Watch out, MG ZS EV! Chinese brand BYD confirms 2022 Yuan Plus electric SUV will get a new name for Australia

BYD Yuan Plus / Atto 3 is a clear competitor to models such as MG ZS EV and Kia Niro Electric.

Another affordable electric car is about to hit the Australian market, but it's changing its name first.

Chinese electric vehicle specialist BYD will launch its first electric SUV in Australia, but the model will change its name from Yuan Plus to Atto 3 for the local market.

The new SUV is due to be unveiled this Saturday, February 19, at BYD's flagship "electric vehicle experience center" in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst.

Unlike MG, which operates as a factory importer in Australia, BYD is distributed through Nextport, which sells vehicles through its EV Direct website.

Pricing and specifications for the Atto 3 will not be revealed prior to launch, but it is expected to be close in price to its most obvious competitor, the MG ZS EV, which is currently Australia's cheapest electric SUV at $44,990. .

The Atto 3 will also compete against the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV and Mazda MX-30 Electric, as well as the Nissan Leaf and others.

BYD blew the MG away with the price of its small e6 wagon/minivan, which went on sale in very limited numbers late last year. The E6 cost $39,999 plus travel expenses, but 15 copies sold out quickly.

BYD also has another model, the T3 light commercial van, which is also sold out of its original stock.

As reported, BYD will expand its presence in Australia with more models, including the Dolphin Light City Hatchback, also known as the EA1, while a high-performance electric car and ute are also possible in the future.

As more Chinese manufacturers enter the Australian market with competitively priced EVs, this could force established manufacturers from Japan, South Korea and Europe to offer more affordable EVs.