Chinese automaker BYD, which stands for “Build Your Dreams” is the fourth largest electric car maker on earth, accounting for 7% of global EV sales in 2021 alone. With the brand having opened order books for its Atto 3 in Austrailia, a local launch seems imminent.
Founded in 2003, BYD Auto, based in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China, has managed to build a global reputation as a producer of batteries, electrified passenger cars, buses, trucks, electric bicycles and forklifts. Never heard of them? You’re certainly not alone, but it is perhaps time we find out more about the brand as it appears as if the brand may just be the catalyst for the introduction of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa.
The Australia connection
Earlier in 2022, the automotive rumour mill was abuzz with news that a new EV producer would introduce a product to the Australian market. The product in question is from BYD and is badged the ATTO 3. The model appears to be a mid-size crossover with a decidedly contemporary design. The reason its introduction to Australia is important is not only the fact that there are right-hand drive versions of BYD products but also because both markets are comparable in terms of their appetite for specific vehicles, making a clear business case for the brand to branch out and begin sales in Africa. The commercial division of BYD is already here, with two of its electric buses being used in Cape Town as part of Golden Arrow Bus Services, making them the first all-electric busses to be used commercially in Southern Africa.
The specs
The ATTO 3 measures 4 455mm long, 1 875mm wide, 1 615 tall and has a wheelbase of 2 720. Other practical considerations include a ground clearance figure of 175mm and a boot that measures 440-litres, which expands to 1 340-litres with the second row of seats folded flat. There will be two models introduced to Australia, namely a Standard and an Extended range model with a 49.92kWh and a 60.48kWh battery pack, respectively.
Both models are front-wheel drive and produce 150kW and 310Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds. The standard model weighs in at 1680kg and offers 410km of range on a single charge, and the Extended Range offers 480km of range while tipping the scales at 1 750kg. Some of the features listed by the brand include a 12.8-inch rotating central infotainments screen, a host of semi-autonomous driving aids, a premium sound system, ambient lighting, a digitised instrument cluster, keyless entry/start, a one-touch tailgate, a panoramic roof, 7 airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchor points as well as AC, DC and 220v emergency charging cable compatibility.
Pricing and local introduction
The brand confirmed earlier this year that it intends to introduce a few all-electric models to South Africa in the coming years. Looking at the starting price, at the time of writing of $44 381 Australian, the model would cost just over R500 000, making it far more attainable than other EVs of a similar size within the current local market.
Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews
Keyword: BYD auto could be SA's next EV importer