New BYD Atto 2 EV in South Africa – Pricing revealed

BYD has added another electric vehicle (EV) to its catalogue in the form of a new derivative for the Atto 2, one of its most affordable series.

Our sources at Duoporta Vehicle Information Specialists alerted us to the fact that the new Atto 2 EV has been quietly added to BYD South Africa’s website, slotting above the two plug-in hybrid (DM-i) models.

It has a starting price of R529,900, making it one of the top 10 most affordable EVs in the country. It’s also the second-cheapest BYD EV after the R341,900 Dolphin Surf.

Powertrain

The pure electric version of the Atto 2 is fitted with a single front-mounted electric motor, which produces a total of 130kW and 290Nm.

Powering the e-motor is a 51.13kWh battery, which provides a range of 345km on the WLTP cycle. It supports both 11kW AC and 65kW DC charging speeds, the latter of which can top up the cells from 30% to 80% in just 28 minutes.

The crossover’s relatively high output also means it can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 7.8 seconds.

Importantly, it can reach a top speed of 159km/h, meaning it can achieve the maximum legal speed on South African highways, which is one area where a few of the cheaper EVs on the market have stumbled.

Features

Selling points on the BYD start with 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and keyless entry.

The electric version of the Atto 2 also comes standard with a multifunction steering wheel, artificial leather upholstery, an electric driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless charger, and automatic climate control.

On the dashboard, you’ll find a digital instrument cluster, and a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety and assistance functions on the Chinese crossover include six airbags, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the updated BYD Atto 2 series is as follows:

• BYD Atto 2 Comfort DM-i – R449,900
• BYD Atto 2 Dynamic DM-i – R489,900
• BYD Atto 2 Dynamic EV – R529,900 (New)

Each purchase comes with a 5-year/150,000km warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and an 8-year/200,000km battery warranty.

BYD Atto 2