China’s BYD Enters Australian Passenger Car Market With Atto 3 EV

Chinese car manufacturer BYD has just launched its Yuan Plus EV in Australia, where it will be dubbed the Atto 3.

Underpinning the Atto 3 is BYD’s e-platform 3.0 and it will be available in two configurations when it lands on Australian shores in July. Sitting at the base of the family will be the ‘Standard Range’ model outfitted with a 52.5 kWh battery pack that drives a front-mounted electric motor with 201 hp (150 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This model will hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds and have 400 km (248 miles) of range on the NEDC testing cycle. Prices for the Atto 3 Standard Range start at AU$44,381 ($31,834) .

Those after a little extra range can opt for the Extended Range variant. This model features the same 201 hp front-mounted electric motor but uses a 63.8 kWh battery pack. This boosts its combined range to 480 km (298 miles) and it will start at AU$47,381 ($33,986). The Atto 3 will directly rival the MG ZS EV.

Watch Also: The BYD Yuan Plus Has Dumbbell-Inspired Air Vents And An In-Built Karaoke

“2022 will see the accelerated evolution of new energy vehicles and a new start for BYD’s development in the Australian market,” BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu said in a statement at the EV’s launch. “This year, BYD will introduce several new energy passenger vehicles to the Australian market.”

The BYD Atto 3 offers 100 kW DC fast-charging and can be recharged in approximately 45 minutes. It will also be sold in Australia with a seven-year warranty and comes standard with a host of safety features. These include Automatic Emergency Braking System, Hill Descent Control, Front Collision Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Door Open Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a Rear Cross Traffic Brake function.

Found in the cabin of the Atto 3 is a large 12.8-inch infotainment screen that can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations. There is also an 8-speaker audio system, wireless phone charger, keyless entry, keyless start, a portable card key, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch digital instrument cluster and 60/40 split-fold rear seats.