BYD backflips on service pricing, but no change to Australian warranty

UPDATE, September 1: BYD reduces service costs, but warranty unchanged

BYD has cut service pricing by up to 20 per cent for the Atto 3 electric SUV, following significant backlash from Australian buyers, including order cancellation threats.

However, the final warranty details announced by the Chinese brand last week remain unchanged, with several components covered for just 12 months – in contrast to the previously announced seven-year, unlimited-kilometre period.

The announcement caused a number of customers on social media to cancel their orders, while one buyer has created a petition that has received, as of writing, close to 1300 signatures.

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BYD has responded by cutting its capped-price servicing costs, and offering a free 12-month / 20,000km service to existing holders who purchased their vehicle before August 31, 2022.

In addition, the company – represented by third-party distributor EVDirect – will provide a 'light' service option, with fixed $189 annual services for the first five years, but only if the vehicle doesn't exceed 60,000 kilometres during that period.

According to BYD's website, this pricing applies to servicing "completed prior to [1 September 2023]", meaning EVDirect could alter these costs in 12 months' time.

Our previous coverage, below, has been updated to reflect the new service pricing.

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Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has detailed service and warranty information for Australia, as the first production examples of the Atto 3 small SUV arrive.

The brand will cover its cars with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty, and an eight-year/150,000km warranty for the electric drive unit.

BYD, which is handled by third-party distributor EVDirect locally, previously stated the Atto 3 would be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and seven-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty.

NOTE: The below video was published before the latest updates announced at the top of this story.

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However, the terms and conditions provided by BYD reveal a shorter warranty covers the following items in Australia:

Servicing for the BYD Atto 3 is required every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.

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The capped price service details can be found in the table below:

These prices include labour and required servicing parts, such as cabin air filters and brake fluid.

The company will offer a complimentary ‘safety check’ at three months or 5000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.

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For reference, key competitor MG offers a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and service pricing capped at $268 per service for the first six years with two-year/24,000-kilometre intervals for the ZS EV.

Buyers can undertake servicing at the BYD dealership network, which Eagers Automotive manages, or at 30 selected Mycar service centres spread across each state and the ACT.

Roadside assistance is offered for the first 12 months, with the option to purchase extended coverage at the time of purchase or the annual service.

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According to BYD, a service application and a range of accessories are under development.

In addition, BYD has confirmed the Atto 3’s towing capacity (750kg braked, 700kg unbraked) and roof load (50kg).

EVDirect claims it has received approximately 4000 orders for the Atto 3, with a production capacity of 3000 per month until the end of the year.

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The first units of the Atto 3 arriving in Australia are the flagship Extended Range, with the less-popular Standard Range variant hit by a delay.

As such, the start of production for the Standard Range in China has been pushed back to mid-October, ahead of local arrivals in November or December.

BYD will expand its range next year with the Dolphin small hatchback and Seal mid-size sedan, with order books for both models expected to open later this year.