The BYD range of electric cars will arrive very soon in Malaysia.
Yes, there is a strong indication right now that BYD electric vehicles will be launched and distributed by Sime Darby Motors Malaysia and we think it is confirmed as BYD in the island state of Singapore is distributed by Sime Darby Motors Singapore and just recently there was an advertisement placed for a Branch Manager (New Brand) for Sime Darby Motors Malaysia (see below).
BYD has also made its debut in Japan with the Atto 3 and also the SEAL and Dolphin electric vehicles. This launch comes after its rather impressive debut in Australia in March this year and to date the sales numbers are rising fast.
The BYD Atto 3 is sold in Australia in two variants. It is called ‘Superior’ and ‘Superior Extended Range’. The former is fitted with a 50.1-kWh battery while the latter gets a 60.4-kWh unit.
In Australia, with the added cost of shipping the vehicles (due to logistics and distance), the Superior variant is priced at AUD44,381 (RM135,984), while the Superior Extended Range is more at AUD47,381 (RM145,176).
In some Australian states like Tasmania, the entry-level variant has a slightly lower drive-away price, making it one of the most affordable EVs in the country next to the MG ZS EV. In Western Australia, the price is considerably higher. However, it is worth noting that each Australian state has its own EV incentives.
Meanwhile, the best selling BYD electric car right now is the BYD Atto 3 which uses the bigger of the Blade batteries, which is a 60kW unit that is providing a decent 480km driving range and it takes just an hour to recharge on a DC quick charger.
On the other hand, using a household charging unit will take about 11 hours which can easily be done overnight which is what most urban users will be doing.
BYD claims that the Atto 3 will deliver a driving range of 480km and its standstill to 100km/h acceleration is a decent 7.3 seconds. Its official energy consumption is rated at 14.9kWh/100km.
The Atto 3 functions from a single entrance-wheel-drive motor producing 150kW of energy and 310Nm of torque.
The Atto 3 is a reasonable sized vehicle with 4,455mm length and a 2650mm wheelbase. The exterior design of the Atto 3 adopts a contemporary outer styling with BYD’s ‘Dragon Face 3.0’ design language
Inside the Atto 3 you get a 12.8-inch media display, which can be rotated to 90 degrees. Other possible options that can and might be included for the Malaysian buyer will be electrically adjusted seats, a sunroof and a refreshingly avant-garde inside design.
Safety and security for this Atto 3 will be class competitive with 7 airbags, plus there is auto emergency braking, front and rear collision warning, lane departure warning, lane assist and rear cross alert.
BYD’s Atto 3 factory warranty will be comprehensive with a 6-year / 150,000km new car guarantee with a possible 6-year roadside assist included, whereas the Blade Battery will be covered by a 8-year/160,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.
