Final month, gross sales of the BYD overtook the Tesla Mannequin 3 to make it the second highest promoting electrical car in Australia, behind the Tesla Mannequin Y, after all. Driving on the roads in Brisbane, the BYD Atto 3 is making its presence felt. We see them wherever we exit. They’re nonetheless outnumbered by Teslas, however that may not final, as BYD has launched one new mannequin and one other is due for launch early subsequent 12 months. The BYD Dolphin is anticipated to be within the palms of consumers subsequent month, and the Seal will observe shortly after. We’re experiencing the rise of BYD in Australia.
The highest three EVs by gross sales in Australia. Photograph courtesy of Majella Waterworth.
Subsequent 12 months, I count on BYD and Tesla to each be contenders for the highest EV model title in Australia.
So, why are folks shopping for the BYD Atto 3 and never a Tesla. I suspected it was simply in regards to the cash. I used to be mistaken. Every month, my spouse and I host a espresso, cake, and EVs morning on the native tavern. Final week, Sam attended and informed us his story. He not solely had a deposit on a Mannequin Y however had additionally purchased some equipment and put in a Testa wall charger. He modified his thoughts after driving the Atto 3.
I’ve written beforehand evaluating and contrasting the BYD with the Mannequin 3. One of many recognized points with the Atto 3 was the shortage of an app. This has now been rectified, and Sam was eager to point out me the way it labored, particularly as he has to report kilometers pushed to cowl the price of electrical energy as a part of his novated lease.
When the BYD first got here to Australian shores (8 months in the past), there have been a couple of “gadgets” that had been lacking — sat nav, app, and Android Auto, for instance. As soon as these had been included, the Atto 3 got here into actual competition. Sam has a slim, curved driveway and he discovered that the Atto 3 had a greater turning circle, and with the 360-degree digital camera was capable of negotiate the tough driveway extra simply than with a Tesla.
The glass roof within the Mannequin 3 additionally prompted some considerations due to Queensland’s sizzling summers. Many individuals don’t need to spend large on a automotive after which must exit a purchase extra equipment — like a roof shade.
Sam is within the final 5 years of his working life and desires to set issues up for his retirement. Time to go electrical. He checked out what was obtainable after which took out the MG ZS EV, Kia Niro EV, and Tesla for check drives. He felt that the Niro was a superb automotive to drive however didn’t really feel prefer it was definitely worth the cash. Tesla actually felt prefer it was definitely worth the cash, so he positioned his order — then he noticed the Atto 3.
He mentioned it didn’t look fairly proper within the footage, however from a driving perspective, it felt just like their Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. There was one other promoting level — Sam and his spouse, Joanne, discovered it simpler to transition from the Eclipse Cross to the Atto 3. They anticipated that it could be harder to transition from the Eclipse to a Tesla. “The display use when driving the Tesla appeared a bit odd.” Joanne would be the principal one driving the Atto 3. She says she discovered it extra snug than the Mannequin Y.
Therefore the rise of BYD in Australia.
Sam was eager to speak about his buy via a novated lease and the benefit with which he may declare, utilizing the BYD app. “As mentioned, I bought my electrical car by way of a novated lease. I discovered the expertise to be easy, as I had performed a couple of beforehand, and the claiming of electrical energy charging prices to even be easy. My novated lease is with Alliance Leasing Pty Ltd.
“With a novated lease on an ICE car, gasoline prices could be paid out of the novated lease’s accrued funds, that are from a wage sacrifice association. This reimbursement is mostly by way of gasoline card offered for nominated service stations. I selected to make use of the 4.2 cents per km technique as outlined by the Australian Tax Workplace for residence charging prices.
“To make a declare, I merely despatched the novated lease firm a replica of my most up-to-date electrical energy invoice, and the connected screenshot for the BYD app. This offers particulars of the car beneath the novated lease (VIN and rego) and the present kilometres. (I added the date to the screenshot). As this was my first declare, I additionally offered the car buy handover doc that acknowledged the variety of km’s at pickup.”
Screenshot of app used to assert electrical energy prices on lease. Courtesy of Sam Zammit.
“Here’s what I despatched in my electronic mail to the novated lease firm for my first declare:
“As I’ve had my car for simply over a month and have funds in my NL account (thanks for arranging the transfers) I’m planning on doing a month-to-month declare for ‘gasoline’ (electrical energy to cost and run electrical automotive) primarily based upon the ATO guideline which states that for the 2022–2023 FBT 12 months or revenue 12 months, EV customers can declare 4.2c per km travelled within the 12 months for residence charging bills. Just about connected information, as of in the present day the car has performed 2223km. With 10km on the odometer at supply I’m seeking to declare $92.95. (2213 x 4.2 cents).”
Apparently, with an ICE automotive, some prices come out of your lease cash pre-tax, and a few submit tax. With an electrical car, at the moment, all prices are deducted pre-tax. I’m not a monetary advisor — please seek the advice of an accredited skilled earlier than making your financing choices. It was wonderful to listen to from Sam how shopping for his EV this manner was an excellent higher deal than the AU$6000 rebate on supply from the Queensland state authorities because of the tax benefits.
Though there was initially some resistance from finance firms to permitting wage packaging for EVs, it’s now turning into extra frequent.
Sam traded in his outdated Toyota Corolla when he bought the Atto 3 and saved the Eclipse Cross as his second automotive. The Eclipse already has a tow bar and roof racks, so they didn’t have to be fitted to the Atto 3.
As extra EV choices turn into obtainable in Australia, folks becoming a member of the rEVolution are getting extra selections each for automobiles and for financing choices. The variety of EVs can solely speed up.
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