The BYD Atto 3 has become Australia's best-selling electric SUV, but what does it really cost to own one? We break down all the costs: purchase price, charging, insurance, servicing, and depreciation.
Purchase Price and Government Rebates
The BYD Atto 3 starts at $44,999 before on-road costs. However, most Australian states offer EV rebates that can reduce this by $3,000-$7,000. In Victoria, for example, you can get a $3,000 rebate, bringing the price down to $41,999.
Charging Costs
Home charging is the cheapest option. With off-peak electricity rates around 20-25 cents per kWh, a full charge (58.56 kWh) costs about $12-15. If you drive 15,000 km per year with an efficiency of 16 kWh/100km, you'll use about 2,400 kWh annually, costing $480-600 per year.
Public charging is more expensive. DC fast chargers typically cost 40-60 cents per kWh, so a full charge might cost $25-35. If you rely mostly on public charging, your annual costs could rise to $1,000-1,500.
Servicing and Maintenance
EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol cars, so servicing costs are lower. BYD recommends annual servicing, which typically costs $300-400. This includes checking the battery, brakes, tires, and software updates. Over 5 years, expect to spend about $1,500-2,000 on servicing.
You won't need oil changes, spark plugs, or many other maintenance items that petrol cars require. Brake pads also last longer thanks to regenerative braking.
Insurance Costs
Insurance for the Atto 3 averages $1,200-1,500 per year, which is comparable to similar-sized petrol SUVs. Some insurers offer discounts for EVs, so it's worth shopping around.
Total Annual Costs
Adding it all up: Charging ($500) + Servicing ($350) + Insurance ($1,400) = $2,250 per year. Compare this to a similar petrol SUV which might cost $3,500-4,000 per year in fuel and maintenance.
Over 5 years, the Atto 3 could save you $6,000-8,000 in running costs compared to a petrol equivalent. This helps offset the higher purchase price.
Depreciation
EV depreciation is still uncertain in Australia, but early data suggests the Atto 3 holds value reasonably well. Expect 40-45% depreciation after 3 years, which is similar to many petrol SUVs. The strong warranty (6 years/150,000 km) helps maintain resale value.