Revolutionizing Affordable Electric Vehicles: The New BYD Yuan Up (Atto 2)

In a world where the narrative around budget electric vehicles often revolves around limitations and compromises, BYD is rewriting the script with the all-new Yuan Up (Atto 2). Hailing from Shenzhen, China, this compact crossover challenges industry norms by offering remarkable features and an accessible price point. As legacy automakers wrestle with battery costs and supply chain hurdles, the BYD Yuan Up emerges as a beacon of potential, redefining what consumers should expect from affordable EVs.

For those residing in the West, claims about affordable, long-range electric vehicles can seem laughable. Legacy manufacturers cite battery expenses and intricate supply chains as constraints to producing viable options. However, BYD offers a refreshing counterpoint. The newly revealed pricing and specifications for the Atto 2—or Yuan Up in China—demonstrate that affordable EVs can indeed deliver quality.

In its home market, the refreshed model starts at a mere RMB 74,800, or approximately €9,520. With temporary trade-in incentives, this can drop to RMB 69,800 (€8,890). For those in Europe or North America who are accustomed to paying around €35,000 for subpar compact hatchbacks, this pricing is almost mythical.

Measuring 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, the Atto 2 presents an appealing stature. Its design closely resembles popular competitors, offering a traditional SUV feel while remaining compact enough for urban navigation.

BYD has standardized the powertrain across the board in a strategic move. All variants in the new Feichi Edition use a single front-mounted permanent-magnet motor, producing 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque. This simplified approach discards the more powerful options found in previous editions, with BYD asserting that the 94 hp is sufficient for urban commuting.

Highlighting its innovative battery technology, the Atto 2 comes with a 51.13 kWh lithium iron phosphate Blade Battery pack. This upgrade allows for a CLTC range of up to 501 km, a significant improvement over the old maximum of 401 km. Real-world estimates suggest about 370 km in WLTC conditions, shattering the misconception that entry-level EVs lack long-distance capability. Coupled with DC fast charging, which can charge the battery from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes, range anxiety becomes a relic of the past.

The cabin showcases thoughtful ergonomics, like relocating the gear selector to a steering-column stalk, maximizing space beneath the 50W air-cooled wireless charger. Higher trims feature bold new color options like Energetic Yellow and Oxygen Blue, paired with 17-inch alloy wheels designed for aerodynamics. The tech suite includes a 12.8-inch rotatable central touchscreen with the DiLink 100 system and an 8.8-inch driver display with four-zone voice recognition. Fold down the rear bench for an impressive 1,320 l of cargo space.

Pricing for the range-topping models reaches RMB 104,800 (€13,340). BYD has strategically allocated advanced driver assistance features across various trims, allowing consumers to choose between the long-range capability or sophisticated tech features, but not both simultaneously. This compromise is intended to maintain competitive base prices while providing options for those seeking advanced technology.

Recent sales figures show that the Atto 2 family is thriving, with over twenty-two thousand monthly units sold, solidifying BYD’s position in the market. Offering an electric crossover with such a combination of range, build quality, and technology for the price of a decent used vehicle marks a significant shift in the automotive landscape, signaling the end of outdated paradigms surrounding budget-friendly cars, at least in China.

Via