BYD India has released a new teaser on its social media handles, announcing that it is launching a new product on July 10. As per our sources, the Chinese EV manufacturer is set to introduce a new entry-level variant of the e-SUV with a smaller battery pack.
According to our sources, the new Atto 3 variant will be equipped with a smaller 50kWh battery pack. As of now, the Atto 3 gets a sole 60.48kWh battery that offers an ARAI-certified 521km range on a single full charge. The smaller 50kWh unit is expected to offer a slightly lesser range than the bigger unit.
The entry-level variant will help BYD price the Atto 3 competitively, going up against the top-end variants of the MG ZS EV. The MG e-SUV is priced from Rs 18.98 lakh to Rs 25.20 lakh, and gets a 50.3kWh battery pack, offering a range of 461km. In comparison, BYD currently retails the Atto 3 at Rs 33.99 lakh. The new variant is expected to be priced around Rs 26 lakh-28 lakh.
Further, BYD could omit a few features in order to bring the costs down. It is yet to be seen which features will be removed from the SUV. The Atto 3’s front-mounted electric motor produces 204hp and 310Nm torque. It will be interesting to see if the new entry-level variant will offer the same output, or be slightly detuned.
Apart from the MG ZS EV, the new entry-level Atto 3 trim will also help BYD take on upcoming e-SUVs such as Tata Harrier EV, Mahindra XUV.e8, and even the Hyundai Creta EV and the Maruti eVX.
All prices are ex-showroom India.