China’s EV leader is unleashing its low-cost electric cars overseas. BYD now has the first EV to cost under $30,000 in Australia. After launching an even cheaper Dolphin model, BYD said stay tuned for another big announcement on Monday.
BYD launches Australia’s first EV for under $30,000
BYD is known for its super-affordable electric cars like the Dolphin, Atto 3, and Seagull. In China, you can snag a Seagull EV for under $10,000 (69,800 yuan).
After a record year in 2024, BYD is looking for even more growth this year. The EV giant sold nearly 510,000 vehicles in December alone. In total, BYD sold over 4.27 million new energy vehicles (NEV) in 2024, up 41% from 2023. BYD’s NEV sales include EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
Now, the company is making a strong push to drive growth in overseas markets. One of BYD’s biggest targets is Australia.
Although BYD’s Dolphin was the cheapest EV when it landed in Australia in 2023, it’s now even more affordable. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, a new Dolphin Essentials trim is now available to order starting at $29,990 (plus on-road costs). It’s the first EV to start at under $30,000 in Australia.
Unlike the Standard trim, the stripped-down model does not include a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, or a wireless phone charger. It does include the same 44.9 kWh BYD Blade Battery for up to 350 km (217 miles) WLTP driving range.
BYD’s new Dolphin model is cheaper than the MG4, priced just under $31,000, including discounts. The MG4 usually starts at around $38,000.
The new trim is the latest in a series of new EV launches from BYD in The Land Down Under. Deliveries are expected to begin in March. Meanwhile, BYD will deliver the first Shark PHEV pickup models in Australia next week.
BYD’s first pickup truck starts at $57,900 before on-road costs. It will join the Atto 3 SUV, starting at $39,990, and Seal EVs, priced at $49,888, in BYD’s Australia lineup. The company is seeing strong demand, with 5,500 orders already placed.
In mid-February, BYD will launch its new Sealion 07, widely viewed as a legitimate Tesla Model Y rival. Starting at under $60,000, BYD’s new electric SUV is expected to match the Model Y at around $55,900.
EVDirect CEO David Smitherman said the company’s “objective is to support Australian consumers in the cost-of-living crisis and to help Australians in the transition to the new world of electric vehicles.”
BYD’s strong push into Australia comes after new tariffs on Chinese EV imports in the US and Europe. EVDirect said Australia is a key market as it looks to accelerate overseas sales. Smitherman said, “Stay tuned” to another major announcement from BYD Australia later today. Will BYD launch its even lower-priced Seagull? The company hinted at it just a few months ago. Check back soon for more.
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