BYD Atto 2 electric car: E-SUV from China to be launched in March
BYD is attempting to further expand its market share in Europe with the Atto 2 e-SUV. The chances of this seem good.
(Image: BYD)
Whether you like it or not: globally, the SUV format has proven to have sustained strong sales. If a manufacturer focuses on mass and growth with low risk, it will primarily fill its range with such models. The Chinese car brand Build Your Dreams may still be exotic in Europe, but globally it has almost caught up with Tesla. With the battery-electric Atto 2, the brand has a good chance of further expanding its market share in Europe – if it can improve in one area. This is probably not only possible, but also in the pipeline.
Located where many search and offer
As a compact SUV measuring 4.3 m in length, the Atto 2 is positioned where many customers in Europe are looking for a new car. It promises sufficient space for a small family and, with its raised seating position, easy entry and exit for the growing number of potential customers in an ageing society who find this important. The size of this target group is clearly demonstrated by the growing range. At 2.62 m, the wheelbase is similar to that of a Peugeot e-2008. The slightly shorter VW ID.3, which has a wheelbase of 2.77 m and considerably more space for passengers, shows what is possible with a consistent design for a battery-electric drive. The trunk of the Atto 2 has a capacity of 400 to 1340 liters.
In China, the Atto 2 is offered with batteries with an energy content of 32 and 45 kWh. In Europe, the larger configuration will be the base model, which should be sufficient for a range of 312 km in the WLTP. BYD wants to add to this in the spring. We expect that at least 60 kWh will then be usable. This would correspond to what Opel is presumably also preparing in the Frontera and Ford in the Puma. Surprises cannot be ruled out, as the prices for battery cells continue to fall. It will therefore cost the manufacturer less than in the past to offer 75 kWh instead of 60 kWh, for example.
BYD Atto 2 (5 Bilder)
BYD
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The Atto 2 is powered by an electric motor on the front axle. It delivers 130 kW, which is slightly more than the current Stellantis e-drivetrain in this segment. At least for the time being, this will remain the case, although an option for more power or all-wheel drive does not seem out of the question. Sales in Germany are due to start in March. BYD is not naming prices, but at around 30,000 euros, the Atto 2 would be similarly affordable to the Frontera and would put the Ford Puma under further pressure.
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However, BYD will also have to make some progress in other areas, as the sales network is currently still quite extensive with just under 30 sales outlets. There are currently only seven dealers in the eastern German states and none at all in northern Bavaria and above Lübeck. This should not reassure the competition; after all, Tesla has managed to succeed on the German market even without a dense dealer network. The giant BYD can be trusted to do the same.
(mfz)