BYD makes further cuts to ‘clear 2023 stock’

BYD New Zealand has reduced pricing further on its electric vehicle range in what it says is a move to clear out 2023 stock.

The electric vehicle market, particularly for private buyers, has been stagnant since the end of the Clean Car Discount on 31st December, with most major electric vehicle vendors making pricing cuts, some exceeding $20,000.

For BYD, that has meant brands that were previously premium priced, such as Volkswagen and Kia, entering their ‘value’ space, along with new players like KGM Mobility.

BYD has not fallen into that camp, though in the case of the Atto 3, the 60kWh model’s price reductions now exceed $11,000 since its peak price.

The Atto 3 is now priced at $51,990, down $4,000 from the most recent $55,990 price.

The 50kWh model is now $48,990, again down $11,000 from its peak price. The model has technically been pulled from sale, but local brand manager Warren Willmot says there are ‘a handful’ left.

A previous offer providing an EO Mini charger with the vehicles has now lapsed, but on the Atto, Willmot says paint and interior options are now free based on availability.

The pricing only applies to 2023 models, with 2024 versions not set for arrival until October.

The same paint and interior options for free extend to the Dolphin, which sees a more modest price drop.

The Standard model drops from $46,990 to $43,990, meaning it now undercuts the entry-level MG4 by $3,000, and is now just $1,000 more than a special deal on the entry-level Ora Good Cat. Both offer similar space and range, though the Dolphin offers a smaller battery and less performance to achieve it.

The Extended range is now $48,990, down from $52,990. This makes it $1,000 more than a specially priced extended range Ora, and $4,000 less than an MG4 Excite. The BYD offers a 60kWh battery to the 64kWh on the others, but usable capacity is similar and the Dolphin’s range is better in the real world, as are its specifications.

The Seal skips the big price cuts but does carry over Fieldays specials as its new RRP – $61,990 for the Dynamic, $69,990 for the Premium, and $81,990 for the Performance.