BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a publicly listed Chinese auto brand that is headquartered in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. The brand came into existence back in January 2003 and has since created a strong market presence. The current lineup of BYD vehicles includes a range of passenger cars, trucks, buses, electric bicycles, and forklifts.
The model range includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In fact, in June 2022, BYD overtook Tesla to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer with over 641,000 EVs sold in the first half of 2022. In the same year, it even became the world's first carmaker to sell over a million NEVs (Battery and Gas-Battery Hybrid).
BYD India, the local subsidiary of the Chinese carmaker, was registered in 2007, and is based in Chennai. The carmaker started exploring opportunities in the Indian car market in 2013. However, it was only in 2022 when it finally launched its first product. At the moment, it retails two models on our shores.
Here’s a look at the best BYD electric cars in India:
| Model | Fuel Type | Body Type | Range | Ex-Showroom Price |
| BYD E6 | Electric | MPV | 261 km | ₹29.15 lakh-₹29.60 lakh |
| BYD Atto 3 | Electric | Crossover | 430 km | ₹ 33.99 lakh-₹ 34.49 lakh |
1. BYD E6
First launched only as a B2B CV (Commercial Vehicle), the e6 all-electric MPV was later made available to the private car buying lot last year. It’s on sale in two variants – GL and GLX. Right now, the BYD E6 is the only BEV MPV available in the country’s car market. It features LFP ‘Blade' Batteries that offer more efficient packaging and better energy density.
The MPV is underpinned by the carmaker’s e-platform and gets its juice from a 71.7 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery that powers an electric motor positioned on the front-axle. This system outputs a maximum power of 95 hp and a peak torque of 180 Nm. The top-speed is rated at 130 km/h.
On a full charge, the BYD E6 can travel for 415 km (WLTC). The MPV offers regenerative braking technology and can be charged from 30-80 per cent in 35 minutes, while complete charging takes 90 minutes. There’s even a 40 kW wall-mounted AC fast charger that can completely charge the MPV in 2 hours. A 6.6 kW AC slow charger can completely charge the MPV in 12 hours.
Ex-showroom Price: ₹29.15 lakh-₹29.60 lakh
Key Specifications of BYD E6
| Engine | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Range | 215 km (WLTC) |
| Maximum Power | 195 bhp |
| Peak Torque | 180 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Battery/Tank Capacity | 71.7 kWh lithium-ion |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | MPV |
| Boot Space | 580 litres |
Key Features
| LED DRLs |
| 6-way adjustment front seats |
| Panoramic Sunroof |
| 10.1 inch rotatable touchscreen |
| Keyless Entry |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity |
| Push button Start/Stop |
| Multi-function steering wheel |
| Customisable Ambient Lighting |
| Apple CarPlay |
| Android Auto |
| Leather upholstery |
| Cruise Control |
| 6 Airbags |
| ABS with EBD |
| Traction Control |
| Hill Start Assist |
| Fog lamps |
| Alloy Wheels |
| LED Headlamps |
| CN95 air filtration system |
What’s Good:
- Elevated ride quality
- Host of top of the food chain features
- Lower running costs in the long run
What’s Not Good:
- No 7-seater option
- Unproven after sales service and support
2. BYD Atto 3
BYD launched its second offering in India in the form of the Atto 3, a premium crossover EV that rivals the MG ZS EV. It is available with an 8 years/1.6 lakh km warranty, 6-year roadside assistance, and 6 free maintenance services. The EV is on sale in four colours – Boulder Grey, Parkour Red, Ski White and Surf Blue.
Inside, the Atto 3 gets a rather interesting interior design with door-mounted circular speakers, 12.8-inch rotating central screen and various styling elements including musical-instrument-inspired strings on the door panel and a multi-coloured rhythmic interactive ambient lighting system.
The BYD Atto 3 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor mounted on the front axle that can enable the EV to sprint to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Peak power and torque are rated at 201.15 bhp and 310 Nm, respectively, The motor gets its juice from a 60.48 kWh Blade battery pack with an ARAI-rated range of 521 km.
The battery pack of the BYD Atto 3 can be charged in about 10 hours using a Type 2 7kW AC charger. It can be charged from 0 to 80 percent in 50 minutes through an 80 kW DC fast charger. The carmaker is even supplying a 7 kW home charger and a 3 kW portable charger with the Atto 3.
Ex-showroom Price: ₹23.99 lakh-₹24.49 lakh
Key Specifications of BYD Atto 3
| Engine | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Transmission | e-CVT |
| Range | 321 km (ARAI) |
| Maximum Power | 201.15 bhp |
| Peak Torque | 310 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Battery/Tank Capacity | 60.48 kWh lithium-ion |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Crossover |
| Boot Space | 440 litres |
Key Features
| Panoramic sunroof |
| Powered tailgate |
| Wireless phone charger |
| 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster |
| Synthetic leather upholstery |
| Powered front driver and passenger seats |
| Multi-coloured ambient lighting |
| ADAS |
| 360-degree camera |
| ABS |
| ESC |
| Traction control |
| Hill descent control |
| 7 Airbags |
| 12.8-inch rotating central screen |
What’s Good:
- Highly rated safety features including 7 airbags
- Stylish, spacious, and high on performance
What’s Not Good:
- Long term reliability
- Unproven after sales service and support
Conclusion
Even though BYD India took its own sweet time to commence retail operations, the brand is rapidly establishing itself among the forerunners in the electric car market. Even though the long term reliability and after sales services remain uncertain, the two electric cars in the portfolio of BYD India make quite a case for themselves .
While the E6 is the only electric MPV available in the market, the Atto 3 makes for a good alternative to the cheaper MG ZS EV as well as the costlier Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both the vehicles are priced at par with ICE vehicles that offer similar levels of performance and features.
Moreover, the carmaker plans to soon expand its existing portfolio with other, better offerings in the EV segment. What this means is that an electric car buyer should give the BYD cars a good look before making a purchase decision.
FAQs
Q. Which is the most selling model among all the BYD electric cars in 2023?
Currently, out of the two BYD electric cars in India, the E6 is the highest-selling model with over 400 units sold.
Q. Which is the cheapest BYD electric car on sale in the market?
Right now, the BYD R6 is the cheapest BYD electric car in India
Q. Which is the fastest BYD electric car in India?
The BYD Atto 3 is the fastest out of the BYD electric cars in India, clocking in at a respectable top speed of 160 km/h, with the potential to reach 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds!
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