BYD Atto 2 EV vs. the competition

BYD Cars Philippines has recently expanded its selection of products with the introduction of the Atto 2 subcompact crossover. Unsurprisingly, it comes in both DM-i (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) form and in an electric vehicle (EV) variant. 

Now, the DM-i trim is an attractive prospect for those still on the fence about all-electric mobility. Those keen on getting their first EV, however, are no doubt looking at the BYD Atto 2 BEV. 

But before you jump the gun, what are the competitors of this all-new fully-electric model? Specifically, what are its similarly priced alternatives? Let’s find out here. 

BYD Atto 2 EV

Ahead of laying out its closest rivals, let us first take a gander at what the BYD Atto 2 EV is offering to prospective buyers. 

For its propulsion system, the BYD Atto 2 EV uses a single permanent magnet synchronous motor that outputs a maximum of 174 horsepower (hp) and 290 Newton-meters of torque. The said engine goes with a 45.1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, which provides up to 380 kilometers of range, according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). 

Topping up the Atto 2 EV can be done via an alternating current (AC) port or a direct current (DC) port. When using its DC port, its fast charging feature can increase its battery levels from 10-80 percent in just 24 minutes. 

Additionally, the model also gets a regenerative braking system, a drive mode selector, and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature. 

Like most of the models on this list, the BYD Atto 2 EV is front-wheel-drive (FWD). Ride quality and stability for this nameplate is handled by front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam suspension. Braking, meanwhile, is done by front and rear discs. 

Size-wise, the model 4,330 millimeters (mm) long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,675 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,620 mm and a ground clearance 150 mm. 

When it comes to exterior features, the model comes with LED lighting fixtures, automatic headlamp functionality, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. 

Inside the BYD Atto 2 EV is a five-seater layout equipped with leather-upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60:40 split-folding second row, and an automatic climate control system. 

Its array of driver-centric features include:

• Push-to-start button
• 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster
• Electronic parking brake
• Digital key (BYD App)
• Keyless entry

Handling on-board entertainment for the BYD Atto 2 EV is a 12.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is linked to a six-piece speaker set, and it also has over-the-air updating, 4G connectivity, the BYD Cloud Service, and a voice assistant. 

Safety-wise, the BYD Atto 2 EV comes with what you’d expect from a modern crossover. It also has a 360-degree view monitor, six parking sensors, and cruise control. 

Other safety gear present on the Atto 2 EV includes dual front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, ISOFIX, traction control, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking (ABS), hill-descent control, tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and an anti-theft system - among others. 

Pricing for the BYD Atto 2 EV is set at P1.338 million. 

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Jaecoo J5 EV

One notable rival of the BYD Atto 2 EV is the Jaecoo J5 EV, which retails at P1.399 million. 

For its powertrain, the Jaecoo J5 EV uses a single PMSM connected to a 58.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Like its rivals on this list, the J5 EV is a FWD model. 

At most, the Jaecoo all-electric crossover can make up to 207 hp and 288 Nm of torque. It also has a NEDC-indicated range of 461 km. Topping up this nameplate can be done via an AC or DC port. When using its DC port, it can increase battery levels from 30-80 percent in 28 minutes. Other noteworthy EV components of the Jaecoo J5 EV include regenerative braking and V2L. 

For its suspension system, the Jaecoo J5 EV uses a front MacPherson strut and a multi-link rear system. It also comes equipped with front and rear disc brakes. 

In terms of size, the Jaecoo J5 is 4,380 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,650 mm in height. Its wheelbase spans 2,620 mm, and it has an unladen ground clearance of 184 mm. 

On the outside, the Jaecoo all-electric crossover gets LED lighting, automatic headlamps, roof rails, a power tailgate, a panoramic glass roof, and a set of 18-inch wheels. 

The interior of the Jaecoo J5 EV, meanwhile, is a five-seater arrangement that is equipped with leather upholstery, automatic climate controls, an ambient lighting system, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. 

Its array of driver amenities includes an electronic parking brake, a drive mode selector, and an anti-glare rearview mirror. 

Dominating the center of the Jaecoo J5 EV’s dashboard is a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said display is linked to an eight-piece Sony speaker set. Topping up devices inside the model is done through USB ports or a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Handling safety for the Jaecoo J5 EV is a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) which consist of: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Integrated cruise assist
• Forward collision warning and alert
• Rear cross-traffic braking and alert
• Traffic jam assist
• Emergency lane keeping
• Active speed limiter
• Multi-collision braking
• 540-degree around view monitor
• Rear collision warning
• Intelligent evasion system
• Blind-spot detection

Its passive safety kit, meanwhile, comes with dual front airbags, front side airbags, ISOFIX, ABS, traction control, stability control, roll stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, TPMS, and an anti-theft system. 

Dongfeng Vigo

While it looks boxier than most of the cars on this list, the Dongfeng Vigo still fits in the subcompact EV crossover segment. As such, it competes against the BYD Atto 2 EV with a price of P1.458 million. 

For its powertrain, the Dongfeng Vigo uses a single PMSM paired with a 51.87-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery. The model is also FWD. 

With regards to output, it can produce up to 160 hp and 230 Nm of torque. It also has a range of 471 km, according to the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC). Charging the model is done via AC or DC ports, with the latter providing a charge rate of 30-80 percent in 18 minutes. 

