, driveability or range,” he added.

Orders for the two new BYD models open January 13.