Is this about to become the best-selling vehicle in Israel again?
BYD is launching the new generation of its popular electric vehicle, the ATTO 3 EVO. We tested the new model to see if it can repeat the success of its predecessor in a challenging market.
In 2022, we first met the electric vehicle manufacturer BYD in Israel. Even then, I had a feeling that the ATTO 3, the first vehicle launched by the Chinese manufacturer in Israel, would become a "very popular vehicle in Israel," but even I did not predict that the ATTO 3 would become the best-selling vehicle in the country. Not the best-selling electric vehicle, but the best-selling vehicle in Israel with more than 50,000 units that have hit the road. Since then, under the auspices of government policy and the Tax Authority, the prices of electric vehicles and insurance have soared, and importers have not met consumers halfway with more competitive pricing, which has caused the demand for electric vehicles to almost freeze.
Just now, BYD is launching the BYD ATTO 3 EVO in Israel, the new generation of its popular vehicle, with several changes and an interesting price tag. I took it for a few days of very long trips to understand whether it can repeat the success or not.
I know it, I know it
First of all, a disclaimer: since 2022, I have been driving a BYD ATTO 3, which I purchased at full price. I have been driving the OG ATTO 3 daily for 4 years and have already driven it almost 60,000 kilometers. Therefore, I approach the ATTO 3 EVO with quite a few expectations for improvement.
Let's start with the look: in the exterior design department, there are no particularly noticeable changes. In the interior, BYD decided that the "evolution" does not include the maturing of their design team: we again get a strange design in the spirit of gyms and music. The air vents still resemble weights, the dashboard area is designed like a muscle, and the door handles require a reverse pull. However, there are improvements: the unnecessary rotating screen has disappeared, which benefits ergonomics. Physical buttons are now in a small row, making the look much cleaner and freeing up space between the driver and passenger.
the gear selector has moved to a dedicated lever on the right side of the steering wheel. You get used to it quickly, although the transition to Parking still requires pressing a button on the lever. The driver and passenger seats have been upgraded with an adjustable headrest, and the driver gets an extra lower back cushion.
Roof gone, Frunk in
Another change in the basic Atto 3 Evo version is the absence of a sunroof. Given the Israeli heat, this is hardly a major disadvantage. The dashboard received a significant upgrade: the screen grew to 8.8 inches, displaying more information in a less flashy interface. Next to the driver, there is now a 50W wireless charging pad, although my iPhone 17 Pro occasionally stopped charging due to overheating.
A great surprise awaits in the front of the vehicle: a front trunk (Frunk) with a volume of 101 liters. The BYD ATTO 3 EVO engine has moved to the rear, leaving room for a bag or groceries. This is a great addition, although it lacks a drain plug for easy cleaning.
Engine moves to the back, and the battery grows
The EVO comes with significant changes to performance and drive: the base version now has rear-wheel drive and 313 horsepower, and the advanced version has all-wheel drive with a combined output of 448 horsepower. The feeling of momentum is much more natural.
Most importantly: the battery. In both trim levels, it has a capacity of 74.8kWh (compared to 60.5kWh in the original). BYD promises a range of 510 km. In practice, during my test, the vehicle drove about 331.5 km before requiring a charge at 11%. Perhaps in urban driving, one could reach 400 km, but 510 km is more of a laboratory figure.
The nightmare returns
BYD claims support for DC charging up to 220kW, which should provide a 10% to 80% charge in about 25 minutes. Unfortunately, my experience at public stations remained negative: unstable speeds and station malfunctions make the process frustrating. If you don't have a charger at home or in the office, an electric vehicle might not be for you.
Ace in the sleeve
The main trump card of the BYD ATTO 3 EVO is the price. The Design model costs 154,990 NIS, and the Excellence model costs 164,990 NIS. In a world where the purchase tax for electric vehicles has risen from 10% to 48%, the importer has agreed to cut its margins to keep the vehicle accessible. I have a feeling that in the coming year, BYD will return to the top of the delivery charts.
