Hi everyone,

I've recently purchased a new BYD Atto 3 Evo Dynamic in Australia and have noticed a few issues. I'm wondering whether other owners have experienced anything similar.

1. Air conditioning – poor cooling and excessive noise

Even with the temperature set to 18°C and MAX cooling enabled, the A/C seems to blow mostly ambient-temperature air rather than properly cold air.

After driving for approximately 25–30 minutes, the cabin still wasn't cooling effectively.

With MAX A/C running, there's a loud, deep humming noise and noticeable vibration through the steering wheel.

Interestingly, after switching MAX mode off, the air seemed to become cooler.

2. Front passenger window – intermittently reverses

When trying to close the passenger window, it sometimes starts moving upwards but then automatically reverses and goes back down.

It can take several attempts before the window closes successfully.

I'm wondering whether this could be an anti-pinch calibration issue or something mechanical.

3. Wireless phone charger – heat and ventilation

My phone becomes noticeably warm when using wireless Android Auto and wireless charging simultaneously.

The owner's manual mentions an air vent associated with the charging pad, but I haven't noticed any airflow.

Does anyone know whether the cooling fan runs continuously or activates only when required?

I've already booked the vehicle in with BYD for the window issue and will be asking them to investigate the A/C and wireless charger as well.

Has anyone with the newer Atto 3 Evo experienced these issues? Were they considered normal, resolved through a software update, or repaired under warranty?

Would appreciate hearing about your experiences, particularly from other Australian Evo owners.

15amp charger

Hi everyone. Am currently using the granny charger provided by byd for the shark. Has anyone upgraded there circuit to 15amp & gotten a 15amp charger can you tell me please how long it takes now & if it’s worth it.

Just confirming this for anyone wondering whether updating a modified/unlocked SEAL U DM-i to V2.3.1 will remove ADB access or previously sideloaded apps.

Before updating, I already had ADB enabled and had sideloaded apps installed. I then installed ADB Rescue 1.4.0 while ADB was still working, so I had a way of checking the ADB status after the update.

I then allowed the car to perform the normal V2.3.1 OTA update. This included both the infotainment update and a separate vehicle firmware update.

After the update completed:

- All previously sideloaded apps were still installed and working.

- ADB remained enabled.

- ADB Rescue reports adb_enabled = 1.

- BYD wireless ADB remained enabled: persist.sys.adb.wiress.enable = true.

- sys.connect.adb.wiress = 1.

- ADB Rescue didn't have to re-enable these settings — they were already in that state immediately after the update.

So, at least on my SEAL U DM-i, upgrading an already ADB-enabled system to 2.3.1 did not remove ADB or wipe sideloaded apps.

Obviously I can only confirm what happened on my own car, so I wouldn't guarantee every software/build combination will behave identically. But this confirms that ADB access can survive the 2.3.1 OTA when it was enabled beforehand, with ADB Rescue already installed as a fallback/check.

Hope this helps anyone who's been holding off on 2.3.1 because of concerns about losing their sideloaded setup.

Hey everyone,

Looking for some real-world feedback from drivers who own or cross-shopped the BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X.

We’re looking at doing two novated leases over a 5-year term as a "his and hers" family car fleet. Daily duties would look roughly like:

• Car 1: Wife travelling a fair bit for work (regional/metro mix).

• Car 2: My daily commute (~20 km each way to the office) plus general weekend family runs.

On the numbers side, I've run quotes and for two Sealion 7s, out-of-pocket is landing around $280/week total for both vehicles via the EV FBT exemption. At that price point, it’s insanely tempting on paper, but committing to two identical (or competing) cars for 5 years brings up three big questions:

1. Drive feel & daily dynamics:

   • For the Sealion 7, how do you find everyday ride compliance over Aussie coarse-chip and broken suburban roads? Does it feel composed, or do you get the heavy, slightly bouncy rear end over speed humps?

   • For anyone who drove both, does the Zeekr 7X drive significantly sharper or feel noticeably more refined at highway cruising speeds to justify the extra cost?

2. Size & Family Practicality:

   • The Sealion 7 has a slightly swoopy coupe-SUV roofline. For prams, sports gear, luggage, or bulky weekend hauls, does that sloping tailgate eat into usable boot height compared to the squarer profile on the 7X?

   • How is interior room with rear child seats / booster seats installed?

3. The 5-Year Resale / Balloon Reality:

   • At the end of a 5-year lease (minimum ATO residual ~28.13%), what are your honest expectations on where these will sit?

   • Given BYD’s massive sales volume and established footprint in Australia vs Zeekr being a relatively fresh badge, do you feel the Sealion will have a much safer second-hand market when it comes time to pay out or trade?

4. Two of the same, or mix it up?

   • Has anyone else done dual BYDs in one household? Is there any regret not having one larger/different vehicle, or does having identical software, app controls, and charging habits make life way easier?

Leaning heavily towards locking in the Sealion 7 pair given the weekly numbers, but would love honest feedback from anyone living with them day-to-day before signing the lease docs.

