BYD Launches Australia’s First Sub-$30,000 Electric Vehicle

Attendees look at a BYD Dolphin during the 2022 Central China International Auto Show in Wuhan, Hubei province in China on July 14, 2022. Getty Images

Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled the first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia priced under $30,000.

The new “Essential” models of the Dolphin city hatchback and Atto 3 small SUV was announced overnight, with starting prices of $29,990 and $39,990 plus on-road costs, respectively.

As per media reports, these models replace their earlier counterparts, cutting entry prices by $6,900 for the Dolphin and $4,509 for the Atto 3.

It also undercuts its Chinese rival, Great Wall Motor’s Ora, which retails at $33,990 driveaway, as well as the Nissan Leaf, which retails at $34,990.

Chinese EV and regular vehicle models have made inroads into overseas markets through their low price point strategy.

Meanwhile, despite the lower cost, BYD says its cars will maintain their 350-kilometre driving range, at the cost of some features.

While the $29,990 price tag makes headlines, additional costs like registration and stamp duty might push the on-road price slightly above $30,000.

Affordable But With Fewer Features

The BYD Dolphin Essential continues with the Dynamic model’s powertrain, featuring a 44.9kWh lithium-ion-phosphate ‘Blade’ battery and a front-mounted motor delivering 70kW and 180Nm. The WLTP-rated range remains at 340km.

However, to achieve this lower price point, some standard features have been removed, claim reports.

The Essential variant does not include electric mirrors, wireless smartphone charging, rain-sensing wipers, or a panoramic sunroof—all features previously available in the Dynamic model.

New Rules Block Chinese, Russian Cars from US Roads

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has finalised new regulations that will effectively ban new Chinese and Russian cars from U.S. roads.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced the rules, which prohibit the import of hardware and software used in smart and self-driving vehicles that have strong ties to China or Russia.

As a result, new vehicles made in the United States cannot be sold if they contain such components.

The BIS stated that software-related bans will take effect for Model Year 2027, while hardware-related bans will be enforced starting in 2030 and for units without a model year by Jan. 1, 2029.

The BIS expressed concerns that connected vehicle technologies from China and Russia pose significant risks to U.S. national security, with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasising that modern cars are equipped with internet-connected technologies capable of accessing sensitive or personal information.

Electric Vehicle Growth in Australia

Australia’s EV market has shown steady progress, with sales surpassing 100,000 units in 2024, according to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).

Jake Whitehead, chief scientist at the EVC, highlighted the growth trend: “By any measure, there are more EVs on our roads today than ever before, and that is set to grow.”

Government incentives have played a role in boosting adoption.

The EVC’s State of Electric Vehicles 2024 report scored New South Wales highest on its EV policies (9/10), followed by the federal government and the Australian Capital Territory (8/10). Other states and territories received mixed scores, with the Northern Territory trailing at 4/10.

Global Trends and Infrastructure Challenges

Worldwide electric car registrations reaching nearly 14 million in 2023, a 35 percent increase from the previous year. Battery electric vehicles now comprise 70 percent of the global EV market, according to the Global EV Outlook 2023.

However, rapid adoption poses challenges.

A Melbourne University study warned that increasing EV numbers could strain Australia’s power grids, especially during peak demand.

The study, part of the Australian EV Integration project, found urban networks could handle up to 40 percent EV penetration, while rural networks faced stricter limits at 20 percent.