The Atto 3 was supposed to have been launched by BYD’s former Philippine distributor (they even accepted orders) as a follow up to the Dolphin. However, under MAPVI, the specs seem to have been modified; a signal of the fast-evolving local EV market.

Instead of offering both short and long-range variants, BYD Philippines will offer just the long-range variant. Its proprietary 60.48-kWh BYD Blade Battery gives it a maximum cruising range of 420 kilometers (WLTP combined). With a 400-volt system, the Atto 3 can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in just 29 minutes (150-kW DC charger). At home, a single-phase 7-kW wall box can do the same thing in 9 hours and 42 minutes (0 to 100 percent). Most important, it now adopts the CCS Type 2 plug enabling it to access the country’s growing EV charging network with no need for an adapter.

Powering the Atto 3 is a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. This gives it a zero to 100 km/h time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 160 km/h.

The front-wheel drive compact EV SUV features an exterior design inspired by human movement and energy. The same theme carries inside with its “Muscle Fiber” inspired dashboard. Even details such as the door handles and AC vents are unconventional as they’re made to look like dumbbell plates.

Confirmed specs for the local market include LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and of course, BYD’s trademark 12.8-inch rotating tablet screen.

In terms of safety features, the 5-star Euro NCAP-rated Atto 3 comes standard with driver assist functions such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, along with front clearance sensors, and a 360-degree camera. This is on top of 6 SRS airbags, tire pressure monitoring, ABS with EBD, stability control, and rear parking sensors with reverse camera.

MAPVI has yet to indicate what the Atto 3 EV’s prices are. Previously (pre-EVIDA), they were supposed to have been priced starting at P 2.598-million before the BYD distributorship changing hands. With BYD Philippines adjusting its prices of its entire line-up, it will likely land somewhere in the P 2-million mark.