BYD India expands dealership network, could introduce Atto 3 electric SUV

A week after it opened its first dealership in Ernakulam, Kerala, BYD India, a subsidiary of the world’s leading new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD, today inaugurated its first passenger vehicle dealership in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. This takes its all-India dealership count to twelve. The company plans to expand its India sales network to 24 by the end of this year.

The 2,000 square feet dealership in Vijayawada, which will be managed by PPS Motors, is manned by well-trained consultants and equipped EV charging stations, aiming to offer customers an extraordinary in-store experience. 

Sanjay Gopalakrishnan, Senior Vice President of Electric Passenger Vehicle Business of BYD India, said, “Starting from Vijayawada, we are getting closer to our target customers and are delighted to inaugurate our first showroom in Andhra Pradesh with PPS Motors. We hope that our customised products and service will spur and accelerate green initiatives in this region.”

 Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director of PPS Motors, said: “We are very excited to work with BYD in the market of Andhra Pradesh and be part of the EV revolution in India. With competitive products from BYD, along with an in-depth understanding of customer requirements, we endeavour to provide the best ownership experience for our customers.” 

Eyeing speedy gains
BYD entered the Indian electric vehicle market in 2017 with its electric buses. Four years later, in November 2021, BYD India launched the electric MPV e6 for Rs 29 lakh. As per apex dealer body FADA, BYD India has sold a total of 153 EVs in the April-July 2022 period. The company also markets pure electric buses. On August 10, BYD India signed an MoU with HDFC Bank towards stock financing for its all-India dealer network.

Readying its second product for India: Atto 3
Meanwhile, seeing the strong response to its e6 MPV, BYD is looking at introducing its second product – likely to be the midsized Atto 3 electric SUV – in the Indian market. Given the surging demand for SUVs in India, this product is likely to find many takers. The Atto 3, which is likely to be launched in Q4 CY2022, will also be showcased at the Auto Expo 2023, to be held in Delhi between January 13-18.

The first model to be built on BYD's new e-Platform 3.0 architecture, the 201bhp, front-driven Atto 3 is similar in size to the MG ZS EV – at 4.5m long, 1.9m wide and 1.6m tall – and similar in terms of performance characteristics, offering a range of 261 miles / 420 kilometres, a 7.3sec 0-62mph / 100kph time and charging at rates of up to 80kW.

It's more powerful too – the BYD Atto 3’s permanent magnet synchronous motor generates 204hp and 310Nm of max torque. The company claims a 0-100kph time of just 7.3 seconds for this e-SUV that weighs between 1,680-1,750kg.

Power is supplied by a patented 60.5kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery – containing no cobalt – that BYD calls the Blade. Said to be 50% more energy-dense than a conventional lithium-ion unit, the Blade Battery has been developed to "resolve issues in battery safety while also redefining safety standards for the entire industry". BYD’s patented Blade Battery Technology is claimed to be far safer and more forgiving in hostile conditions than other battery technologies. Charging options include a 3-pin AC or a Type-2 AC charger, and it also supports up to 80kW DC fast charging that’s said to recharge its battery pack in less than an hour.

BYD to launch three cars in Europe by 2023 
BYD is also considering localised production of its electric cars to better serve the European market, having confirmed its Han sedan, Tang SUV and Atto 3 crossover for sale in the region within the next four months.

The cars are currently built in BYD’s home city of Shenzhen, China’s fourth most populous city, from where they will initially be exported to the global markets it is targeting as part of a massive global expansion plan: Scandinavia, Germany, Benelux, the UK and Israel.