BYD isn’t slowing down — it’s just changing gears. Literally. The Chinese EV giant has decided that electrons alone aren’t enough for everyone, so it’s given its smallest crossover, the Atto 2, a petrol-powered helping hand. Meet the Atto 2 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid that’s about to become Europe’s dinkiest PHEV.
The move makes sense. Even BYD — the company that eats lithium for breakfast — knows that Europe’s charging infrastructure is about as reliable as a 1990s Alfa Romeo handbrake. So, while demand for full EVs wobbles, the firm’s sprinkling some unleaded into the mix. And it’s working: the Seal U PHEV is already BYD’s biggest European hit, recently joined by the Seal 6 PHEV estate. Clearly, hybrids are having a bit of a moment.
Now, the Atto 2 DM-i joins the lineup with a clever new powertrain that can run for 56 miles on electric power alone — that’s more than enough for your weekday commute and the occasional “forgot to charge it again” moment. BYD will offer two flavours of Atto 2 DM-i, mirroring the EV’s twin-trim setup, with different battery sizes and power outputs. The company’s keeping mum on engine details for now, but expect performance on par with the EV’s 174bhp or 201bhp options and a 0–62mph dash of 7.9 seconds. Nippy enough for the school run, then.
You’ll spot the hybrid thanks to a reworked front end — there’s now a larger grille to help the petrol bits breathe, plus a few badges so your neighbours know you’re not entirely electric. Oh, and BYD’s throwing in a Midnight Blue paint job exclusive to the PHEV, because every eco-warrior deserves a bit of drama.
At 4.3 metres long, the Atto 2 DM-i will officially become the smallest PHEV on sale in Europe — though that title may be short-lived, as the Jeep Renegade 4xe (currently smaller) is about to bow out. Deliveries are pencilled in for early next year, so expect to see these zipping silently — and occasionally not so silently — around European cities before long.
So, while BYD’s rivals are still arguing about whether EVs or hybrids are the future, the Chinese brand is simply doing both. Clever, isn’t it?
Source: Autocar