BYD NZ to announce Atto 1 pricing on November 6
Small electric hatch set to become NZ’s most affordable EV
BYD New Zealand has confirmed it will reveal local pricing for the much-anticipated Atto 1 mini EV — known overseas as the Seagull or Dolphin Mini — on November 6 at 7pm, with pre-sales opening at the same time.
The announcement comes just days after BYD Australia released full specifications for its version of the compact electric hatchback. While it’s expected New Zealand will receive a similar lineup, BYD NZ spokesperson Warren Willmot declined to confirm local details ahead of the announcement.
Industry insiders, however, suggest the Atto 1 could debut as New Zealand’s most affordable new EV, with prices tipped to start around $30,000 when it lands later this year.
Two-Variant Lineup Confirmed in Australia
Across the Tasman, the Atto 1 will be offered in Essential and Premium grades, both powered by BYD’s in-house Blade battery and front-wheel drive electric motors.
The Essential variant pairs a 30kWh battery with a 65kW/175Nm motor for a 220km WLTP range, while the Premium steps up to a 43.2kWh battery and 115kW/220Nm output, offering up to 310km of range.
Charging speeds differ between trims, with the Essential supporting 65kW DC and 11kW AC charging, and the Premium upgrading to 85kW DC. BYD claims a 10–80% recharge in 30 minutes on a suitable fast charger. The Premium also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability for powering external devices.
Compact but Feature-Packed
At 3990mm long, 1720mm wide, and 1590mm tall, the Atto 1 is roughly the size of a Mazda2 or Kia Picanto, yet packs an impressive tech suite. Both trims come with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, 7-inch digital driver display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to BYD’s connected App Suite, which includes YouTube, Disney+, and Amazon Books.
The Premium adds comfort and convenience upgrades such as heated front seats, wireless phone charging, power-adjustable seats, and a 360-degree camera.
Safety and Style
Safety tech includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition as standard. The Premium variant gains a 360-degree camera system for easier parking.
The Atto 1 rides on 15-inch steel wheels in Essential trim and 16-inch alloys in Premium, with both featuring LED daytime running lights. Buyers can choose from four colours — Sprout Green, Apricity White, Cosmos Black, and Arctic Blue — with a black and grey interior theme.
Performance
The Premium accelerates from 0–100km/h in 9.1 seconds, while the Essential takes 11.1 seconds. Both use MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension setups.
NZ launch imminent
When it arrives, the Atto 1 will join the Atto 2 and Atto 3 in BYD’s local range, competing against budget-friendly EVs like the GWM Ora, Dongfeng Box, and Fiat 500e.
Pricing and final New Zealand specifications will be revealed live on November 6, with BYD New Zealand promising that the Atto 1 will make electric mobility “more accessible than ever” for Kiwi buyers.
