BYD Atto 3 - NZ’s new EV price leader

Ateco Automotive, representing BYD Auto, has released pricing details for its incoming Atto 3 model, due here initially in August as a headlining Extended model costing $57,990, and later in December as a Standard base model going for $52,990.

Both are eligible for the $8625 clean-car rebate, meaning pricing of $49,365 and $44,365, respectively, undercutting MG’s ZS EV and making them the least expensive new electric vehicles on the market. Pre-orders for these can be made at www.bydauto.co.nz.

The two Atto 3 models are compact front-drive crossovers measuring 4.4m long with a 2720mm wheelbase and offering 440L of luggage space. They will be distinguished by their battery size and vehicle colour options; all other specifications are the same. Standard is white, while blue and grey add $750.

The Extended model will have a 60kWh battery pack. This is said to fully rejuice on a DC fast charger within one hour. Household charging will take around 11 hours.

Model	BYD Atto 3 Standard
Price	$52,990
Clean Car Discount	Rebate -$8,625
Motor	single, 150kW/310Nm
Battery	49.92kWh
Range	320km (WLTP)
Drivetrain	single-speed auto, FWD
C02 Output	0g/km
0-100km/h	7.3sec
Luggage capacity	440-1340L
Warranty	6yrs, 150,000km
ANCAP rating	not yet rated
Weight	1680kg (claimed)

The Standard model gets a smaller 50kWh battery unit with WLTP-rated 320km of range. Both models utilise the same 150kW/310Nm motor delivering a 0 to 100km/h time of 7.3 seconds.

Active safety is well covered, with seven airbags (one between seats), lane departure warning, lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, AEB, front and rear collision warning and blind-spot monitoring.

Both models come with a 12.8-inch touchscreen which can rotate by up to 90 degrees, a panoramic sunroof, a one-touch electric tailgate and high beam assist for the LED headlights. There are also electrically adjusted seats, a five-inch digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather trim, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, a smart key, and a wireless phone charger.

The warranty period extends for six years/150,000km while the battery is covered for eight years/160,000kms.

Model	BYD Atto 3 Extended
Price	$57,990
Clean Car Discount	Rebate -$8,625
Motor	single, 150kW/310Nm
Battery	60.48kWh
Range	420km (WLTP)
Drivetrain	single-speed auto, FWD
C02 Output	0g/km
0-100km/h	7.3sec
Luggage capacity	440-1340L
Warranty	6yrs, 150,000km
ANCAP rating	not yet rated
Weight	1750kg (claimed)

The Atto 3 will initially be available in six dealerships located in five cities. Auckland will be serviced by Andrew Simms in Newmarket and Botany, while Hamilton’s Ebbett group will have a dealership in Te Rapa. Other outlets will be in Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Plans for further dealers in smaller centres are underway.

Warren Willmot, Brand Manager for BYD New Zealand “We have been assured by the BYD Chairman that the NZ market is very important to the brand’s global expansion strategy and as such, there is a strong commitment to a consistent supply of vehicles. In saying that however, the interest we’ve received from the New Zealand public over the last ten days has exceeded our expectations”.

Next year, two further EVs will join the New Zealand line-up followed in 2024 by another EV and a PHEV. So expect five different models by 2025.