BYD Atto 2 electric SUV lands in the UK with an eye on premium rivals

The market for affordable electric cars in the United Kingdom is getting a new contestant. Chinese automaker BYD has officially launched its Atto 2, a compact electric SUV, challenging established players with an aggressive price point and a generous list of standard features. The new model slots neatly into the company's growing European lineup, positioned between the smaller Dolphin hatchback and the larger Atto 3 SUV.

BYD is making a clear statement with the Atto 2's pricing structure. The entry-level "Boost" model starts at $42,370 on-the-road. This price puts it below key competitors like the Hyundai Kona Electric, which starts from $48,059.

As it turns out, BYD's ambitions are aimed higher, though. The Atto 2 is also positioned to lure customers away from more premium electric cars like the Volvo EX30, which carries a starting price of $45,400. For customers wanting more range and features, BYD offers the "Comfort" trim for $48,000.

Buyers will have two distinct powertrain options to choose from. The base Boost model comes with a 51.1 kWh version of BYD's proprietary Blade battery. This configuration delivers a combined driving range of up to 214 miles on a single charge. For those whose driving is primarily in urban environments, BYD states the city driving range can extend up to 302 miles.

The higher-tier Comfort model comes with a larger 64.8 kWh battery, pushing the combined range up to a more substantial 261 miles, making it a better fit for drivers who regularly undertake longer journeys. When it comes to recharging, the electric SUV supports 155 kW DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 30% to 80% in approximately 21 minutes.

Inside, all versions of the Atto 2 come impressively equipped from the factory. A large 12.8-inch floating touchscreen serves as the centerpiece of the dashboard, complemented by a wireless smartphone charger and the "Hi BYD" AI voice control system. A particularly useful feature is the standard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which allows the car's battery to act as a mobile power source, capable of running everything from a laptop to a coffee maker.

In terms of size, the BYD Atto 2 measures 169.7 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 65.9 inches tall, making its exterior footprint nearly identical to that of the Volvo EX30. The vehicle is built on BYD's dedicated e-Platform 3.0, which allows for a longer wheelbase relative to the car's overall length. As a result, passengers get a roomier cabin than expected from its compact dimensions.

BYD's entry into the UK market with the Atto 2 is part of its global strategy of offering feature-rich EVs at competitive prices. The company has used a similar approach in other markets, such as Hong Kong, where it undercut Tesla's cheapest offering by a big margin. For UK customers, the Boost trim is available to order immediately, with the first deliveries scheduled for September. The longer-range Comfort model is expected to become available for order later in the year.

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