The BYD Atto 3 available to taste by end of July

Wednesday, 13 July 2022

The first BYD Atto 3 SUVs have landed in Auckland, and will be ready for testing later this month.

The BYD Atto 3 has landed in New Zealand and testers will be available for those interested in trying it out before the end of July.

“The uptake from our local customers of this exciting new product has far surpassed initial expectations, with pre-sales almost selling out the first shipment, said BYD’s local brand manager, Warren Willmot.

The Atto 3 starts at $52,990 and fully qualifies for the government rebate.

“This is largely due to BYD cementing its leading position globally in the NEV (New Energy Vehicle) industry. It is very encouraging to see this amount of interest at the beginning of BYD’s journey in New Zealand and we can’t wait to see how the brand continues to expand and grow.”

BYD is now the world’s top-selling NEV manufacturer, with 641,530 global sales in the first half of 2022, up 315% compared to H1 2021.

Additional production for New Zealand was secured but BYD still advises potential buyers to get in quick.

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While testers will be available by the end of the month, customer deliveries aren’t expected until the end of August.

Due to the high level of interest, BYD New Zealand has managed to secure additional production from the factory, but to avoid disappointment it advises prospective buyers touch base with their local dealer as soon as possible.

Initial ‘extended range’ models will come with a 60kWh battery, offering 420km of range and a recharge time of an hour connected to a DC fast charger. BYD doesn’t specify what speed it charges at.

Come December, buyers will be able to choose a smaller ‘standard range’ 50kWh version, which offers a claimed range of 320km.

Pricing for the standard range model starts at $52,990, while the extended range asks $57,990. On-road costs aren’t included, but both models are eligible for the $8625 Clean Car rebate, pushing them down to $44,365 and $49,365 each. The MG ZS EV starts at $49,990 before any rebates.