The Chinese manufacturer BYD would be about to launch its next electric car in Europe, the Atto 2. Ultimately it would be the Yuan Up already sold in Asia, which this time would be produced on the Old Continent. Enough to compete head-on with the electric Peugeot E-2008, but be careful with its autonomy.
In the great race for the top step of the podium in global electric car sales, two manufacturers are currently competing. These are Tesla and BYD, which are neck and neck at the end of the year. If the American firm had a certain lead until now, the Chinese giant is doing everything to catch up, and it could succeed.
A new electric SUV
The latter has already become the number 1 in electrified cars in China (electric and hybrids combined), and it is now continuing its offensive in Europe. Its range is already well expanded with us, but it obviously does not intend to stop there, while it is already preparing the arrival of another model. And this just after lifting the veil on its new Sealion 7 during the last Paris Motor Show in October.
Now BYD is working on launching a new compact SUV, which should take the name Atto 2. A name revealed not by the manufacturer itself, but by the Green NCAP organization, which has just published its report on the latter. This one is particularly good, just like that of the Dolphin, which would be the cleanest electric car on the market at the moment.
But let’s return to our Chinese SUV, which is actually not that new. It is in fact a rebadged version of the Yuan Up, unveiled last April and already marketed in its native country.
This Green NCAP “leak” is also an opportunity to find out more about the specificities of this Atto 2 European. The organization cites a 42.4 kWh battery (most likely Blade LFP (lithium – iron – phosphate) technology, which is found on all of the brand’s cars), enough to offer a range of 312 km according to the WLTP cycle. A 130 kW motor (176 horsepower) is present at the front.
BYD’s Chinese site informs us that this Atto 2/Yuan Up is equipped with a 65 kW fast charger, which is enough to ask 30 minutes to go from 30 to 80%. Shy characteristics, therefore, for this small SUV 4.31 meters long at 1.83 meters wide and 1.68 meters high, competing with the Renault 4 E-Tech, Peugeot e-2008 and the new Ford Puma Gen-E.
Production in Europe
On board, the Chinese BYD Yuan Up has the right to a touch screen up to 12.8 incheswhich should logically be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the Atto 2 that we will have in Europe. The heat pump is part of the standard equipment in China, while it is also possible to schedule chargingin particular to take advantage of off-peak hours. The SUV also has regenerative braking as well as level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
But the real good news is that this Atto 2 should be produced in Europewhile the factory located in Hungary will start operating next year. It will be dedicated to the manufacture of affordable models, such as the Dolphin and the Atto 3, as well as the new Atto 2. This will allow it to avoid rising customs duties, and perhaps even benefit from the bonus. ecological in France. However, its price should be higher than the 12,642 euros currently requested in China.
Even if the manufacturer has not given an official launch date for the moment, this leak clearly shows us that the presentation of this Atto 2 would be imminent.
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