2024 BYD Atto 3: Saying goodbye to range anxiety – First Drive Impressions
Electric Vehicles (EVs) have long been touted as the future of transportation, promising sustainability and efficiency. Yet, for many Filipinos, EVs remained out of reach, often due to high costs and limited range. That was until the arrival of the BYD Atto 3, a game-changer in the local EV market, offering unparalleled value and practicality.
Gone are the days of compromise. The BYD Atto 3 stands out as the first EV in the Philippines that truly makes sense for everyday use. With a competitive price tag and an impressive range of up to 480 km for the premium variant, it aims to shatter the barriers that once held back widespread EV adoption.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Story of BYD
Before we start, let me briefly introduce the brand, which is probably the largest EV manufacturer you never heard of.
BYD (Build Your Dreams) was founded in 1995 as a manufacturer of advanced batteries and consumer electronics. Over the years, it has carved a niche for itself, becoming a global leader in rechargeable battery technology. Its batteries power a plethora of electronic devices, from smartphones to laptops, establishing BYD as a force to be reckoned with in the tech industry. So, yes, chances are you have already owned devices in the past that is powered by a BYD battery.
However, BYD’s ambitions transcended the realm of consumer electronics. In 2003, the company made a bold pivot into the automotive industry, leveraging its expertise in battery technology to produce electric vehicles. This strategic move marked the beginning of BYD’s journey toward revolutionizing clean transportation.
The year 2020 proved to be a watershed moment for BYD as it celebrated the production of its millionth electric passenger car, cementing its status as one of the foremost EV manufacturers globally. With each passing year, BYD’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has only grown stronger, culminating in the release of more affordable EV models such as the Atto 3.
The BYD Atto 3: Redefining value in the EV market
At first glance, the BYD Atto 3 may appear to be just another electric crossover. Still, a closer inspection reveals a vehicle that transcends the ordinary, offering a compelling blend of performance, range, and affordability. Priced competitively at P1,798,000 for the top-of-the-line Premium variant, the Atto 3 delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality or features.
One of the standout features of the Atto 3 is its impressive range, boasting up to 480 km on a single charge for the premium variant. This extended range sets it apart from its counterparts in the market, alleviating concerns about range anxiety and making it a viable option for long-distance travel. This feat is made possible by BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery technology, which enhances safety and maximizes energy efficiency, ensuring that drivers can go the distance confidently. One of the strengths of the Blade Battery is its ability to be topped up to 100 percent without added degradation, ensuring you get maximum range every time.
In addition to its impressive range, the Atto 3 offers robust performance, thanks to its 201 hp electric motor and 310 Nm of torque. Whether navigating through city traffic or cruising along the highway, the Atto 3 delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, showcasing the inherent advantages of electric propulsion.
Moreover, the Atto 3 incorporates a host of advanced features and amenities designed to enhance comfort and convenience. From its spacious and well-appointed interior to its cutting-edge connectivity options, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, every aspect of the Atto 3 is engineered with the modern driver in mind. Even the design, with its sleek lines and distinctive touches, reflects BYD’s commitment to blending style with substance.
Putting the Atto 3 to the test: A journey to Baguio
To truly appreciate the Atto 3’s capabilities, we embarked on a journey to Baguio. Our mission: to put the Atto 3 through its paces and see if it lives up to the hype as a practical and reliable EV for everyday use.
Setting off from the flagship BYD showroom in BGC, we were immediately impressed by the Atto 3’s performance in urban traffic. Its instantaneous torque delivery and smooth acceleration made navigating through the congested streets of Metro Manila a breeze, while its stable battery performance instilled confidence for the journey ahead.
As we made our way onto the highways, the Atto 3 continued to impress with its highway manners, offering a quiet and comfortable ride even at higher speeds. The availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto proved to be a welcome addition, allowing us to stay connected and entertained throughout the journey. However, a complaint that I have is that the brake feel can be a bit spongy, so a bit of getting used to was needed.
When we approached Rosario with around 39 percent remaining (yes, we had quite a bit of fun in the expressway), we decided to make a brief stop at the Shell Recharge station to demonstrate the convenience of EV charging. Despite not needing a charge at that moment, the process was swift and hassle-free, underscoring the growing accessibility of EV infrastructure in the Philippines. We managed to top up to about 55 percent in just 10 minutes of charging.
However, it wasn’t until we reached the twisty mountain roads of Marcos Highway that the true capabilities of the Atto 3 came to the fore. Its agile handling and precise steering made tackling the hairpin turns a joy, while its regenerative braking system helped to replenish the battery during downhill stretches, ensuring that no energy was wasted. However, we did find the stock ChaoYang tires to be lacking in grip, but I reckon a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUVs would transform this crossover even more.
By the time we reached our destination in Baguio, the Atto 3 had not only met but exceeded our expectations, showcasing its potential as a practical and sustainable mode of transportation for Filipino drivers. We were at about 24 percent at the time, while the other Atto 3s had about 13 percent, so yes, that answers the question of whether the BYD Atto 3 can make it up to Baguio without charging.
The return journey:
As our journey in Baguio came to an end, it was time to embark on the return journey to Metro Manila. With memories of scenic mountain roads and effortless driving still fresh in our minds, we set out with renewed enthusiasm, eager to experience the Atto 3’s performance on the open road again.
Leaving the cool mountain air of Baguio behind, we made our way down Asin Road, a less-traveled route that offered a different perspective of the scenic landscape. Despite the descent, the Atto 3’s regenerative braking system ensured that no energy was wasted, allowing us to maintain a steady pace while preserving battery life. We managed to keep our batteries topped up all the way down, so a charge was not needed at all.
As we rejoined the main highway, the Atto 3 continued to impress with its responsive handling and smooth acceleration. With each passing kilometer, it reaffirmed its status as a practical and reliable companion for long journeys, effortlessly blending performance with sustainability.
With our batteries topped up and our spirits high, we resumed our journey towards Metro Manila, knowing that the Atto 3 had once again proven its mettle as a capable and reliable mode of transportation. As the city skyline loomed in the distance, we reflected on our experience with the Atto 3 and marveled at the possibilities that lay ahead for electric mobility in the Philippines.
Oh, and we ended the trip with about 21 percent left, which could still net you about 90 km of driving. That’s a lot.
Looking towards the future:
As our journey comes to an end, it’s quite clear that the BYD Atto 3 aims to bring EV technology to the masses without compromise. With its unrivaled performance, impressive range, and commitment to sustainability, the Atto 3 represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of EV adaptation here in the Philippines.
Moreover, as EV infrastructure continues to expand and technology advances, the potential for growth and adoption is limitless. With the support of government incentives and initiatives, coupled with the efforts of forward-thinking companies like BYD, the transition to electric transportation is well underway.
If the BYD Atto 3 becomes a success, it can catalyze innovation and progress within the automotive industry. As more manufacturers follow suit and invest in electric mobility, we expect to see further technological, design, and infrastructure advancements. This, in turn, will drive down costs, increase accessibility, and accelerate the transition to a fully electric future.
The journey with the BYD Atto 3 has been more than just a test drive; it has been a glimpse into the future of mobility. With its blend of performance, range, and affordability, the Atto 3 has proven that electric vehicles are not just a novelty but a practical and viable solution for today’s transportation needs. As we bid farewell to the Atto 3 and return to our daily lives, we do so with a renewed sense of optimism and excitement for what lies ahead in the era of electric mobility. The future is electric (at least for BYD), and the BYD Atto 3 can be the one leading the charge locally.
