BYD continues European expansion, confirms Atto 3 for UK

Chinese electric automaker BYD is planning to enter a number of major European markets with three fully electric passenger vehicles, the Han, Tang, and the Atto 3.

This will not be BYD’s first introduction to Europe, having already started selling the Tang in Norway in August 2021 on a pilot basis, and selling electric buses in the United Kingdom.

However, BYD is eyeing a larger expansion into the European market, starting with a focus on the Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and Nordic (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) markets.

BYD will start by launching three models including the E-segment sedan BYD Han, the 7-seater family SUV Tang, and the C-segment SUV Atto 3. The company expects to begin first deliveries to customers by the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that the Atto 3 will make its way to the United Kingdom by the end of the year.

“The BYD TANG was launched to a pilot market in Norway in August 2021. In July 2022, the BYD TANG ranked second best-selling SUV-E in Norway,” said Michael Shu, general manager and managing director for BYD’s Europe and International Cooperation Division.

“With more models to offer, BYD is now ready for Europe.”

While the Atto 3 may already be known to Australian consumers, given its recent entry into the local market and occasional sightings in the wild, the Han and Tang may be somewhat less familiar.

The Atto 3 is BYD’s first SUV built on its advanced e-Platform 3.0 and features a standard heat pump and an electric powertrain integrating motor, inverter, power electronics, and on-board charger.

Available in short- and long-range versions, the Atto 3 delivers an estimated 320km from a 50kWh battery for the smaller range version, and up to 420km range for the 60kWh battery version.

Meanwhile, the BYD Han is a sleek and sporty sedan with dual motors delivering 380kW or 516 horsepower and acceleration from 0-100km/h of 3.9 seconds. The Han also features BYD’s Blade Battery and a range of as much as 600km.

The third BYD model to be released in its new European expansion will be the 380kW Tang SUV, boasting 7 seats, BYD’s Blade Battery, and acceleration of 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds.