That's according to a report by CarMag , which recently travelled to China with BYD. Though it said the firm is "tight-lipped" about the likely price of the Atto 1 - known as the Dolphin Mini or Dolphin Surf in other markets - CarMag cited Chinese reports suggesting that BYD hopes to launch the model in South Africa for less than R400 000.
That would put it in contention for the title of most affordable electric car in South Africa, potentially matching the price of the until now cheapest EV locally, the Dayun S5 from Enviro Automotive - the same company launching the luxury Riddara electric bakkie in South Africa. Look out for an exclusive test-drive of the Riddara in episode 2 of TechCentral's new motoring show, Watts Wheels , out this Monday.
According to CarMag, the Atto 1 will come equipped with BYD's blade battery system and will come in several versions, offering ranges of 220km, 322km and 310km.
BYD is aggressively expanding its presence in South Africa, with the company's South Africa GM, Steve Chang, telling Reuters last month that it plans almost to triple its dealership network here by next year as it looks to grow its market share in the country.
BYD's move comes at a time of growing competition in Africa's largest automotive market, where sales of new energy vehicles are rising and other Chinese companies - such as GAC, Chery and GWM - are also making inroads.