Globally renowned Chinese auto maker BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and power batteries (whose name stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’ ), has just introduced a new brand and new technology to the Irish market with the arrival of their all-new, all-electric BYD Atto 3, a c-segment SUV.
The Irish distributor is the long established Motor Distributors Ltd., who is also the Mercedes-Benz distributor for Ireland. The dealer network will be announced shortly.
Designed by renowned German and former Audi Group head designer, Wolfgang Egger, the eye-catching BYD Atto 3 is styled with European customers in mind. It features a distinctive sloping silhouette, and is expressive from every angle.
Equipped with high levels of standard equipment, including a panoramic sunroof, BYD’s attention to detail can be seen throughout, extending to its unique interior to give the Atto 3 an added dimension of youthful flair and personality.
The front-wheel drive Atto 3 range consists of three model variants: ‘Comfort’ and ‘Design’ trim levels followed by an ‘Active’ model variant. These are all part of the phase one scheduling of BYD’s launch into the Irish market.
Taking account of its high level of standard specification, its many innovative features, and its extensive range of high-tech elements, the Atto 3 is introduced at what its distributor says is ‘an appealingly- competitive price level’ beginning from €37,128 for the entry-level ‘Active’ version.
The ‘Comfort’ version adds just €468 (so €37,596 ) and the ‘Design’ version at €38,964 is an additional €1,368 over the Comfort model.
With more than 28 years’ experience in battery research and development, BYD is globally renowned for its pioneering technology and world-leading innovations in eMobility solutions.
BYD is the only New Energy Vehicle (NEV ) producer to have developed its own powertrain systems, power batteries, automotive semi-conductors, drive-motors and motor controller systems. BYD says that it is bringing ‘pinnacle’ technology and revolutionary battery expertise to the vehicles it produces, the Atto 3 included.
A spacious C-Segment SUV, the new Atto 3 combines modern aesthetics with great intelligence and efficiency that BYD states ‘is derived from pioneering electric vehicle technology and smart connectivity’.
An interesting feature is the industry’s first direct cooling and heating system for power batteries, BYD’s innovative system leverages the residual heat from surroundings to increases thermal efficiency by up to 20 per cent in winter.
In the Atto 3, BYD utilises ground-breaking battery technology – evolved from over 28 years’ expertise in this specialist sphere – to provide what it claims are new levels of safety, durability and performance, as well as increased battery space utilisation.
Its revolutionary, ultra-safe ‘Blade’ battery has surpassed the ‘Nail Penetration Test’, regarded as the Mount Everest of battery safety tests.
The cobalt-free Blade battery uses Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP ) as its cathode material which offers a much higher level of safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries. A very durable material, LFP has inherently excellent thermal stability and, significantly, is cobalt-free.
It adds that efficiency and longer range are further benefits of the Blade battery, providing more power density for optimum performance and efficiencies, including faster charging.
Combined, it claims that this integrated technology has been developed to deliver optimum performance and a better driving experience. With the 60.48 kWh Blade battery combined with the permanent magnet synchronous motor, the BYD Atto 3 can accelerate from 0 – 100km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
BYD Atto 3 has a claimed (WLTP combined ) electric range of 420km, with claimed energy consumption as low as 6.40kms/kWh (WLTP ), and 16.3kWh/100km or less.
Charging power is 11 kW AC 3 (Comfort and Design ), with high performance promised when it comes to recharging. With a 150KW DC charger, the battery can be replenished from (SOC ) 30 per cent to 80 per cent in just 29 minutes. Overnight charging from an almost empty battery to full range can be completed in just 6.5 hours.
It adds that the Atto 3 (all three trims ) is also equipped with an auxiliary function whereby external devices can easily be charged by the car battery.
BYD says that it boasts of a big commitment to safer driving, and the Atto 3 has a comprehensive suite of standard safety and driver assistance equipment. In Euro NCAP Safety Tests, it secured a five-star rating, achieving a score 91 per cent for adult occupant protection and 89 per cent for child occupant protection.
Smart connectivity and leading infotainment are other primary elements of the BYD Atto 3. Equipped with DiLink 4.0, its 4G intelligent connection system brings leading technology experiences, and Over-the-Air (OTA ) updates as part of the iCloud service.
GPS Navigation features as standard. A focal feature inside the BYD Atto 3 is its unique 12.8 inch rotatable touchscreen (15.6 inch on Design versions ). The portrait position works well for navigation.
It also features voice recognition delivering an abundance of connected experiences and integrated Apps, including Apple CarPlay. All told it is a very impressive package.
