Key highlights
- BYD Atto 2 spotted testing on Indian roads
- The electric SUV could rival the Hyundai Creta Electric and Maruti e Vitara
- Expected to offer a 45.1kWh battery with up to 312km of range
BYD appears to be getting serious about entering India’s crowded midsize electric SUV segment. The Atto 2 has been spotted testing in India, hinting that the compact EV could finally be headed for our market.
Positioning
The Atto 2 sits below the Atto 3 in BYD’s global line-up. In India, it would slot into a much busier part of the EV market, taking on models such as the Hyundai Creta Electric and Maruti e-Vitara.
And unlike the Atto 3, it won’t be a particularly large SUV. The Atto 2 measures 4,310mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,675mm tall, making it roughly the size of the SUVs that are currently dominating India’s midsize segment.
Battery
Internationally, the Atto 2 is offered with a 45.1kWh Blade battery and a front-mounted electric motor. The motor produces around 176hp, while BYD claims a range of up to 312km on a single charge.
A longer-range version with a claimed range of around 402km is also expected, although it remains to be seen which battery option BYD chooses for India.
The SUV gets a fairly distinctive cabin as well. Highlights include a rotatable 15.6-inch touchscreen, digital driver’s display, ambient lighting and plenty of storage space. Boot capacity is rated at 400 litres.
Could be BYD’s next big volume play
The Atto 2 is particularly interesting because BYD has so far positioned itself higher up the price ladder in India. The smaller SUV could give the brand a much wider audience.
The company is also preparing to expand beyond pure EVs, with its first plug-in hybrid model for India already announced. The Atto 2 itself is available internationally with a DM-i hybrid powertrain, although the Indian version’s powertrain strategy remains unclear.
BYD’s current India portfolio is still made up of imported models, so pricing will be crucial. If the Atto 2 arrives close to the expected Rs 18-25 lakh range, it could make BYD’s proposition considerably more interesting for Indian buyers.
Also read: Hyundai Neira concept is a Kia Carens Clavis EV in disguise
