Electric Feel, Petrol Backup
The Atto 2 DM-i is for buyers who like the idea of an EV but not the charging logistics. BYD says it’s the cheapest plug-in hybrid in Australia, at $24,990 for the Essential, with the Premium we drove at $29,990 – both before on-roads. The Premium pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for 156kW, and an 18kWh battery good for a claimed 90km of electric running.
Does it feel like an EV? Almost entirely. At low speeds the engine mostly tops up the battery, and when it does fire there’s barely a murmur in the cabin. When does petrol take over? Only under heavy throttle or at highway speeds, when the engine can drive the wheels directly – and even then it’s subtle. Is it quick enough? Plenty – 156kW and 300Nm is more than a small SUV needs, and the handover between power sources is seamless. What about fuel use? We averaged 4.1L/100km using around 40 per cent of the battery – nowhere near the 0.7L/100km lab claim, but an honest figure for owners who plug in.
BYD boss Stephen Collins expects the Atto 2 to rank among the brand’s best sellers, and it’s easy to see why. It drives like an EV, keeps petrol in reserve for the long haul and starts under $25,000.
✅ Buy if: you want EV manners with a petrol safety net.
❌ Skip if: you can’t plug in at home – the savings shrink fast.
🏆 Verdict: the plug-in hybrid for people who’d rather not think about it.
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