BYD

• The BYD Atto 2 was formerly an EV-only small crossover, but now it has a gas engine making it a hybrid.
• BYD says it can travel up to 56 miles on electric power alone, and has a combined range of 620 miles. 
• The Atto 2 DM-i was launched in Europe, and is not on sale in China.

Make no mistake: global electric-vehicle adoption is still continuing to grow. However, it’s time to be realistic. Growth isn’t as fast as some automakers and governments once expected. In Europe, China or the United States, manufacturers are meeting consumers where they’re at by going backward a bit when it comes to electrification, and swapping full EV powertrains for hybridized plug-in variants.

And in BYD’s case, this may be put it one step closer to world domination. 

This week, the rising Chinese auto giant introduced the Atto 2 DM-i for Europe, a hybrid version of the formerly EV-only Atto 2 EV. BYD also released a larger battery variant of the Atto 2 electric version, boosting the battery size from 45 kWh to about 64 kWh, but we’re gonna focus on the PHEV version of the Atto 2 for this story. 

To create the Atto 2, it looks like BYD stuffed the same DM-i system that we’ve written about before in the Qin L and Seal 06 PHEV sedans sold in China. This means under the hood of the Atto 2 DM-i, you’ll find the same very thermally efficient 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder that works in tandem with two electric motors.

Fundamentally, BYD’s system sounds similar to Honda’s i-MMD, so the Atto 2’s powertrain should still feel electrified, since the electric motor does most of the motivation, while the gas engine tops up the main battery. And like the Honda, BYD’s system has a clutch that can get the power from the engine directly to the wheels.

This system is good for either 164 hp in the base Active trim or 209 hp in the top-of-the-line Boost trim. There’s not much difference between the DM-i hybrid and its electric sibling visually, save for a front grille opening in the bumper now used for cooling. 

Electrically, the Atto 2 DM-i’s EV range comes with a battery either 7.8 kWh or 18 kWh in size. The larger variant is good for 56 miles (90 km) of full electric range, WLTP.  In all the BYD says the larger battery Boost trim has a total range of 620 miles and would average a stunning 117 mpg.

Now, I’d take those economy numbers with a grain of salt. However, some folks in China have claimed that they’ve been able to touch the numbers advertised, albeit under conditions that likely aren’t really repeatable outside of China.

Still, this is an important thing for BYD; the brand has seen a steady growth in sales in Europe, partially because of their insistence of offering well-priced EVs and hybrids for not too much money. The Atto 2 is likely to become Europe’s cheapest PHEV SUV. Pricing for the PHEV model hasn’t been confirmed for all markets, but UK publications that have driven the car said they expect it to start around $33,000 (£25,000). 

BYD Atto 2 DM-i

Photo by: BYD

This is a big deal for BYD, and practically every Chinese automaker in search of success in Europe. For starters, tariffs on EV models are high, which drives up prices and erodes profitability. By comparison, there are much lower tariffs on imported PHEVs, which means that these brands can use PHEV sales to help get profitability going in Europe. 

It might be bad news for European manufacturers, though. Brands like BYD and MG are successful not just because of their EVs, but the fact they have affordable options for drivers on a budget. Brands like Ford have completely gutted their line of compact and subcompact cars, and buyers have been seeking solutions elsewhere. 

And in BYD’s case, it’s getting very good at tailoring its offerings to local markets. It’s doing an electric kei car for Japan, and now a PHEV wagon and compact SUV for the Europeans. If it ever shows up in America, don’t be shocked if it finds some way to take aim at the Chevy Tahoe or something. 

Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com

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