Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has made a strong debut in South Korea’s EV market, with its compact SUV, the Atto 3, topping the imported EV sales chart in April despite a delayed launch and slower access to government subsidies.
According to industry data, BYD registered 543 units of the Atto 3 between April 14 and the end of the month, surpassing competitors such as Tesla’s Model Y Long Range (533 units) and Model 3 Long Range (350 units). The Atto 3 also outperformed internal combustion engine vehicles like the Porsche Cayenne SUV (536 units) and the BMW 3 Series sedan (495 units).
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BYD began delivering the Atto 3 on April 14, following a two-month delay in securing South Korea’s national EV subsidy certification. Despite the late start, strong demand and competitive pricing—between 31.5 million won and 33.3 million won, potentially dropping to the high 20 million won range after local subsidies—have driven rapid sales. The vehicle is averaging 31 deliveries per day, with a reported backlog of around 3,000 units.
The Atto 3, built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 and equipped with the company’s proprietary “Blade” battery, is marketed for its safety, spaciousness, and driving stability. Standard features include a 3D surround-view monitor, panoramic sunroof, 12.8-inch rotating display, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, and intelligent cruise control.
See also: BYD Secures Over 1,000 Preorders for Atto 3 in South Korea in First Week
BYD Korea, established last year, launched the Atto 3 in the Korean market earlier this year, receiving 1,000 pre-orders within a week of its unveiling. The company attributed the initial delay in subsidy approval to extended pre-delivery inspections, vehicle allocations, and subsidy application procedures.
“We are immensely proud to finally enable Korean customers to experience the e-mobility lifestyle with BYD,” said Jo In-cheol, head of BYD Korea’s Passenger Vehicle Division. “BYD Korea is committed to popularizing EVs and enhancing customer convenience in the Korean market.”
See also: BYD Enters South Korea’s Passenger Car Market, Competes with Hyundai
The company is currently preparing for the domestic launch of two additional models: the Seal, a compact electric sedan, and the Sea Lion 7, a mid-size electric SUV, both of which are undergoing certification.
Source: Business Korea