Chinese EV maker, BYD entered the Indian commercial vehicle segment with its electric buses in 2017. The company is also selling the all-electric BYD e6 electric MPV in India since November 2021. The e6 electric MPV has received an overwhelming response in the commercial segment, thanks to its 520km driving range.
Now as per reports, the company is ready to enter the electric passenger vehicle segment with the BYD Atto 3. The electric SUV is scheduled to be launched during the festive season, before Diwali. It will compete against the likes of the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona EV, and the soon-to-be-launched Mahindra XUV400.
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BYD Atto 3 measures 4,455mm in length, 1,875mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2,720mm. As per reports, BYD will also unveil a wide range of new electric vehicles at the 2023 New Delhi Auto Expo. The company is also exploring feasibility to setting up a local manufacturing facility and aims to sell 10,000 locally assembled vehicles in India.
Atto 3 comes fitted with a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces up to 204hp of power and 310Nm of torque and can achieve 0-100km/h acceleration in just around 7 seconds. Atto 3 in India will be offered with a choice of two battery packs – 49.93kWh good for 320km drive range, and larger 60.48kWh for 420km range (WLTP).
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It features BYD’s signature LFP Blade battery technology, which is claimed to be safer and can tackle bad conditions better than other battery technologies. Atto3 ‘s battery can be charged using a 3-pin AC or a Type-2 AC charger. It also supports up to 80kW DC fast charging, which is claimed to charge the battery pack in less than 1 hour.
In terms of features, the BYD Atto 3 will come equipped with LED lighting system, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, powered front seats, 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, digital driver display, electric tailgate and ambient lighting. As for safety, the electric SUV gets 7 airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill descent assist, 360 degree camera, tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) etc.
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The BYD Atto 3 also comes with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistant System) with features like adaptive cruise control, collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, lane assist, rear cross traffic alert & braking, and others. As per Indian motoring media, the BYD Atto 3 which will arrive as a CKD unit is likely to be priced somewhere around INR 25-30 lac range.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com