Like many of its rivals on this list, the Dongfeng Viggo comes standard with regenerative braking, V2L functionality, and a drive mode selector. 

Concerning size, the Dongfeng Vigo is 4,306 mm long, 1,868 mm wide, and 1,654 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,715 mm and a ground clearance of 190 mm. 

Key exterior features of the Vigo include LED lighting fixtures, automatic headlamps, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. 

Inside, the Dongfeng Vigo gets a five-seater layout fitted with leather upholstery, an automatic climate control system, split-folding rear seats, power-adjustable front seats, as well as an ambient lighting system. 

On the one hand, the driver of the Vigo EV has access to the following amenities:

• 8.88-inch digital gauge cluster
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• Smart key

The vehicle’s main display is a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound is outputted in the cabin by a six-piece speaker set, while topping devices inside the EV is done through USB ports or a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Regarding its standard safety features, the Dongfeng Vigo has six airbags, traction control, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking, a 360-degree view camera, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX, and tire pressure monitoring - among others.

Its ADAS suite, meanwhile, comes with the following: 

• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward collision warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic sign recognition
• Intelligent speed assist
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Lane centering assist
• Highway assist 
• Intelligent high beam control

Considering the BYD Atto 2 EV?  Check out these exclusive offers from Zigwheels Philippines.

 

GAC Aion UT

Moving away from the larger alternatives to the BYD Atto 2 EV, we have the GAC Aion UT - a hatchback-style model that retails at P1.068 million. It's on the more affordable side, but otherwise, it still falls between the P1 million - P1.5 million price range we are considering for this list. 

When it comes to powertrains, the GAC Aion UT packs a single PMSM that drives its front wheels. This motor goes with a 44.12 kWh battery, a regenerative braking system, and a V2L feature. 

At most, the GAC Aion UT’s single motor setup can dish out 134 hp and 145 Nm of torque. It can also cover up to 400 km from a single full charge, according to NEDC. 

Notably, the Aion UT is much larger than a typical EV hatch and is more in scale with EV crossovers. For reference, it is 4,270 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, and 1,575 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,750 mm and an unladen ground clearance of 147 mm. 

Some notable exterior amenities of the Aion UT include LED lighting fixtures, automatic headlamps, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a set of 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels. 

Inside, the GAC Aion UT gets a five-seater layout with fabric seats, folding rear seats, an automatic air-conditioning system, an 8.8-inch digital gauge, and an electronic parking brake - among others. 

Its main display, meanwhile, is a 14.6-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has six speakers, a 12-volt accessory outlet, and USB ports. The said display is likewise capable of providing an in-car WiFi hotspot and accept voice commands. 

As standard, the GAC Aion UT gets dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, front/rear parking sensors, vehicle dynamics control, hill-hold control, and an anti-theft system - among others.

These are reinforced by ADAS features such as: 

• Adaptive cruise control
• Integrated cruise assist
• Intelligent high beams
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Emergency lane keeping
• Blind spot detection
• Rear collision warning
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Surround view camera

Geely EX2

Last but not least is the Geely EX2, whose Max trim retails at P1.38 million, which is in striking distance of the BYD Atto 2 EV. 

Powering the Geely EX2 is a single rear-mounted motor producing up to 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque. Notably, the EX2 is the only model on this list that is rear-wheel-drive. The said motor is mated to a 39.4 kWh battery providing the vehicle with a range of 395 km, according to NEDC. 

Topping up the model is done via a DC port, which can increase its state of charge from 30 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes. Like the other nameplates on this list, the EX2 offers regenerative braking and V2L functionality. 

For stability and handling, the EX2 comes with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Stopping power, meanwhile, is provided by front and rear discs. 

Size-wise, the model is 4,135 mm long, 1,805 mm wide, and 1,580 mm in height. It also has a 2,650 mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 162 mm (unladen). 

Notable exterior equipment of the Geely EX2 Max variant includes LED fixtures, automatic headlamps, power-adjustable side mirrors with heating, and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. 

Inside the Geely EX2 is a five-seater arrangement with leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, and a manual air-conditioning system. 

Its driving amenities, on the other hand, include Keyless entry and start, an 8.8-inch digital gauge, and an electronic parking brake. 

Positioned in the center of the vehicle’s dash is a 14.6-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It likewise gets a total of six speakers, USB ports, and a wireless charging pad. 

The model gets a similar standard kit to its rivals, but its ADAS suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and a 360-degree view camera. 

Final thoughts

Overall, the BYD Atto 2 is on-par against its closely priced EV rivals. This applies to creature comforts, range, and power. The only thing holding it back, of course, is its lack of an ADAS suite. 

It can be argued, however, that not all drivers would get much use out of an ADAS suite. Sure, they’re nice to have, but it isn’t a deal breaker for most who have gotten used to driving in chaotic places like Metro Manila. 

So, if you like what you see in the BYD Atto 2 EV, do not hesitate to visit the nearest BYD outlet to ask for a test drive. 

Also read:

Check out the updated BYD Seal 5 DM-i’s strengths, weaknesses

4 biggest reasons to consider the BYD Atto 2 DM-i

All-electric crossover duel: Jaecoo J5 EV vs. BYD Atto 3

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