BYD Atto 1 vs Fiat 500e
Two electric Hatchbacks 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.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Atto 1 starts from $23,990 before on-road costs, while the Fiat 500e opens at $52,500. That makes the BYD Atto 1 the more affordable entry point by $28,510.
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 $57,750 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
The BYD Atto 1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Fiat 500e. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the BYD Atto 1 and 78% for the Fiat 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Fiat 500e packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BYD Atto 1 and 6 in the Fiat 500e.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Atto 1 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Fiat 500e gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Fiat 500e counters with BeatsAudio audio and ambient lighting that the BYD Atto 1 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 9.5 seconds.
The Fiat 500e responds with a Electric making 87kW and 220Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Fiat 500e has the clear power advantage at 87kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the Fiat 500e is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 30.1kWh (BYD Atto 1) vs 42kWh (Fiat 500e), giving WLTP ranges of 220km and 311km. DC fast charging peaks at 60kW (BYD Atto 1) vs 85kW (Fiat 500e).
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 1 measures 3,990mm long on a 2,500mm wheelbase, 359mm longer than the Fiat 500e at 3,631mm (2,322mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 440L in the BYD Atto 1 and 185L in the Fiat 500e, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 255L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m 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 9.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 3 years / 150,000km (Fiat 500e). The BYD Atto 1 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Fiat 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Fiat 500e takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 1 has a clear edge. The BYD Atto 1 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. 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 Fiat 500e?
The BYD Atto 1 is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Fiat 500e by $28,510.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Fiat 500e has the most range at 311km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Fiat 500e accepts the highest DC charging at up to 85kW.
Which is safest?
The BYD Atto 1 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 1 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Atto 1 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Fiat 500e makes the most power at 87kW. The Fiat 500e is quickest to 100km/h in 9s.
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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