Photo Credit: Getty ImagesAffordable electric SUVs have become a battleground in the U.K., especially around the £30,000 (~$40,648 USD) mark, and Electrifying (@Electrifyingcom) reviewer Lucas Cochrane said that after three months of daily driving, the BYD Atto 2 gets many family-car basics right but still falls short on price."The BYD Atto 2 looks like a compelling small electric SUV, but what is it actually like to live with every day?" the main caption asked.Here's what to knowAfter using the entry-level Atto 2 Boost as a daily driver, Cochrane came away with a mixed view.He pointed to the EV's comfortable nature, practical interior, spacious rear seating, and useful boot as positives, while faulting its loose body control, disappointing audio system, and value for money.AdvertisementAdvertisementCochrane also drew attention to the Atto 2's luggage capacity: 15.9 cubic feet (450 liters) with the rear seats in place and 48.4 cubic feet (1,370 liters) with them folded, numbers that stack up well against some well-known electric hatchbacks.Among the features he highlighted were heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, and BYD's vehicle-to-load system, which comes with a four-plug adapter.Electrifying later clarified in the comments: "For clarity the Atto 2 Boost gets a 51kWh battery with 214miles (344km) range. The Comfort gets a 64.8kWh battery with 267miles (429km) range. Apologies for that!"More backgroundCochrane said the Atto 2 delivers several traits people often want from an EV, such as quiet operation and lower running costs than many gas SUVs. His argument, though, was that BYD has put the model in a tough position relative to competing vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe tested Boost trim carried a £30,875 (~$41,834 USD) price tag, and Cochrane said the more expensive Comfort version made better sense because it adds a larger battery, faster charging, and more range.That creates a problem when less expensive alternatives are available. Using figures cited in the review, Cochrane named the Fiat Grande Panda from £20,995 (~$28,447 USD), the Renault 4 E-Tech at £23,445 (~$31,767 USD) with the electric car grant, and the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo at £33,080 (~$44,822 USD).One viewer's experience showed why some shoppers may still see value in the BYD package: "I paid 25k with interest free payments. For that with the spec including a large pan roof. Cheap to run with good warranty. It was a nice package for a second car."What can be done?For buyers who prioritize a cushy ride, lots of standard kit, and family-friendly space for everyday tasks without stepping into a bigger SUV, the Atto 2 could still have appeal.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven so, Cochrane said he would choose the Comfort trim, underscoring his belief that the base Boost is not the best value.He also cited a comparison showing the Atto 2 Boost at £359 (~$486 USD) per month, versus £303 (~$410 USD) for the VW ID.3 Neo and £364 (~$493 USD) for the Kia EV3.As one commenter put it, "I might even test drive the Atto 2 Boost."Cochrane's bottom line was blunt: the Atto 2 is "a car built for the masses, but held just a few thousand pounds out of reach."Where can I learn more?Part of the Atto 2's case comes down to lower everyday running costs, and that means the electricity bill matters too. These articles look at a few factors that can shape the actual cost of keeping an EV charged, from solar incentives to utility billing rules to subscription-style plans.AdvertisementAdvertisement• At many utilities, net metering works like a solar bank for future power use.• Sunrun has pushed solar subscriptions with batteries as another way to stabilize household charging costs.• EnergySage has shown solar panel costs depend on several interconnected choices homeowners make.For anyone weighing an EV on monthly costs, what happens at home can be just as important as the sticker price. Charging, solar savings, and utility policies all play a role in what ownership really costs over time.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.