BYD’s Atto 2 small SUV has barely touched terra firma here and is already causing a huge sensation. European buyers now have access to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, utilising BYD’s DM-i system, providing an electric range of 90km or a 1020km combined range when the fuel tank is utilised.
This represents one key pillar of BYD’s product strategy for which Tesla has no desire to compete – the availability of hybridisation. Cleverly, the Atto 2 DM-i incorporates a 7.8kWh or 18.0kWh LFP Blade battery as well as a 1.5-litre ‘Xiaoyun’ four-cylinder engine.
It boasts thermal efficiency of 43.04 per cent and generates 72kW and 122Nm in isolation. Paired with the DM-i system, it has a total system output of between 122kW and 156kW, for 0-100km/h times of between 7.5 and 9.1 second, depending on Active or Boost spec.
BYD’s DM-i system is different from conventional hybrids, such as Toyota’s system. The petrol engine runs a generator that charges the battery or goes directly to an electric motor depending on requirements.
A major advantage of this system is that even if you don’t charge the battery, you can still achieve 3.8L/100km, or 1.8L/100km when it is.
It is visually differentiated from the EV-only model by way of a front grille, which is necessary to feed the ICE engine.
What do you think of the BYD Atto 2 PHEV? Does it make it more or less appealing to have a petrol engine to back it up?
