Head-to-head
BYD Dolphin vs BYD Atto 1
At $23,990 the BYD Atto 1 undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $6,000 (20%) — but does the premium deliver enough of an edge to justify itself? Here's how the two compare on price, range, charging, safety and warranty.
Option A · Hatch
BYD Dolphin
The Dolphin is one of Australia's cheapest new EVs and one of the best small-car bargains, full stop. With a Blade LFP battery, full ADAS suite, and 5-star ANCAP rating, it punches well above its sticker price.
- From
- $29,990
- Range
- 427 km
- Battery
- 60.5 kWh
Option B · Hatch
BYD Atto 1
BYD's smallest electric — a city hatch that takes Australia's EV from-price down to $23,990. The Premium variant lifts range to 310 km from a 43.2 kWh battery.
- From
- $23,990
- Range
- 220 km
- Battery
- 30 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the BYD Dolphin and BYD Atto 1, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin goes 207 km further on a charge (427 vs 220 km WLTP).
- 2
Battery · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin carries a 30.5 kWh larger battery (60.5 vs 30 kWh).
- 3
Power · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin puts down 65 kW more (130 vs 65 kW).
- 4
Price · advantage BYD Atto 1
The BYD Atto 1 undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $6,000 (20%) on starting price.
- 5
DC charging · advantage BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin accepts 23 kW more DC peak charging (88 vs 65 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the BYD Dolphin wins
- ▸ 207 km longer WLTP range
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (7s vs 9.1s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (88 kW vs 65 kW)
Where the BYD Atto 1 wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $6,000
BYD Dolphin
What we like
- ✓ Among the cheapest EVs on sale in Australia
- ✓ Surprisingly long range from the Premium variant
- ✓ Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability standard
What we don't
- ✕ Funky styling won't suit everyone
- ✕ Rear seat space tighter than the Atto 3
- ✕ Limited dealer network outside capital cities
BYD Atto 1
What we like
- ✓ Australia's cheapest new EV
- ✓ BYD Blade LFP battery chemistry
- ✓ 8-year battery warranty
What we don't
- ✕ 220 km WLTP range in Essential trim limits longer drives
- ✕ Modest 65 kW power
- ✕ Not yet ANCAP tested
Frequently asked: BYD Dolphin vs BYD Atto 1
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the BYD Dolphin or the BYD Atto 1?
- The BYD Atto 1 is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $23,990 versus $29,990 for the BYD Dolphin, a $6,000 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The BYD Dolphin has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 427 km, 207 km further than the BYD Atto 1's 220 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The BYD Dolphin accepts a peak DC charging rate of 88 kW versus 65 kW for the BYD Atto 1. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The BYD Dolphin does 0–100 km/h in 7.0 seconds — 2.1 s quicker than the BYD Atto 1's 9.1 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
- Is the BYD Atto 1 better value than the BYD Dolphin?
- On paper the BYD Atto 1 is $6,000 cheaper, but trails the BYD Dolphin on the core measurable specs. The saving might still be worth it if you don't need the extra range, power or charging speed — but the BYD Dolphin is the spec-sheet winner.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
BYD Dolphin
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (207 km further per charge)
- ✓ you want quicker acceleration off the line
- ✓ you match the profile: city commuters
Choose the
BYD Atto 1
if…
- ✓ you want to save $6,000 on the sticker
- ✓ you match the profile: first-car buyers
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.