EVDirect launches BYD e-crossover in Oz

SYDNEY-based importer EVDirect says it will commence deliveries of the Chinese-made BYD Atto 3 battery-electric small SUV from July. Available in two variants, the model is priced to compete with MG’s popular ZS EV and can now be ordered online. 

The vehicle distributor, which is a division of Nexport (which is most widely known as Australia’s largest manufacturer of zero-emission buses) recently hosted an opening soiree for its BYD EV Experience Centre in Darlinghurst, Sydney and released pricing and specification details of the Atto 3, which is sold as the Yuan Plus in its home market, on its website.  

Based on BYD’s (Build Your Dreams) e-Platform 3.0, the Atto 3 has a 2720mm wheelbase and measures 4455mm in length, 1875mm in width and 1615mm in height. It will be offered in standard (with a 50.1kWh version of the brand’s in-house Blade battery and a stated WLTP range of 320 km) and an extended-range (with a 40.6kWh battery and a 420km range) variants. 

The model is powered by a 150kW/310Nm front-wheel-drive electric motor (BYD claims a zero to 100km/h time of 7.3 seconds) and come equipped with Type 2 AC- and CCS 2 DC charging ports, the latter with a peak fast-charge rate of 80kW. A 220V emergency charging cable is supplied.

Endowed with neat crossover styling, the Atto 3 comes equipped with electrically folding, -heated and retractable side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, power tailgate, 18-inch alloys and V2L mobile supply function, which means the car’s battery can be used as a power bank.

Inside, the newcomer sports a multifunction ‘wheel, keyless entry and start, a 5.0-inch digital instrument panel, leather-like trim, electrically adjustable front seats (six-way for the driver), a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment array that incorporates a DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, an eight-speaker Dirac audio system, a wireless charging pad and 60:40 split-folding rear seats, which are equipped with ISOFIX child-seat anchorage points (with the seatback folded down, 1330 litres of utility space is available).

The Atto 3’s suite of safety functions includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, an electronic stability program, intelligent cruise control, front and rear collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and -keeping assist, as well as rear cross-traffic alert and brake. 

As is the case with Tesla (which sells Australia’s most popular battery-electric model, the Tesla 3), the BYD Atto 3 must be ordered online at evdirect.com.au (a $1000 refundable deposit is required). Pricing before on-road costs and excluding EV subsidies that are applicable in some States is $44,381 for the Superior standard range and $47,381 for the Superior extended range. 

EVDirect says the first consignment of 1500 units of the Atto 3 will arrive Down Under in July. The importer claims BYD has established a line dedicated to building units for Australia in one of its Chinese factories and that a plan was in place to produce the first 15,000 cars for our market, in which battery-electric vehicle sales have been limited by high prices AND as stock availability.

GoAuto recently reported that MG Motor Australia had sold out its ZS EV – the second best-selling BEV in Australia – ahead of the arrival of an updated model before the middle of the year. The new version will have 51 and 72kWh battery options, up from the 44.5kWh unit offered previously and offer respective WLTP driving ranges of 320 and 440km, but it remains to be seen at what price the BYD’s rival will land (the outgoing car’s price was $44,990 drive-away).

EVDirect has partnered with the independent vehicle-servicing network Mycar (formerly Kmart Tyre & Auto) to deliver BYD Atto 3 units to their customers and service the vehicles. The outlets that are set up as distribution points are in NSW (Chatswood), ACT (Fyshwick), QLD (Stafford, Cairns City), VIC (South Melbourne), TAS (New Town) SA (Churchill Centre) and WA (East Perth).

That distribution arrangement may only be temporary, however. Mere days after local specs and pricing for the Atto 3 were released, it was announced that Eagers Automotive and EVDirect intended to establish a joint-venture dealer group that would provide a countrywide dealer and servicing network for BYD under a national franchise agreement valid for at least five years.

EVDirect chief executive officer Luke Todd said BYD aspired “to grow into a top five automotive brand in Australia by sales volume in the next 18 months” and, suffice to say, the proposed partnership with a leading automotive retail group would be critical to achieving that goal…

The importer also claimed it would offer Australia’s “biggest market-driven EV stimulus” yet through $500 million in low-interest (as low as 3.81%) financing through EVDirect Finance.

The BYD Atto 3 comes with seven-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle and seven-year/160,000km battery warranties. It will be the first of six BYD models that EVDirect will launch in Australia by 2023, the company said. Its next model is likely to be the EA1 light hatchback (also known as the Dolphin).