Chinese manufacturer BYD has launched the Yuan Plus electric car for the Australian market. This car will later use the name Atto 3.
The Atto 3 is built on the BYD 3.0 e-platform and will be available in two configurations when it lands in Australia in July 2022. The standard range model will be equipped with a 52.5 kWh battery that powers an electric motor in the front wheels. This electric motor is capable of producing 201 hp of power and 310 Nm of torque.
BYD Atto 3 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km per hour in 7.3 seconds and has a range of 400 km on a single charge in the NEDC test cycle. Pricing for the Atto 3 Standard Range starts at $44,381.
The Extended Range variant has an electric motor with 201 hp but uses a 63.8 kWh battery. An electric motor is also installed on the front wheels. This larger battery capacity makes the Extended Range reach up to 480 km on a single charge. The Extended Range variant retails for $47,381. In the Australian market, the BYD Atto 3 will face off against the MG ZS EV electric car.
“2022 will see an accelerated evolution of new energy vehicles and a fresh start for BYD’s development in the Australian market,” BYD chairman and president Wang Chuanfu said in a statement. “This year, BYD will introduce several new energy passenger vehicles to the Australian market.”
The BYD Atto 3 offers 100 kW DC fast charging and can be recharged in about 45 minutes. This model will be sold in Australia with a seven-year warranty and includes a number of advanced safety features as standard.
Among these are Automatic Emergency Braking System, Hill Descent Control, Front Collision Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Door Open Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assists, Rear Traffic Warning and Rear Traffic Brake function.
Inside the BYD Atto 3’s cabin is a 12.8-inch infotainment screen that can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations. There’s also an 8-speaker audio system, cordless phone charger, keyless entry, keyless start, portable card lock, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, 5-inch digital instrument cluster, and 60/40 folding rear seats.