EVDirect becomes BYD Automotive

AFTER operating in Australia for about a year under EVDirect stewardship, Chinese car brand BYD (Build Your Dreams) will now be distributed here under the BYD Automotive umbrella as the retail partnership between EVDirect and Eagers Automotive commences initial customer deliveries.

These changes coincide with the launch of BYD’s tempting, pure BEV Atto 3, small SUV.

The transition to this new arrangement hinges on BYD Automotive website that was officially launched on Monday 22nd August 2022. It replaces EVDirect’s website as the virtual BYD showroom and online hub where customers can access information on all BYD models, services and the latest BYD news.

The new website will contain the latest information about customer’s vehicles as well as general information on warranty and servicing. All future service updates, model launches, and Experience Centre information will be communicated via BYD Automotive.

In a statement issued this week, BYD was at pains to salve any customer concerns arising from the changeover telling said customers: “You do not need to do anything regarding your order as a result of this notification.”

“You will still be able to access all of your customer information via the portal which will be located at bydautomotive.com.au and all orders remain in place.

“Your deposit is securely held and remains refundable should you decide for any reason not to proceed.”

Sydney-based EVDirect will continue as the exclusive distributor for BYD cars in Australia and will assist in facilitating the transfer of retail operations to BYD Automotive.

BYD Automotive is currently preparing 11 BYD Experience and Delivery Centres across the country.

These facilities will open in two phases. Phase one will enable these sites to function as sales and delivery centres. Phase two will see these sites evolve into “high quality” BYD Experience Centres.

Meanwhile, BYD is reputed to be holding “thousands” of orders for Atto 3 that becomes available as of now in two variants, standard- and extended-range.

The fully electric small SUV has attracted huge interest due to its relatively low purchase price starting at $44,381 plus on-road costs.

That gives it an advantage of around $3000 on the hitherto EV price leader, MG’s ZS.

BYD has been in existence in China for decades and is a major battery supplier to the global automotive sector.

Based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the Atto 3 has a 2720mm wheelbase and measures 4455mm in length, 1875mm in width and 1615mm in height. It is available in standard (with a 50.1kWh version of the brand’s in-house Blade battery and a stated WLTP range of 320km) and an extended-range (with a 40.6kWh battery and a 420km range) variants.

Atto 3 is powered by a 150kW/310Nm front-wheel-drive electric motor (BYD claims a zero to 100km/h time of 7.3 seconds) and comes equipped with Type 2 AC- and CCS 2 DC charging ports, the latter with a peak fast-charge rate of 80kW. A 220V emergency charging cable is supplied.

Neatly styled Atto 3 comes equipped with electrically folding, heated and retractable side mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, power tailgate, 18-inch alloys and V2L mobile supply function, which means the car’s battery can be used as a power bank.

Inside, the generously equipped Atto 3 has a multifunction wheel, keyless entry and start, a 5.0-inch digital instrument panel, leather-like trim, electrically adjustable front seats (six-way for the driver), a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment array that incorporates a DAB digital radio receiver, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, an eight-speaker Dirac audio system, a wireless charging pad and 60:40 split-folding rear seats, which are equipped with ISOFIX child-seat anchorage points (with the seatback folded down, 1330 litres of utility space is available).

The Atto 3’s suite of safety functions includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD, an electronic stability program, intelligent cruise control, front and rear collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and -keeping assist, as well as rear cross-traffic alert and brake.

The BYD Atto 3 comes with seven-year/unlimited-kilometre vehicle and seven-year/160,000km battery warranties. It will be the first of six BYD models that will launch in Australia by the end of 2023, the company said. Its next model is likely to be the EA1 light hatchback.