BYD enters Indonesia’s low-cost EV segment with Atto 1

BYD has launched the Atto 1—also known as the Seagull, Dolphin Mini, and Dolphin Surf in other markets—as its new entry-level EV in Indonesia, marking the model's first entry into an ASEAN country. The company has priced it aggressively, starting from just 195 million rupiah (around €10,400), with deliveries scheduled to begin in October.

Even though BYD imports the Atto 1 from China, it has managed to keep prices closely aligned with those of locally produced LCGC (Low Cost Green Car) combustion models. For instance, Honda’s Brio Satya—one of the best-selling vehicles in Indonesia—starts at 170.4 million rupiah (approximately €9,100). According to Indonesian media, the Atto 1’s unexpectedly low pricing has drawn attention from established LCGC brands including Daihatsu and Honda.

Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) Sales, Marketing and After-Sales Director Yusak Billy defended the Brio Satya’s position, stating that the Atto 1 is merely a cheap electric car and not necessarily an attractive choice for first-time buyers like Honda’s offering. Astra Daihatsu, which competes with the Ayla in the same segment, responded more positively. Tri Mulyono, Head of the Marketing & Customer Relations Division, said the company would monitor EV adoption in the sub-200-million-rupiah segment and expressed hope that the new model could support growth in Indonesia’s declining automotive market.

The Atto 1’s pricing strategy even surprised Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesia’s Minister of Industry, along with its claimed range. BYD is offering the vehicle with 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh LFP battery packs, delivering ranges of 300 km and 380 km, respectively. Both variants use a permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 55 kW and 135 Nm of torque.

In addition to the inherent advantages of electric powertrains, the Atto 1 distinguishes itself from traditional LCGC rivals with a broad range of features. The long-range variant includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, wireless smartphone charging, an NFC-based digital key, and six airbags.

BYD launched the Dolphin Surf in Europe in May, with deliveries beginning in June. The A00-segment city car has become the fastest electric vehicle in its class to reach one million units sold globally. First launched in China in April 2023, it now represents nearly 13% of BYD’s global volume. Until mid-2025, the company was manufacturing the entry-level model exclusively in China, but on 1 July, it expanded production to a new facility in Camaçari, Bahia, Brazil.

cnnindonesia.com, cnbcindonesia.com (both in Indonesian)