BYD Atto 1 Electric Hatchback Showcased in Indonesia; Could It Be a Game Changer for India?

At the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD unveiled the Atto 1, adding another competitor to its expanding line of reasonably priced EVs in Asia. Under a different name, the model, known as the BYD Seagull in markets like China and the Philippines, enters Indonesia with the particular goal of breaking into Southeast Asia's entry-level EV market with value-driven features, affordable prices, and everyday usefulness. Now, the question is if BYD will introduce this EV to India and, if so, how it would influence the market for low-cost EVs.

What’s New in Indonesia?

The BYD Atto 1 made its Indonesian debut in two variants: the entry-level Dynamic and the top-spec Premium. Mechanically identical to the BYD Seagull already available in China and the Philippines, the Atto 1 gets its standout upgrade in the form of a larger battery and faster charging capability in the Premium trim. The Premium version features a 38.88 kWh battery pack, enabling a claimed range of 380 km (NEDC), compared to the 30 kWh battery on the standard variant that offers about 300 km.

Charging performance is also improved in the Indonesian Premium variant, with up to 40 kW of DC fast charging support, a 10 kW improvement over the 30 kW limit on the Seagull in the Philippines. In practical terms, this means quicker top-ups and more convenience for urban users. 

Specifications in Focus

Under the hood, or rather under the floor, the Atto 1 runs on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture and features a front-wheel-drive layout powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). It produces 74 bhp and 135 Nm of torque on both, modest numbers, but more than adequate for urban and suburban commutes. Whether badged as the Atto 1 or the Seagull, the vehicle’s compact size and efficient drivetrain make it suitable for emerging markets where traffic congestion, affordability, and range anxiety are key purchase drivers. 

Size Matters

The Atto 1 slots below the Dolphin in BYD’s global lineup, making it the brand’s most compact electric offering in Indonesia. It measures 3,925 mm in length, 1,720 mm in width, 1,590 mm in height, and has a 2,500 mm wheelbase. For comparison, the India-spec Citroën eC3 is slightly longer at 3,981 mm, marginally wider at 1,733 mm, and sits lower at 1,586 mm, with a slightly longer wheelbase of 2,540 mm. 

Global Positioning: A Budget EV with Growing Clout

The Atto 1, which is positioned below the BYD Dolphin, which is presently being considered for India, may be a strong urban mobility option, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where there is a growing need for small, low-maintenance cars. However, BYD would need to handle localisation, after-sales service, and price competitiveness without relying exclusively on import-friendly policies if such a model were to succeed in India.

In the Philippines, the Seagull is priced from PHP 898,000 to PHP 958,000 (approximately ₹13.70 to ₹14.62 lakh), while in Indonesia, the Dynamic and Premium trims are priced at around ₹6.8 lakh and ₹8.2 lakh respectively, thanks to favourable local policies and perhaps more aggressive pricing to encourage adoption.

What About India?

India has been waiting a long time for an electric hatchback that is not jst modern but also mass-market. With the Tiago EV and Punch EV, Tata Motors presently controls the market, but competition from international firms like BYD may hasten consumer acceptance and drive down costs. The Atto 1 (or Seagull) might be the most reasonably priced foreign EV available in India if BYD were to introduce it there, particularly in a CKD or local-assembly configuration.

The Atto 1, which is positioned beneath the BYD Dolphin, which is likely being considered for India, may be a strong urban mobility option, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where there is a growing need for small, low-maintenance cars. However, BYD would need to handle localisation, after-sales service, and price competitiveness without relying exclusively on import-friendly policies if such a model were to succeed in India.

The Potential Impact

If launched in India, the BYD Atto 1 would rival not only Tata’s affordable EVs but also challenge the Citroën ë-C3 electric hatch and future budget EVs from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. It could also serve as a gateway product for BYD’s expanding Indian portfolio, introducing more customers to its EV ecosystem and battery tech, including its proprietary Blade battery.