A teaser for a new product that BYD India is introducing on July 10 has been posted on social media. Sources indicate that the Chinese EV maker will launch a new entry-level e-SUV model with a smaller battery pack. A smaller 50kWh battery pack will be included with the new Atto 3 model. The Atto 3 now comes with a single 60.48kWh battery that can go 521 kilometers on a single full charge, according to ARAI certification. It is anticipated that the smaller 50kWh unit will have a little shorter range than the larger 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.
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.
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.
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