Chinese electric automaker BYD on Friday rolled out its most affordable EV yet, the compact Atto 1, in Indonesia marking a strategic push into ultra‑low‑cost electric mobility. Priced at just under Rp 200 million, equivalent to approximately US$12,270, the Atto 1 is expected to be a game‑changer for entry‑level EV markets.
The newcomer, marketed in China as the Seagull and part of BYD’s Ocean Series, is built on the e‑Platform 3.0 architecture and features Blade Cell LFP battery technology for safety and cost efficiency. Equipped with a 30 kWh or optional 38.9 kWh battery, it offers a CLTC‑rated range of 305 km to 405 km, ideal for urban commuters.
BYD positions the Atto 1 as a true city car: it is a 5‑door hatchback seating four, powered by a modest 55 kW (≈75 hp) motor with 135 Nm torque. Top speed is capped around 130 km/h, reflecting its urban‑use orientation.
Despite its budget price, the Atto 1 includes a 10.1‑inch multimedia touchscreen, wireless charging, basic safety tech, and comfortable synthetic leather trim. Charging via DC fast charger supports up to 30–40 kW, reaching full charge in under an hour.
Global media and industry experts have lauded the Atto 1’s combination of low price and surprising build quality. A former GM executive described it as “efficiently done” and capable of shaking up the entry‑EV market—even at just US$11,500 in test imports to Detroit.
Analysts say BYD’s launch of the Atto 1 underscores its broader ambition to dominate affordable EV markets worldwide—leveraging economies of scale, vertical integration, and aggressive pricing to challenge competitors across Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
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