BYD, the gigantic Chinese electric car maker, has launched a new, more affordable, compact EV crossover called the Atto 2.
This model definitively splits the BYD lineup in two — with cars such as the Seal and Dolphin named after marine animals, which are more sophisticated, and the Atto lineup (so far, this new 2 and the existing Atto 3), which focuses more on affordability.
More affordable than a Dolphin?
So far, there are no official notices as to the likely price of the Atto 2, but given that it’s meant to sit underneath the Dolphin hatchback in BYD’s lineup, that would suggest a starting price of around €25-27,000.
The Atto 2 is a compact 4.3 metres long and uses BYD’s now-familiar in-house ‘Blade’ battery design. That gets lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which is less energy-dense than a lithium-ion battery but is more robust and resistant to wear and tear. As with larger BYD models, the Atto 2 gets cell-to-body construction, which means that the battery is an integral part of the car’s body, making for lower weight and improved crash performance.
45kWh battery pack
Initially, the Atto 2 will launch with a 45kWh battery pack, which promises a range of up to 312km, but a larger battery, longer-range model will be introduced later in the year, with a likely range of around 400-420km. Power comes from a 176jp (130kW) front-mounted electric motor, but BYD won’t release full performance figures until the car’s European launch in mid-February.
Style-wise, you can see some familial resemblance to the larger Atto 3, but the Atto 2 looks a little chunkier and more SUV-ish, in spite of being smaller. In profile, it looks not unlike a current Suzuki Vitara.
Rotating infotainment screen
Inside, the cabin looks rather more sophisticated than those of some of its key rivals, with a large digital instrument display under a binnacle, a flat-bottomed four-spoke steering wheel, and a large infotainment screen — 15.6-inches across and, yes, it rotates from portrait to landscape and back again, as with other BYD models. The boot holds a useful 400-litres of luggage, and the rear floor is entirely flat (thanks in no small part to the Blade battery’s compact dimensions) so space in the back should be good.
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said, “We’re excited to start 2025 with another important model for our plans in Europe. The B-segment SUV class is incredibly popular here, and with the ATTO 2, we have an agile and versatile offering that will appeal to that large potential customer base. It takes all of BYD’s strengths in batteries, electric motors and Cell-to-Body construction and combines them in a compact package that brings new intelligent technologies to the urban SUV class.”
We’ll bring you more info on the Atto 2 as BYD releases it.