BYD Atto 3 pricing confirmed, to start at $52,990

Having announced its New Zealand dealer network earlier this week, BYD New Zealand has now confirmed pricing and specification for its Atto 3 fully electric crossover.

The Atto 3 will be available in two trim levels, a standard range model and an extended range model, with both models said to be eligible for the government’s $8625 Clean Car Discount rebate.

The standard range model comes with a 50kWh battery and a subsequent claimed range of 320km to a charge. It is priced from $52,990 plus on-road costs.

The extended range model gets a slightly larger 60kWh battery, growing range to a claimed 420km. It is priced from $57,990.

BYD New Zealand says that the extended range model will land locally first, with opening deliveries scheduled for August. The standard range is set to hit showrooms in December.

Both models come with a six-year, 150,000km new-vehicle warranty, while the Blade Battery (BYD’s much lauded proprietary battery tech) gets an eight-year, 160,000km warranty.

While the two models come with different batteries, they come with the same motor. Each gets a 150kW/310Nm motor sending its power and torque exclusively to the front wheels, capable of sending the Atto 3 to 100km/h in a claimed 7.3 seconds.

The announcement means that the MG ZS EV retains its crown as New Zealand’s cheapest fully electric vehicle for the time being, with its $49,990 sticker price. Although it’s worth mentioning that the next shipment of ZS EVs destined for New Zealand are long sold out.

According to BYD brand manager Warren Willmot, consumer interest in the Atto 3 has been very strong. This in spite of the model not being formally confirmed for the market until earlier this month.

“We have been assured by the BYD chairman that the NZ market is very important to the brand’s global expansion strategy and as such there is a strong commitment to consistent supply of vehicles,” says Willmot.

“In saying that however, the interest we’ve received from the New Zealand public over the last 10 days has exceeded our expectations.”

EVs & Beyond will be hosting a live stream Q&A session with Warren Willmot at 7.30pm tonight, June 23. To learn more about the stream, click here.