Thousands of BYD Atto 3 electric cars available before Victoria's EV rebate scheme is scrapped, but will they all sell?

After the Victorian Government announced it would can its $3000 rebate for electric car buyers at the end of this financial year - June 30 - Chinese car brand BYD via its local distributor has confirmed a total 2700 units of its sole on-sale car will be available to order before the rebate wraps up.

The first 750 units of the Atto 3, which starts from $50,900 drive-away, have already landed in Victoria ready for delivery.

Somehow, EV Direct has managed to confirm a further 1950 units (to total 2700) for delivery by the end of 2023, which means buyers remain eligible for the government's $3000 rebate if ordered this month - making it a sub-$50,000 electric car.

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The Victorian Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicle Subsidy website says only 2258 subsidy payments are available for application before the 6pm June 30 deadline, meaning not all 2700 Atto 3 buyers would be able to claim the payment, even if they did all sell.

Head of EV Direct Luke Todd says the move to confirm the 2700 cars for this year was made in direct response to the announcement from the Victorian Government, though it’s unclear whether the initial 750-car shipment was already planned for Victoria specifically, or whether the brand has taken deliveries allocated to other states to fill expected demand.

“This is great news for Victorian’s despite the subsidy ceasing abruptly,” Todd said.

“Providing a customer is eligible and signs a buying contract before the end of June 30th, there is a six-month window for their car to be delivered and paid and still be eligible for the $3000 rebate.”

The BYD Atto 3 starts from $50,900 drive-away.

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A total of 2700 units has been confirmed for delivery by the end of 2023.

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Todd also confirmed that the extra Victorian allocation would not affect customers from other parts of Australia.

“Such is the strength of BYD and EV Direct’s supply capability the additional 2700 vehicles will not impact on any existing BYD customers, or any other state’s EV supply.”

The company is set to announce pricing for its next model, the more affordable Dolphin electric car, on the later this month, though it’s unclear if any orders placed for this car before the June 30 cutoff for the rebate would be deliverable in the next six months.