ELECTRIA: How does the BYD Atto 3 perform doing real-world activities?

The BYD Atto 3 is one of the Ayala-led automotive brand’s most popular electric vehicles (EV) and has become a popular choice for car buyers looking for a more sustainable means of moving.

It was released sometime this year, and Zigwheels Philippines even got to test it in a two-day trip that saw members of the motoring media drive from Bonifacio Global City to Baguio City to bust the myth behind range anxiety.

But how well does the BYD Atto 3 perform outside organized media drives? Here are our thoughts on how the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) fares doing real-world activities.

Reliable battery

As mentioned, we got to try out the BYD Atto 3 by driving it from the metro to the mountains — and back again. Sure, the battery needed very little to no top-ups, but the trip was led by professionals who helped us manage our drive and radioed tips along the way.

But what figures can one get when using the vehicle as a ride for running errands when no one feeds you driving instructions, or if you left home without plugging in your car the night before?

I received the BYD Atto 3 with an 82-percent battery. The first order of business was to juice it up at SM Santa Rosa (where charging was free), which was about some 8.1-kilometers (km) away from our home. Unfortunately, there was only one slot in the shopping center and another EV already occupied the charging station — a typical scenario for electric car owners.

I had no choice but to head back and the entire trip (about 16.2 km) depleted just seven percent of the battery.

The next day, I used the BYD Atto 3 to take the little one to school. The 3.6-km ride (1.8 km away from home) took three percent off the remaining charge. At this point, the battery reading was at 71 percent. It was good to know that there was still enough power in the “tank,” even after taking two short trips, and I also noticed the glances I got from parents and guardians who simply could not help but take a quick look at the striking blue EV parked at the school grounds.

I got to drive the BYD Atto 3 to work too. My first stop was at SM Mall of Asia where I had to meet with our Managing Editor. From Laguna, the trip approximately covered 39-40 km and used up about 11 percent.

Then, we headed to Evo City in Kawit, Cavite to check out the soon-to-be-launched Seagull electric compact hatchback. Upon arrival, we used up some eight to nine percent of the battery for the 20-km ride.

To note, I recharged the vehicle at SM Mall of Asia’s North Wing parking building, which added one percent to the battery level. At Evo City, I also briefly plugged the BYD Atto 3, which upped the battery level by some five to six percent. I also drove using Eco mode only since I did not feel the need to switch to Sport mode during my short but sweet time behind the wheel.

Following the same route back home, I turned off the vehicle with still a little over 40 percent on the battery gauge. I find it impressive since the trip from Santa Rosa, Laguna to Pasay, and then to Cavite covered about 120 km.

Imagine driving that far using a gasoline-powered vehicle. Not that it would cost some serious gas money, but it was nice to know that you can literally travel for free since you can charge your EVs at no cost at select charging stations.

Also, freedom from the number coding scheme is always a welcome perk.

Convenience, comfort

The BYD Atto 3 is packed with truckloads of technological features designed to make one’s trip convenient and comfortable.

It presents the driver with a leather-wrapped, multi-functional steering wheel. What I loved most about it is that there’s a dedicated button to access the vehicle’s 360-degree camera view, which is helpful when moving in and out of tight spots such as mall parking and other narrow thoroughfares.

The audio controls were also great since adjusting the volume or skipping songs in one’s playlist felt straightforward. Speaking of which, the BYD Atto 3 is equipped with a 12.8-inch infotainment display that rotates to suit one’s needs. One can also wirelessly connect their smartphones to the infotainment unit via wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a helpful feature since I didn’t have to bother plugging cables every time I step inside the car.

Adjusting the car’s air conditioning system is also made simple. Like our smartphones, the infotainment unit of the BYD Atto 3 can be operated using various gesture controls. Swiping three fingers left moves the fan speed while the same gesture in an up or down motion allows one to select the temperature.

Our Managing Editor also appreciated the cabin of the compact SUV. The seats have decent bolstering and are more than enough for the not-so-demanding drive one does when moving around the city.

There was also more than enough space for second-row occupants. Since the BYD Atto 3 had a flat floor, those sitting at the back have ample space, which makes for a more comfortable experience overall. Similarly, the trunk offers plenty of room to accommodate daily necessities. One can put things like school bags, grocery items, and even a week’s worth of laundry inside the boot of the EV, making it an ideal ride for young professionals or growing Filipino families.

City-friendly size

The BYD Atto 3 has dimensions that make it a city-friendly car. It measures 4,455 millimeters (mm) long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,615 mm tall. On that note, maneuvering through the metro is still manageable, plus the aforementioned 360-degree view camera adds some layer of safety for when one needs to squeeze through tight traffic.

Ground clearance is also commendable at 175 mm. That said, potholes, speed bumps, and even the concrete stoppers on parking lots won’t be a problem for drivers sitting behind the wheel of the BYD Atto 3.

Final thoughts

The BYD Atto 3 performed well when put through the usual daily tasks, thus, it can be a good pick for car buyers in the market for a sustainable commuter that comes with great perks. Plus, one can take advantage of the currently free charging stations that are available in most shopping malls and entertainment centers.

I was able to run errands with it — and had enough charge left after — without having to change my usual driving habits. That said, my driving was neither conservative nor aggressive when I used the BYD Atto 3.

It is currently offered in two variants (Dynamic and Premium). Price starts from P1.598 million.

Also read:

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