The BYD (EV) Thread

FiestaST said:
BYD to unveil new ATTO 2 DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV

BYD Auto South Africa will officially unveil its new ATTO 2 DM-i to local media and stakeholders on 10 and 11 June 2026, as the Chinese vehicle manufacturer continues to grow its presence in South Africa's new energy vehicle market.

The launch follows the recent introduction of the BYD ATTO 8 and forms part of the company's broader expansion strategy in the country.

While full specifications remain under wraps ahead of the launch, BYD confirmed that the ATTO 2 DM-i will feature its DM-i plug-in hybrid technology, which combines electric driving capability with extended driving range. The vehicle will also be equipped with the company's Blade Battery technology, a key feature across BYD's global vehicle range.

According to BYD, the new model is aimed at motorists seeking the benefits of electrified mobility without sacrificing practicality and everyday convenience.

"The South African market has responded incredibly positively to BYD's growing vehicle portfolio, and we are excited to continue building on that momentum with the introduction of the ATTO 2 DM-i. This is a vehicle designed for customers who want the benefits of electrified mobility without compromising on practicality, convenience or everyday usability," said Marketing Director at BYD Auto South Africa, Nomonde Kweyi.

Pricing and full vehicle details will be announced on June 11.

Click to expand...

I saw the spec sheet yesterday, and atm it looks like they're possibly only bringing in the smaller battery version which would be a massive missed opportunity in my opinion.
 
BYD Atto 2: SA launch date confirmed

BYD has announced when the Atto 2 DM-i will launch in South Africa. Here’s what we know about the SA-bound new-energy compact crossover/SUV…

As we highlighted in Every Chinese car confirmed for SA in 2026, the BYD Atto 2 is set to be introduced to our market this year. Now, the Chinese automaker’s local arm has confirmed when the new-energy compact crossover will arrive on our shores.

While the Atto 2 is also available in all-electric format in overseas markets, the local lineup will employ BYD’s DM-i (Dual Mode intelligent) powertrain. The petrol-electric setup comprises a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder internal combustion engine (ICE) and a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor – the latter fed by either a 7.8 or 18 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery. Equipped with the former, the Atto 2 produces 122 kW and 300 N.m of torque, while the model featuring the larger Blade Battery is endowed with a combined power output of 156 kW, with torque remaining unchanged. Power is delivered to the road through the front wheels. BYD claims the 7.8 and 18 kWh models offer electric-only operating ranges of 40 and 90 km, respectively, and combined driving ranges of 930 and 1 000 km.

Based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 underpinnings, the Atto 2 measures 4 310 mm in length and 1 830 mm in width – making it 145 mm shorter and 45 mm narrower than the Atto 3 – and 1 675 mm in height. The Atto 2’s wheelbase spans 2 620 mm.

Outside, the Atto 2 DM-i features LED head- and taillamps. Stepping inside, the interior plays host to a rotating central infotainment screen, which transitions from portrait to landscape orientation at the touch of a button. A digital driver’s display is also present. A diamond-cut drive selector is surrounded by analogue switchgear for operating essential functions.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i SA launch date

BYD has confirmed the Atto 2 DM-i will launch in SA on 10 June 2026. Local pricing and specifications will be revealed at launch. The BYD will rival the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross HEV, Chery Tiggo Cross CSH and Jaecoo J5 HEV.

www.carmag.co.za

BYD Atto 2: SA launch date confirmed

BYD has announced when the Atto 2 DM-i will launch in South Africa. Here’s what we know about the SA-bound new-energy compact crossover/SUV…
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
Ford Ranger Raptor-rivalling BYD Shark 6 in the works?

Ford Ranger Raptor rival incoming? According to reports, BYD is considering developing a more powerful and off-road-focused Shark 6 double-cab bakkie.

In April 2026, BYD announced the Shark 6 Performance, a more powerful version of the Chinese automaker’s Shark 6 double-cab, which we evaluated for a road test in the August 2025 issue of CAR magazine. However, it seems yet another variant could join BYD’s Shark 6 portfolio in the future, with reports suggesting the Shenzhen-based brand is considering a more off-road-focused derivative.

From what we understand, BYD’s Ford Ranger Raptor-rivalling Shark 6 will likely employ the same plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain as the Performance model. As a reminder, while the “standard” Shark 6’s PHEV setup features a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol internal combustion engine (ICE), the Performance pairs two electric motors with a 2.0-litre ICE. The Shark 6 Performance produces combined power and torque outputs of 350 kW and 700 N.m – increases of 29 kW and 50 N.m over the “standard” model. BYD claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.5 seconds and a combined fuel consumption of 1.3 L/100 km. Both powertrains are paired with a 29.58 kWh battery.

www.carmag.co.za

Ford Ranger Raptor-rivalling BYD Shark 6 in the works?

Ford Ranger Raptor rival incoming? According to reports, BYD is considering a more powerful and off-road-focused Shark 6 double-cab bakkie...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
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