The Chinese giant Byd has launched the Byd Atto 2 in Italy, a fully electric B-segment SUV with a competitive price and technical features designed to seamlessly meet the demands of urban mobility in European cities
For years, two electric vehicle manufacturers have been competing for market leadership in this segment. On one side is Tesla, founded by billionaire and now prominent U.S. political figure Elon Musk; on the other is BYD Company, a Chinese firm that initially focused on battery production before shifting its business to designing and manufacturing fully electric vehicles. Notably, BYD became the first company in the world to mass-produce and commercialize a plug-in hybrid vehicle, the BYD e6, in 2008.
This rivalry perfectly represents the ongoing commercial and technological competition between the United States and China, with the latter now offering high-tech and design-forward products that rival those from Western markets. BYD is no exception, having introduced the “cell-to-body” technology in 2022. This innovation integrates the battery pack directly into the chassis, making it not only an energy storage component but also a structural element, using a sandwich-style architecture to enhance overall rigidity.
The Atto 2 is built on this advanced technology and was officially launched in Italy last month, reinforcing BYD’s presence in the European market.
Byd Atto 2, Compact Yet Spacious Design
The Atto 2 falls within the B-segment SUV category, measuring:
- 4,870 mm in length
- 1,860 mm in width
- 1,500 mm in height
- 2,900 mm wheelbase, ensuring a spacious interior
Despite its 2,100 kg curb weight, the vehicle maintains a well-balanced weight distribution between the front and rear axles, ensuring stable handling. Additionally, an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.23 contributes to energy efficiency and a quieter ride.
Performance and powertrain
The Atto 2 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering:
- 150 kW (204 hp)
- 310 Nm of torque
- 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 8 seconds
- Top speed of 160 km/h
These performance specs align well with the expectations of B-segment vehicles, ensuring a versatile driving experience ideal for urban environments.
Range and charging
One area where the Atto 2 raises some concerns is its WLTP-rated range of 312 km, provided by a 45 kWh battery. While BYD claims an urban range of up to 463 km, real-world highway driving and full use of the air conditioning system may significantly reduce the effective range.
For charging, the Atto 2 comes with:
- Standard 11 kW three-phase onboard charger (full charge in ~5.5 hours)
- DC fast charging (65 kW or higher), enabling a 10-80% charge in just over 30 minutes
Notably, the vehicle also includes a standard heat pump, optimizing energy consumption in colder climates—a key advantage for efficiency-conscious drivers.
