AC Motors will preview the all-new BYD ATTO 3 tomorrow, October 19th, at the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit.
Having gained a reputation in various overseas markets as a value-for-money electric crossover, the ATTO 3, which earned its name from the ATTO second or the smallest time measurement in physics, brings trendsetting design and cutting-edge EV technology together in a tight and compact package. And it does so at a price that undercuts other mainstream Battery EV crossovers.
A best-seller in the making?
BYD is known for being a global battery supplier for mobile phones and devices. With this industrial expertise, it decided in 2022 to stop producing Internal Combustion Engine-only equipped vehicles to focus on EVs. And one of the innovations that BYD introduced is the Blade Battery.
The energy source of modern BYD EVs, the lithium-iron-phosphate Blade Battery, in either 50 or 60.5 kWh capacities, has been designed to optimize space, improve durability and performance, and champion safety. It has passed the stringent nail penetration test, the standard for battery safety and testing against the industry’s thermal runaways.
Now, we brought this up early so you’d know that the ATTO 3 is as safe as possible. And EV markets seem to appreciate that added peace of mind. In Thailand, for example, the ATTO 3 has sold about 25,000 units since its launch a year ago. And this success has been replicated in Australia and other European markets.
Everything from hereon is just more innovation that shatters conventional modes of design and engineering that we’ve become used to from traditional brands.
Certainly not a run-of-the-mill design
Take the exterior. The curves and surfaces on the ATTO 3’s doors and panels seem to be inspired by the muscular surfaces of the human body. Now, this reference carries on to the interiors as well.
According to BYD, the cabin design has elements usually found in a gym. From the sinewy dash and door card panels to the treadmill-like surface of the center armrest to the circular air vents that resemble a dumbbell and the funky guitar-string-like door pockets, these are conversational pieces on their own and certainly make the ATTO 3 driving and riding experience unique.
But the real piece pièce de résistance of the ATTO 3’s design is the rotating 12.8-inch infotainment screen. At the touch of a button, it changes into either portrait or landscape orientation—for example, a vertical layout for maps and a more traditional layout for vehicle controls and menus.
But what is it like to drive?
We’ve test-driven one in Brunei, and as with most EVs, the BYD ATTO 3 takes off with smooth bravado. Zero to 100 km/h can be accomplished in 7.3 seconds. With a top speed of 160 kph, it is one of the fastest mass-market EVs. With its 201 horses and 310 N-m of torque, it is also no slouch among compact crossovers despite its smaller size.
It’s quiet on the road, with only the faint hum of the electric motor as your constant soundtrack. The ride is as you would expect from a well-planted crossover, with the suspension doing an admirable job hauling its 2,160-kilo heft.
The front-wheel drive ATTO 3 can drive from 430 kilometers to 520, depending on the battery size in the car. But the good thing about the ATTO 3 to be released and sold by AC Motors is that they now come equipped with the more common European standard Type 2 charging plug and the accompanying CCS2 DC port. This simple upgrade from the traditional GBT charging ports with Chinese-made EVs lets the ATTO 3 take advantage of the few DC chargers available today for faster travel times.
And to seal the value deal, the ATTO 3 comes with a long list of safety systems such as six airbags, Stop and Go Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Land Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program, and a 360-degree monitor.
As a dedicated EV platform, there are few compromises regarding space and driving performance. It ticks the right boxes for a first EV for those after comfort and a full-on driving experience not too far away from a typical ICE crossover.
With AC Motors promising to peg its price at around the 2-million peso mark, the BYD ATTO 3 covers a vacant price range in the EV market. At just about the length of a Toyota Corolla Cross, it would be interesting to see if car buyers would skip the hybrid crossover hype and finally jump on the Battery EV bandwagon.
Time will tell.
