BYD says the Atto 2 DM-i occupies a gap in Australia’s small-SUV market: while petrol and conventional hybrids are available, the company says there are no direct plug-in hybrid rivals in the segment. It is also priced as Australia’s cheapest PHEV, starting at A$24,990 before on-road costs for the Essential and reaching A$29,990 for the Premium.
The two versions pair a 1.5-litre petrol engine with different-size LFP batteries. BYD claims up to 39km of electric-only driving for the Essential, which has a 7.85kWh pack, and 90km for the Premium, with an 18.03kWh pack. The company says the system can also operate as a hybrid when drivers do not plug in, using the petrol engine to generate electricity.
BYD Australia says it will stick with its EV and PHEV strategy rather than add conventional hybrids. The company expects interest in both grades and says buyers may need more information to understand how its plug-in hybrid system works.