First electric car under $30,000! New 2025 BYD Dolphin grade slashes $6900 off its entry price to rival GWM Ora, MG4 Excite and Nissan Leaf, while mid-sized BYD Atto 3 EV SUV also gains a $4500 cheaper option

Australia’s electric car price wars are heating up once again, with BYD becoming the first-ever brand to advertise an electric car for under $30,000.

Starting at $29,990, before on-road costs, the new Essential variant will lead the two-grade Dolphin range, sitting $6900 below the outgoing Dynamic ($36,890) and $12,900 under the top-spec Premium ($42,890).

For comparison, the price cut is likely to put it on par – if not cheaper – than Australia’s cheapest EV, the GWM Ora, which starts at $33,990, drive-away.

It will no doubt undercut the Nissan Leaf EV, which is currently in run-out sale for $34,990, drive-away, and the MG4 Excite, which also costs the same.

The BYD Dolphin Essential will maintain the same powertrain as the Dynamic, which consists of a 44.9kWh lithium-ion-phosphate ‘Blade’ battery and a single electric motor mounted to the front axle, for a total output of 70kW/180Nm and a WLTP-rated range of 340km.

It misses out on previously standard features for the sake of greater value, though, with BYD confirming the Essential will not have a panoramic sunroof, electric mirrors, wireless smartphone charging, heated seats or rain sensing wipers, as offered on the Dynamic.

BYD is employing the same strategy on its popular Atto 3 model, which will also welcome a new Essential variant that kickstarts the range at $39,990, before on-road costs.

As with the Dolphin, the Atto 3 Essential will retain the same powertrain as the now defunct Standard Range variant, which consists of a 49.92kWh lithium-ion-phosphate Blade battery and a single electric motor on the front axle that delivers 150kW/310Nm and 345km of WLTP-rated range.

A larger 60.48kWh battery pack that delivers 420km of WLTP-rated range is reserved for the top-spec variant, now called the Premium.

The Atto 3 Essential will also miss out on the same features as the Dolphin Essential, though both models will maintain their respective five-star ANCAP safety ratings.

David Smitherman, CEO of BYD's Australian distributor EVDirect, said the announcement marked a significant milestone for Australia’s electric car transition.

“We’re delivering on our commitment to simplify the transition to new energy vehicles. The 'Essentials' range is designed to break down another barrier to EV adoption,” he said.

“Importantly, despite significant savings, the Essentials range doesn’t compromise on safety, driveability or range.”

Customers can order an Essential BYD Dolphin or Atto 3 from January 13, with orders to be fulfilled from March.

2025 BYD Dolphin pricing

Prices listed are before on-road costs

Variant	Price
Essential	$29,990
Premium	$42,890

 

2025 BYD Atto 3 pricing

Prices listed are before on-road costs

Variant	Price
Essential	$39,990
Premium	$47,499