The BYD Atto 2 is poised to emerge as one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles from the Chinese automotive titan when it makes its European debut next month. However, its entry into the Australian market remains uncertain.

Currently marketed in China as the BYD Yuan Up, the Atto 2’s launch was confirmed by Green NCAP, a European vehicle testing agency affiliated with Euro NCAP. The vehicle is set to hit European roads this January, less than a year after its introduction in China.

While neither of the Atto 2’s nameplates—Atto 2 or Yuan Up—has been trademarked in Australia, the Atto 3 Up nameplate has been registered, suggesting it could emerge as the name under which the Atto 2/Yuan Up will be marketed if it reaches Australian shores.

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According to Green NCAP, the Atto 2 will feature a single electric motor that drives the front wheels, boasting a power output of up to 130 kW and a torque rating of 290 Nm. The European variant will be equipped with a 42.4 kWh (net capacity; 45.1 kWh gross) lithium iron phosphate battery, with Green NCAP reporting an average energy consumption of 21.9 kWh per 100 km during tests, translating to a theoretical driving range of 244 km.

It’s important to note that this figure contrasts with the approximately 312 km WLTP lab-tested range announced by BYD. Green NCAP’s assessments were conducted under challenging conditions, including a cold weather test at -7 degrees Celsius.

In the Chinese market, the Yuan Up is also available with a smaller 32 kWh gross capacity battery and a 70 kW motor paired with 180 Nm of torque. This more compact battery can be rapid charged at up to 45 kW, while the larger version supports 65 kW charging.

Weighing in at 1,590 kg, the Atto 2 is equipped with 17-inch wheels fitted with 215/60 tires. The vehicle measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm—making it 145 mm shorter, 45 mm narrower, and 60 mm lower than the Atto 3, with a 100 mm shorter wheelbase.

Notably, the base versions of the Yuan Up in China are sold without standard active safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, which will become mandatory for all new vehicles in Australia starting March 2025. Higher trims come equipped with a suite of active safety technologies, along with luxuries such as head-up displays, heated, power-adjustable front seats, and panoramic glass roofs.

The cabin features an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, complemented by either a 10.1-inch or 12.8-inch rotating central touchscreen.

While European pricing has yet to be announced, the Atto 2 is anticipated to fall below the Atto 3’s pricing bracket, which ranges from £37,695 ($74,700) to £39,695 ($78,660) in the UK. For perspective, Australian pricing for the Atto 3 ranges from $44,499 to $47,499 before on-road costs, with the Atto 3 Up potentially priced under $40,000 if introduced Down Under.

“The forthcoming product line-up looks exceptionally promising,” a BYD Australia spokesperson remarked to CarExpert earlier this month regarding the Atto 3 Up trademark. “We are evaluating the entire BYD range, and should there be significant demand for a particular model or segment, we will consider bringing it in. Discussions are ongoing, but we cannot provide any confirmations at this time.”

For more insights: Is BYD planning to introduce a more affordable electric SUV in Australia? Or check out the 2024 BYD Yuan Up: A budget-friendly baby electric SUV unveiled.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au