The BYD Atto 3, also marketed as BYD Yuan Plus in China and several Latin American countries, is a battery electric compact crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by BYD Auto. Part of the BYD Yuan series that is named after the Yuan dynasty,[9] the Yuan Plus was released in mainland China in February 2022. For many overseas markets, the vehicle is BYD's first electric passenger car model.
Naming
According to BYD, the name "Atto" was inspired by the attosecond, the smallest time scale unit in physics, depicting that the vehicle is "speedy, energetic, and dynamic".[10] Initial plans were to market the Dolphin hatchback as the Atto 2 and the Seal sedan as the Atto 4 in export markets,[11][12] however these cars ended up retaining its original name. A smaller BYD SUV model, the BYD Yuan Up is marketed as the Atto 2 in global markets alongside the other BYD Atto models like the smaller-size BYD Seagull hatchback marketed as Atto 1 in Indonesia and Australia, and the bigger-size BYD Tang L mid-size SUV marketed as BYD Atto 8 since mid-to-late 2025.
History
The Atto 3, marketed as the Yuan Plus in China, was first showcased in August 2021 at the Chengdu Auto Show, and was officially released in February 2022.[10] As part of BYD's 'Dynasty series', the Yuan Plus is marketed through Dynasty Network dealerships. As opposed the previous Yuan, the Yuan Plus is exclusively available as a battery electric vehicle, and occupies the C-segment compact crossover space (A-class in China).
During its introduction, BYD also announced its export market name, the Atto 3, and promised to dedicate a production line solely for the right hand drive markets.[13]
On 15 September 2023, BYD produced the 500,000th Yuan Plus / Atto 3 at its Hefei plant, 19 months after its introduction. 22 percent of the produced vehicles were exported.[14][15] In June 2025, BYD announced one million had been produced.[16]
Design
The Atto 3 / Yuan Plus is based on BYD's all-electric e-Platform 3.0, unlike the older models in the Dynasty Series that are modified from internal combustion and plug-in hybrid platforms. It features MacPherson strut front suspension, and multi-link independent rear suspension.[17]
The interior design of the Atto 3 / Yuan Plus was inspired by fitness culture and features aesthetics resembling gym and sports equipment such as treadmills, boxing rings, dumbbells and muscle fibres.[18][19] The centre 12.8-inch (with an optional larger 15.6-inch) infotainment system is based on Android,[17]
Running changes
Export market
2024
BYD started rolling out the 2024 model year for global markets in January 2024. The "Build Your Dreams" badges on the rear was replaced by the new BYD logo, and some markets started receiving larger 15.6-inch infotainment system replacing the previous 12.8-inch. Other changes include new front BYD logo, and black C-pillar decoration replacing silver. Black exterior paint option and blue-black interior colour option also became available.[22]
2025
In January 2025, BYD rolled out the 2025 model year Atto 3 for global markets. Notable changes include new wheel design, and new interior colour scheme options such as grey.[23] In Australia, the 2025 Atto 3 has also had its maximum unbraked towing capacity increased by 50 kg to a 750 kg total.[24]
Specifications
The Atto 3 / Yuan Plus incorporates a 150 kW front-wheel drive electric motor generating 310 Nm of torque, powered by BYD's proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery.[27] It offers two battery pack options — the 49.92 kWh unit capable of travelling 430 km under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) driving cycle or 345 km under the WLTP standards; while the 60.48 kWh battery pack is rated at 510 km (CLTC) or 420 km (WLTP).[28]
The vehicle is built on 400-volt electrical architecture and supports maximum AC charging (Type 2) of 7 kW (standard) or 11 kW (option) as well as DC fast charging (CCS2) at a maximum rate of either 70 kW (Standard Range) or 80 kW (Extended Range). At 80 kW, charging from 0% to 80% can be completed in 45 minutes.[29][30]
Markets
Reception
In a review published in March 2023, the magazine Top Gear rated the car 7/10, noting that "broadly, we're impressed [...] it drives decently under most circumstances [...] depressing though it is to say, in this class[,] 'decent' is as good as it gets," while noting its soggy brakes and small boot space. The media also recorded a 0-62 mph acceleration time in 7.3 seconds.[75] British Auto Express commented that "BYD has done a good job with the brakes".[76] The magazine Car noted that the Atto 3 supports DC rapid charging, but only at speeds up to 88 kW, which means a 30–80% boost takes around 29 minutes. The media Drive awarded the Atto 3 the "2023 Drive Car of the Year Best EV under $70,000" award in March 2023, due to its exceptional price, comfort, roominess and performance. The publication noted its poor tyre performance, unintuitive 'P' park button, and an unrefined lane-keeping assistance system, rating it 7.1/10.[77] The publication Paul Tan commented that the Atto 3's seats are "among the most comfortable chairs we’ve ever sat in."[78]
Recall
On 30 September 2024, BYD recalled 96,714 Dolphin and Yuan Plus vehicles in China due to a fire risk. The affected vehicles were manufactured between November 2022 and December 2023. At the time, it was BYD's largest recall to date. The issue involves a defect in the production of the electric power steering column assembly (CEPS) controller. When the tool cover is closed, it may press against internal components, causing tiny cracks. Over time, these cracks may expand and lead to short circuits, overheating, or fires. BYD dealers would install insulation pads on the controllers to eliminate the safety risk.[80][81]
Safety
In a 2022 testing, the Atto 3 was rated 5 stars in Euro NCAP.[82]
Awards
Second generation (2026)
The second generation will first showcased in April 2026 at the Beijing Auto Show.[89]
Sales and production
During its first ten months in the market, a total of 202,018 units of the Yuan Plus were sold globally in 2022, which accounted 25 percent of battery electric vehicles sold by BYD in the period.[90] During the first half of 2023, 201,505 units were sold globally.[91] Global production reached 500,000 in September 2023.[14] Cumulative sales globally reached 1 million vehicles on 23 June 2025, three years and four months after it launched on 19 February 2022.[92][93]
See also
External links
References
- Elektro www.autoverbrauch.at, retrieved 2025-01-31^
- All about BYD MarkLines Automotive Industry Portal, retrieved 2023-12-26^
- All about Chinese EV maker BYD and its plans to be the largest EV company in India The Times of India, 2022-09-23, retrieved 2023-05-28