Build Your Dreams (BYD) is the biggest producer of electric vehicles in China. But the brand was not known to the SA public, until now. The company has made its official entry into the local market with the introduction of the BYD Atto 3.

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New Name

The SA new-car market has experienced the arrival, and reintroduction, of Chinese automakers over the recent past. Badges such as Haval and Chery, which have some legacy in SA, have become a common sight on local roads.

BYD, however, is a completely new player to the SA fold. Entering the SA market with an EV is a bold step for a new brand, especially when you consider how established marques have struggled with their EV rollouts.

Click here to read about our recent visit to the 2023 Shaghai Auto Show.

Options

The BYD Atto 3 is available in two derivatives. The Standard Range version and a self-explanatory Extended Range. The Atto 3 has a 50 kWh battery as standard and 60,4-kWh should you need moer range. The smaller battery provides 345 km and the larger one 420.

Interestingly, the Atto 3 features vehicle-to-load (V2L) support. This means the car’s battery pack can supply standard 120/240 V power to run home appliances. Think of it as a small inverter system for backup power.

Both versions are powered by a single motor that drives the front wheels of the SUV. The electric drive unit provides 150 kW and 310 N.m of torque. This allows the BYD Atto 3 to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7,3 seconds before topping out at 160 km/h.

BYD Atto 3 Pricing

Standard range – R768 000
Extended range – R835 000