BYD Atto 2: sold for less than €13,000 in China, this electric SUV is preparing to enter Europe

BYD has become one of the most important players in electric cars with its affordable models. Already present in Europe, the manufacturer is however struggling to charge prices as aggressively as in other markets. BYD plans to produce electric cars on the European continent from the end of 2025, more precisely in Hungary, which will allow it to avoid countervailing customs duties put in place by the EU for models made in China and can -become more competitive.

The first two models to be assembled in this Hungarian factory will be the Dolphin and the Atto 3, already sold in Europe, Stella Li, vice-president of BYD, told the German newspaper Capital. Then, BYD will produce the Atto 2, a new 100% electric city SUV. Already marketed in China under the name Yuan Up, it costs from only ¥96,800 (around €12,700).

A small electric SUV that should stand out with its price

The small SUV measures 4.31 m long, more or less the length of a Peugeot e-2008. Its European version has been the subject of some indiscretions since it is through its environmental score awarded by the organization Green NCAP that it presents itself to European customers. A good way to highlight its five-star score, which it nevertheless shares with all the electric cars analyzed to date by Green NCAP, which does not yet study the environmental impact of the production of the models.

The front of the Atto 2 is close to that of its big brother Atto 3, while its profile is reminiscent of the smart #1 or the Mini Aceman.

Data published by Green NCAP reveals a battery capacity of 42.4 useful kWh and a range of 312 km, for a mass of almost 1.6 t. It remains to be seen whether a higher capacity battery will also be offered, since the communicated range of action appears limited.

But the most important question is that of the price of the Atto 2 here. The Atto 3 is sold from €37,990 in France, but it is currently eligible for a €8,000 discount. The Atto 2 will therefore necessarily be sold less expensively, hopefully around €25,000. By way of comparison, the future Renault 4 E-Tech will be sold from around €30,000 excluding bonuses, state aid to which the Atto 2 should also be eligible once its production is launched in Europe.