BYD Rolls Out $18K Yuan Plus SUV with Flash Charging
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- BYD launched the third‑generation Yuan Plus (sold as the Atto 3 overseas) in China on May 21, pricing it at 119,900 yuan (≈$17,600), a modest increase from the previous 115,800 yuan model.
- Yuan Plus now offers two Blade Battery 2.0 packs—57.5 kWh and 68.5 kWh—delivering CLTC ranges of up to 540 km (335 mi) and 630 km (391 mi) respectively.
- Flash Charging enables the upgraded Yuan Plus to charge from 10 % to 70 % in roughly five minutes and to 97 % in nine minutes, with only a three‑minute penalty at –30 °C.
- God’s Eye B (DiPilot) optional package, priced at an additional 12,000 yuan (≈$1,800), adds a roof‑mounted LiDAR, 30 sensors and ADAS functions such as highway‑assist and automated parking.
- BYD reports higher‑than‑expected demand for vehicles equipped with the new battery and charging system, and plans to roll out the same upgrades to the Atto 3 in Europe, the UK and other markets later this year.
- Yuan Plus faces growing competition from domestic rivals like Geely’s Galaxy E5 and Changan’s Deepal S05 in the compact crossover SUV segment.
Why it matters: The sub‑$18,000 price and five‑minute flash charge give price‑sensitive buyers a high‑range EV option, while BYD’s upgraded Blade Battery 2.0 and DiPilot system aim to recapture sales lost to new domestic rivals such as Geely’s Galaxy E5 and Changan’s Deepal S05; the company reports stronger than expected demand and plans to extend the tech to Europe and the UK later this year.