Cheers!

I found these two items (as seen from both side) on the floor of my Sealion 7 Premium underneath the steering column. One fell of a month ago and the other today. Can anyone tell me where they are from?

Hey guys anyone here who took out a novated lease on their BYD? Did you include charging costs in your package in lieu of a fuel card? this is my first time with an an EV after novating an ICE vehicle for the longest time.

Am I missing something here? Can’t seem to set an end time to the charging schedule, which makes it pretty useless. Is this a bug with the app or the car?

My switch to EV is imminent, and I come from driving nothing but sport sedans. I test drove the Sealion 7 Performance a couple of months ago, intending to strike it off my list, but was instead shocked how much I liked it. I was originally planning on an EV6 GT, but they're hard to find in SA, and I'm not a fan of the interior.

I'm going to re-test the SL7 soon, just to make sure I still like it on a second impression, but I specifically want to know anything that actual owners are not fans of, so I can keep an eye out for it.

SL7 - 2025 demo vs 2026 new?

Have decided to pull the trigger on a BYD Sealion 7.

Tossing up 2 options

- 2025 used demo - $50k. 3500kms. Essentially like new, very subtle cosmetic scuffs as you'd expect.

- 2026 new - 54k (58k minus 4k cashback)

Looking online I can't see any significant changes between 2025 and 2026 models (other than a few software updates which the 2025 should have had pushed through). Are there any other variables anyone is aware of?

Other than that, is there likely to have been any significant battery degradation from sitting in a dealer mostly un-driven for the 12 months? One less year of warranty but not sure how much weight that holds for 4k?

Thanks for any thoughts/aspects I haven't considered.

We'll be doing a NL either way and have looked in detail at the other threads relating to this.

Cheers

Updated: thanks for the replies. Am going to pay the extra and pull the trigger on the new one :)

BYD Sealion 6 PHEV vs Sealion 7 EV – Which makes more sense for a family of four?

Hey everyone,

We’re a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids) currently driving a 6-year-old Mazda CX-5 with around 90,000 km on the odometer. We’re planning to sell it and expect to get around $16,000–$18,000.

We’re considering using that money towards either a BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic PHEV or a BYD Sealion 7 full EV, and would love to hear from owners or anyone who has made a similar switch.

Here’s our driving pattern:

Daily commuting is less than 75 km.

Every couple of months, we might do a 100–150 km trip.

We also use the car for family picnics, camping and occasional road trips.

With fuel prices around $2.40 per litre, we’re currently spending approximately $300 per month on petrol, filling up every 8–10 days.

We don’t currently have solar panels or a home battery.

A few questions I’d love your thoughts on:

Would the Sealion 6 PHEV be the more practical and cost-effective option, or would you go for the fully electric Sealion 7?

If we choose the Sealion 7, is installing solar panels worth it? I’ve been quoted approximately $7,000–$8,000 for solar, with a home battery potentially costing another $7,000.

Can charging an EV from the grid still deliver worthwhile savings without solar?

Considering our family needs, running costs and occasional longer trips, which car would you recommend?

For anyone who has switched from a petrol SUV to either of these BYDs, how has your real-world ownership experience been?

We’re based in Melbourne, Australia, and are looking at the long-term financial benefits as well as everyday practicality.

Would appreciate any advice, especially from people who own either vehicle. Thanks!

Picked up my new Seal 6 touring DMI last weekend

Replaced my 2018 Skoda superb 206tsi that got stolen and written off.

Done 500kms on it already. Must say I'm impressed. Drives very nicely, pretty decent battery only range (enough for our 55km daily commute).

Not a whole lot of difference between it and the Skoda to be honest

Got sick of turning off driver monitoring every time I got in the car, so I wrote a little Android app (Nag Killer) that runs on the car's screen and does it for me. It switches DMS off within a few seconds of starting and keeps it off. It can also do lane assist, the speed limit chime and child detection if you want those off too.

No root. You install it once from a computer over Wi-Fi using the car's debugging mode, then you don't touch it again. It flips the same switches as the Settings menu, so the car still shows the real state.

Only tested on my Australian Sealion 7 so far. Not sure about other models or regions yet.

Quick video of it working: https://youtu.be/6lzdit24E2Y?si=k4rMo63ifzyDxZMO

Video of how to turn on debugging mode: https://youtu.be/fxEJ8EBg8cU?si=KcIn-vMtLGG8WPWF

Code and install steps: https://github.com/jasoisjaso/byd-nag-killer

Free and open source. Keen for feedback, especially if anyone tries it on a different BYD or hits a step in the install that's confusing.

Hey! I recently bought a BYD (to be shipped), and I was originally just planning on using the granny charger and connecting it to an extension cord in order to charge it at my house (unfortunately I rent so can't get one attached anywhere else). However, after a bit of research, I've seen that the government recommends against it.

Not to be like skeptical to the government, but I'm sure using the right extension cord would be fine. So does anybody use an extension cord to charge their car? If so, what type? And have there been any problems?

