An Australian man has made headlines as the first in his country to own China's most affordable electric vehicle (EV), the BYD Atto 1 Premium, and he's already sharing his initial impressions. But here's where it gets interesting: the price tag might not be as budget-friendly as expected.
The BYD Atto 1, known as the Seagull in other markets, has captured the attention of many with its low cost. The base model, the Atto 1 Essential, starts at an incredibly low price of $23,990 AUD (approximately $16,865 USD). YouTuber CarSauce, eager to be among the first in Australia to own this EV, pre-ordered it directly from the manufacturer's website.
CarSauce had a choice between the Essential and the more powerful Premium model. He opted for the latter, which boasts a maximum output of 115kW and a range of around 192 miles. The YouTuber also chose the unique Sprout Green color for his car, making his purchase even more distinctive.
Upon receiving his new EV, CarSauce was impressed by its appearance, stating that it looked better than the BYD Atto 1 he had seen in China. The redesigned bumper and the striking green color gave it a more aggressive look. He was also pleased with the interior, which featured power-assisted seats and a modern infotainment system, and was surprised by the spaciousness of the cabin.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite being marketed as the cheapest EV in Australia, the YouTuber ended up paying a total of $31,204 AUD (around $21,025 USD) for the car, including $3,200 AUD (about $2,224 USD) for extras like the special paint job. This was significantly more than the base price, leaving him surprised.
So, is the BYD Atto 1 Premium truly the budget-friendly option it's claimed to be? While the initial price might be low, the additional costs could catch buyers off guard. What do you think? Is this EV a steal or a potential budget buster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
