Could BYD’s most affordable EV offering in Europe come to SA?
Image: BYD
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The BYD (Build Your Dreams) Atto 2 is based on the Chinese automaker’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture, which incorporates the proprietary Blade battery setup (a compact, layered setup that’s safe and energy-dense) and an electric motor producing 130 kW. While the soon-to-be-announced second derivative will feature a larger-capacity battery (for improved operating range), the first variant’s 45.1 kWh unit allows for a claimed all-electric range of 312 km.
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Positioned below the Atto 3, the Atto 2’s is comparable in size to a Volkswagen Golf. Exterior features include LED head and taillamps – the latter sporting an LED bridging strip. According to the automaker, the black plastic cladding applied to the Atto 2’s wheel arches reinforces its chunky SUV image. The interior features a large, landscape-oriented touchscreen infotainment system through which most functions, including the climate control is operated, digital instrumentation and a multifunction steering wheel. Ambient lighting is also present.
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Currently, the Atto 2 remains part of BYD’s European plans. However, for our December 2024 Cars for 2025 feature, the automaker’s local arm told us that it will introduce an “affordable” EV over the coming months. But whether it is the Atto 2, which is priced from €28 990 in Europe, remains to be seen.
Find the full feature in the May 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.
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