This is Australia’s cheapest electric car: what do you get for $23,990? – Switzer Daily
The Australian market now has a real budget EV on offer, priced at 23,990 before on‑road costs and staking a claim as the most affordable electric car in the country. That headline price is compelling, but the true question is what that money buys you in everyday use. Here’s a fresh take on what the ATTO 1 brings to the table.
When evaluating a new electric car in 2025, three questions loom largest: how far can you go between charges, how efficiently does it use power, and how comfortable is the overall experience? A long-range number means little if the cabin feels ancient, and a plush interior doesn’t help if you’re constantly hunting for a charger. The ATTO 1 aims to balance these concerns, and the answer depends on the trim you choose.
Both trims share the same drivetrain and battery: a 35 kWh lithium‑iron‑phosphate pack delivering a claimed 320 km on the NEDC cycle. Real-world city driving will likely land closer to about 250 km, with some drivers choosing to plug in sooner for peace of mind. A single front‑mounted electric motor provides around 70 kW of power and 180 Nm of torque, translating to a practical 0–100 km/h time of just under 12 seconds—more nimble in urban traffic than highway overtakes, but adequate for everyday commuting.
Charging options are straightforward. The ATTO 1 can be plugged into a Type 2 AC source at up to 7 kW, which is a slower home setup. For active road trips and longer days, CCS2 DC fast charging is available, capable of up to 40 kW. If you manage a 40 kW charger on a trip, an 80% top‑up typically takes around 40 minutes. At home, a 7 kW wallbox will bring the battery from empty to roughly 80% in about six hours.
Two trims define the lineup, with a clear step up in features and equipment from the base to the higher spec. The entry‑level Essential keeps the price low by sticking to basics: 16‑inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, manual air conditioning, and a plastic‑finished steering wheel. The driver’s seat is manually adjusted, and while rear parking sensors are on board, there’s no front parking assist or extra driver aids beyond the essentials.
Move to the Premium and the upgrade is tangible. Wheels grow to 17 inches, exterior accents shift to chrome, and the interior swaps fabric for synthetic leather. You also get heated front seats, a leather‑wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control. A power‑adjustable driver’s seat, a powered tailgate, and ambient interior lighting add everyday convenience, while the infotainment setup remains a 10.1‑inch touchscreen with smartphone integration—though the Premium trims upgrade the sound system with more speakers. Rear passengers gain their own air vents and a center armrest, features missing on the base model.
In safety and driver assistance, the Premium trim brings a more comprehensive package: blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a 360‑degree camera. The Essential model keeps to baseline safety tech such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a reversing camera, but it omits the extra sensors and camera system.
On the road, the ATTO 1 rides on 16‑inch wheels (with the Premium stepping up to 17s) and includes LED headlights, keyless entry, a 10.1‑inch touchscreen with CarPlay/Android Auto, air conditioning, a reverse camera, and digital radio. It’s a compact city car by dimensions, measuring about 4,050 mm in length, 1,760 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall. That places it in the urban hatch class, shorter than many rivals while offering interior space that feels roomy for its footprint. A 270‑liter boot suits daily errands and short trips, though it won’t rival larger hatchbacks when you’re loading bulkier cargo.
Inside, seating fits four adults reasonably well, with the rear bench best for two adults on longer rides. The interior design emphasizes practicality and modern tech without venturing into premium materials or ultra‑high‑end touches. The essential creature comforts are present, and the user experience remains straightforward and approachable for new EV buyers.
Compared with other entry‑level electric options, the ATTO 1 makes a strong case on value. Competitors on the lower end of the EV spectrum carry higher price tags, and even the most affordable traditional combustion models have edged past the entry EV price bracket in recent times. The ATTO 1 is not just an EV bargain; it’s one of the most affordable new cars overall when considering ongoing ownership costs, assuming typical daily drives and average charging opportunities.
That said, there are compromises. Heated seats and advanced driver aids don’t come standard on the base model, and the DC fast‑charging pace—while adequate for city and short trips—lags behind industry leaders. The battery capacity is modest by today’s EV standards, so long highway stints aren’t its forte. The warranty is solid but not extraordinary: five years or unlimited kilometres, with the battery covered for eight years or 160,000 km. These terms are in line with industry norms, but not exceptional either.
In short, the ATTO 1 offers a compelling entry point for budget-conscious buyers. It blends modern styling, essential tech, and legitimate electric driving characteristics at a price point that makes a base petrol hatch look comparatively expensive. It’s best suited to city and suburban use where range concerns are minimal and daily charging is convenient. For buyers stepping into electric motoring for the first time, it marks a meaningful milestone: affordability without sacrificing the basic EV experience.
