an electric SUV with disappointing autonomy

BYD is unveiling its new compact electric SUV, the Atto 2, at the Brussels Motor Show. The prices promise to be aggressive, but watch out for the short range!

In 2024, the Chinese BYD will have almost sold as many electric models as Tesla. But it’s thanks to his success at home. In Europe, BYD sales remain at a low level. They could take off with the launch of a model which seems more calibrated for our regions, a compact electric SUV, the Atto 2.

Already offered in China, this vehicle is making its official debut in Europe at the Brussels Motor Show. It measures 4.31 meters in length, the size of a Peugeot e-2008. The exterior design is not original, except perhaps the colored inserts in the raw plastic rocker panels. A sobriety that will please as many people as possible.

The dashboard is simple: a very large central screen, which rejects the air vents at the bottom, and a screen for the instrumentation. BYD says it has taken care of the presentation with “quilted surfaces in all key areas” or handles well integrated into the doors. The drive selector on the center console takes on a cut diamond appearance.

The passenger compartment is bathed in light by a large glass roof. Rear passengers benefit from an advantage of the electric platform, namely a flat floor. The trunk has a volume of 400 liters. By folding the seat, we have 1340 liters.

Under the passenger compartment, we will find a blade battery with “cell-to-body” construction, a process that allows the battery to be completely integrated into the vehicle’s chassis, its cover being the floor of the passenger compartment.

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There will be two battery sizes, two LFPs. But at launch, you will have to make do with the small one, which has a nominal capacity of 45.1 kWh. It will give a range according to the mixed cycle of 312 km. This is a low value for a family vehicle.

Certainly, BYD is integrating the Atto 2 into the B segment, where we find the new Renault 4, which will also have a basic version with a short range of 300 km. But when the 4L measures 4.14 m, a city car size, the Atto 2 is closer to the compacts with its 4.31 meters. With the same size, a Kia EV3 offers 436 to 605 km of autonomy.

BYD will certainly make things easier by offering aggressive prices. They will be known in February, but we expect an entry ticket under €30,000. However, there will be no bonus on this vehicle.