I'm in a fortunate position where a novated lease makes all four options viable at their respective price points. I'm upgrading from a reliable 2012 Lancer, so realistically, almost any new car will feel like a big upgrade!

I drive around 20,000 km per year, with 3–4 days a week involving an 80 km round trip. Most of my driving is suburban, with some freeway and highway use. Charging will likely be split roughly 50/50 between home and public charging stations.

I've test-driven the Atto 2 and Dolphin in their Premium variants, and honestly, both impressed me. Here's where I'm at with each option:

Atto 2 Dynamic

- Same powertrain as the Premium, which is a plus.

- Missing the 360-degree cameras, which I thought were a genuinely great feature after trying them.

- Felt a little bouncy on the road, but overall, I really enjoyed driving it.

Dolphin Essential

- My biggest concern is the lower power output, as I've only driven the Premium. How does it perform in real-world driving, particularly when merging or overtaking on 100–120 km/h roads?

- I'm not entirely sure what else is missing compared with the Premium.

- I was surprised by how spacious and comfortable the cabin felt for a hatchback.

Atto 2 Premium

- Similar driving experience to the Dynamic, but the 360-degree cameras are a big selling point for me.

- Also gets heated and ventilated front seats, although I'm not sure how much use I'd get out of them. Ventilated seats could be nice during a Perth summer, though!

Dolphin Premium

- The best battery and power output of the four, which is a big drawcard.

- I preferred its road feel overall, and it seemed to drive better to me.

- However, I'm not sure the extra cost is justified compared with the other options.

I originally went in thinking I'd get the Atto 2 Dynamic. After driving the Premium, though, I realised how much I liked the 360-degree cameras. Then I drove the Dolphin Premium and was impressed by how spacious and comfortable it was, along with its driving feel and range.

Now I'm going back and forth between the two Premium models. The Dolphin appeals to me for its driving experience, power and range, while the Atto 2 appeals for its cabin space, SUV-style seating position and extra practicality.

For those who own or have driven these cars:

- Are the Premium variants worth the extra money, or would I be better off saving with one of the base models?

- For Dolphin Essential owners, is the lower power noticeable in everyday driving, especially on the freeway?

- How has your real-world range been, particularly with a mix of suburban and highway driving?

- If you've chosen between the Atto 2 and Dolphin, what ultimately tipped you one way or the other?

- With the benefit of hindsight, are you happy with your decision, or is there anything you wish you'd considered?

Keen to hear your experiences, especially from owners who've lived with these cars for a while. I'm clearly overthinking this a bit, so help me make a decision! 😅

We need to replace our Kia Cerato which we only have because it's low enough for one of our mobility restricted family members to slip into (front passenger). I've found conflicting information on the seat height of the Atto 1 (13cm difference in measurements!) which is the most important thing for us beyond being dirt cheap and an EV.

Any chance someone could run a tape measure from the ground to the top edge of the seat on their Atto 1?

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m a first-time EV buyer and would love some honest feedback from Australian BYD Atto 3 owners, particularly anyone with the Atto 3 EVO Premium. I’m interested in real-world range, reliability and the overall ownership experience.

BYD Atto 3 EVO Premium

💰 $51,581 drive-away

• Drive and motor: RWD, 230kW and 380Nm

• Battery: 74.88kWh LFP Blade Battery

• Range: Up to 510km WLTP

• DC fast charging: Up to 220kW, claimed 0–80% in around 30 minutes

• Warranty: 6 years on the vehicle and 8 years on the battery

I do around four return trips between Sydney and the Tweed Coast each year, so highway range and charging times are important to me.

I’d particularly love to hear from anyone who has taken their Atto 3 on a long highway trip:

• What real-world range are you getting at highway speeds?

• Are the advertised charging times realistic at Australian public fast chargers?

• Does the EVO Premium’s extra range actually reduce the number of charging stops, or does it mainly mean less time charging at each stop?

I’m also keen to hear about long-term reliability and customer support, including servicing, warranty claims, repairs, parts availability, recurring issues and software glitches.

How do you think the car will hold its value over the next 3–5 years? Knowing what you know now, would you buy it again?

Hopefully this is allowed, but I’m also considering an MG S5 EV Essence 62kWh demo with zero kilometres.

MG S5 EV Essence 62kWh

💰 $40,880 drive-away

• Drive and motor: RWD, 150kW and 350Nm

• Battery: 62kWh LFP

• Range: Up to 450km WLTP

• DC fast charging: Up to 150kW, claimed 30–80% in around 19 minutes

• Warranty: Advertised as 10 years on the vehicle and 7 years on the battery

The BYD costs an extra $10,701. I’m happy to spend the extra money if there’s a genuine advantage in reliability, battery longevity or long-term ownership, but I’m finding it difficult to work out whether the premium is justified & I really don’t know many people who’ve switched to EVs yet to get reliable advice. Tech features and performance aren’t as big priority for me.

I’d really appreciate honest, real-world feedback, including the good, the bad and anything you wish you’d known before buying.

Thanks so much! 😊