Australia's cheapest PHEV could be a BYD with 90km electric range

Key takeaways

• BYD Atto 2 DM-i PHEV approved for Australia with Q3 2026 launch expected
• Two variants offered: 122kW/40km EV range and 156kW/90km EV range
• Australian pricing unconfirmed but tipped to start below $30,000 plus on-roads

A plug-in hybrid version of the BYD Atto 2 is heading to Australia. The BYD Atto 2 DM-i has received Australian Government type approval, signalling a local launch is close, with industry sources pointing to the third quarter of 2026 as the likely window.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i specs and powertrain

Two powertrain configurations are confirmed in the Australian Design Rule documents, both using a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 72kW paired with a 145kW permanent magnet electric motor.

The entry-level Active variant combines the petrol unit with a 7.8kWh lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery, delivering 122kW of total system power, 300Nm of torque and a claimed 40km of electric-only range on the WLTP cycle. Charge it via a 3.3kW AC connection and it tops up from 15–100% in around 2.7 hours.

Step up to the Boost and the battery grows to 18.3kWh, lifting total output to 156kW while torque holds at 300Nm. Electric range jumps to 90km, the 0–100km/h sprint drops from 9.1 to 7.5 seconds, and AC charging runs at up to 6.6kW. Combined range with a full tank and a full charge is claimed at 1000km, with a weighted fuel consumption figure of 1.8L/100km.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i price in Australia

Australian pricing has not been confirmed by BYD Australia. Based on where the electric Atto 2 sits (from $31,990 plus on-road costs) and the larger BYD Sealion 5 PHEV at $33,990 plus on-roads, industry observers expect the Atto 2 DM-i to come in below $30,000 plus on-road costs. If that pricing holds, it would make it one of the most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicles on sale in Australia.

What you get inside the BYD Atto 2 DM-i

Both variants carry a 12.8-inch touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, six airbags, and a full suite of driver assistance systems including AEB, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert.

The Boost adds vegan leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, panoramic roof with powered sunshade, 17-inch alloys, wireless phone charging and Vehicle-to-Load capability at up to 3.3kW. Active comes with fabric trim and 16-inch wheels.

The Atto 2 DM-i will be the only plug-in hybrid in Australia's small SUV segment. With the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV now discontinued, there is no direct competition from mainstream brands in this space.

With type approval secured and a Q3 2026 launch expected, BYD buyers shopping below $30,000 are about to have a genuinely compelling PHEV option to consider.

Frequently asked questions

How much will the BYD Atto 2 DM-i cost in Australia?

BYD Australia has not confirmed pricing. Based on the positioning of existing BYD models, industry sources expect a starting price of under $30,000 plus on-road costs.

What is the electric range of the BYD Atto 2 DM-i?

The entry Active variant offers 40km of electric-only range, while the Boost variant extends that to 90km, both on the WLTP cycle.

When does the BYD Atto 2 DM-i go on sale in Australia?

Australian type approval has been granted and a launch during the third quarter of 2026 (July to September) is expected, though BYD Australia has not made an official announcement.