BYD Atto 1 vs BYD Dolphin
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 1 starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the BYD Dolphin opens at $29,990. That makes the BYD Atto 1 the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $26,389 and $32,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Atto 1 and BYD Dolphin hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 1 and 89% for the BYD Dolphin.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Dolphin packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BYD Atto 1 and 7 in the BYD Dolphin.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
30kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 65kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 65kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
44.9kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 60kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7kW AC, 60kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 1 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the BYD Dolphin gets a 12.8-inch display and 5-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 1 uses a Electric producing 65kW and 175Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.1 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin responds with a Electric making 70kW and 180Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.3 seconds.
The BYD Dolphin has the clear power advantage at 70kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 1 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 30.1kWh (BYD Atto 1) vs 44.9kWh (BYD Dolphin), giving WLTP ranges of 220km and 340km. DC fast charging peaks at 65kW (BYD Atto 1) vs 60kW (BYD Dolphin).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 1 measures 3,990mm long on a 2,500mm wheelbase, 300mm shorter than the BYD Dolphin at 4,290mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Dolphin generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 308L in the BYD Atto 1 and 345L in the BYD Dolphin, giving the BYD Dolphin a 37L advantage. The BYD Dolphin seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.4m
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Dolphin). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Dolphin if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Dolphin takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Dolphin has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 1 and BYD Dolphin?
The BYD Atto 1 is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Dolphin by $6,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BYD Dolphin has the most range at 340km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BYD Atto 1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 65kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Atto 1 and BYD Dolphin all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Dolphin has the largest boot at 345L.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Dolphin makes the most power at 70kW. The BYD Atto 1 is quickest to 100km/h in 11.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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