BYD will transfer the Atto 3 crossover to a rear-wheel drive platform

The Chinese automaker is preparing a major update for the popular Atto 3 electric crossover, which is known as the Yuan Plus in its home market. The car, which has achieved great success in export markets, will be deeply modernized and receive rear-wheel drive.

Changing the drive circuit is the main technical change. The updated Atto 3, according to documents published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will be equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor mounted on the rear axle. Two power options are available – 272 hp. or 326 hp Top speed is limited to 190 km/h.

The battery is still lithium iron phosphate (LFP) from the FinDreams division. Its capacity is not indicated in the documents, but Chinese media suggest that the crossover may receive a second-generation battery with support for ultra-fast charging technology, which allows the charge to be refilled from 10% to 70% in just five minutes. There is no official confirmation of this information yet.

The crossover has noticeably increased in size. The length of the updated version is 4665 mm, which is several centimeters longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase has increased to 2770 mm. The appearance has changed in accordance with the new corporate style: narrower headlights, a different radiator grille and modified bumpers have appeared.

In addition, new options will be added to the equipment. The documentation mentions the possibility of installing a lidar (laser radar) on the roof, as well as additional radars and cameras in the front bumper and mirrors – this indicates the emergence of a more advanced set of driver assistance systems.

The new product is already undergoing the certification procedure. It is expected that pre-orders in China may open closer to the middle of the year. Atto 3 is one of BYD’s key export models, so following the domestic market, the updated version is likely to appear in other countries. BYD Atto 3’s competitors include the Tesla Model Y, as well as China’s Geely Galaxy E5 and GAC Aion Aion Y. Historically, the Atto 3 has been one of BYD’s most exported electric vehicles, helping the brand gain a foothold in Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Earlier it became known that Zeekr would bring to market a crossover with a grille like that of a Rolls-Royce.