BYD to make UK debut in 2022

Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD has confirmed its entry into the UK this year, alongside plans to enter the rest of Europe imminently.

Despite being so new to the European scene, BYD hopes to bring its cars to customers by the end of this year – very ambitious when considering the current global chip shortages, but also something that could definitely be achieved.

BYD began in 1995 as a battery manufacturer and has since moved to vehicle production, which has brought it great success in the Chinese car market. In fact, BYD is now one of the three largest EV makers in all of China. 

The company sells many different models in its native market, but just three will be launched in Europe initially: the seven-seat Tang SUV; the Han saloon; and the Atto 3 hatchback.

Tang and Hang EV models both feature a dual-motor set up and produce 517hp and can launch themselves from 0-62mph in under five seconds. 

Meanwhile, the small Atto 3 – which will rival the Volkswagen ID.3 – boasts a single front-mounted motor that produces 212hp and boasts a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds.

The Atto 3 also comes with two different battery options – a 48kWh option and a 60kWh option. These are good for up to 261 miles WLTP on a single charge, which places it perfectly with its closest rivals.

In terms of which one we will get here in the UK, BYD hasn’t said yet, but we'd assume the first to arrive would be the Atto 3, which will be competitively priced (prices yet to be announced). We guess it would cost in the region of £28,000 because that’s how much it costs in Australia, but we shall see.

 By Ben Welham