BYD AT3 Evo: Faster Charging, Rear Wheel Drive, Bigger Boot and Real Improvements
Table of Contents
BYD AT3 Evo has changed more than the name suggests. This is not a mild facelift. It is a proper update over the AT3 that launched in the UK in 2023.
BYD, now one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, listened to feedback. The older AT3 struggled with slow charging and average handling. This Evo version tackles both.
Let’s break it down properly.
Where the BYD AT3 Evo Sits in the Market
The AT3 Evo sits between the AT2 and the Sealion 7 in BYD’s UK lineup. Size wise, it competes with cars like the Renault Scenic E Tech and the Skoda Elroq.
Those are strong rivals. So BYD had to step up.
And it has.
Battery, Range and Charging: The Big Upgrade
Charging was the weak point of the old AT3. Not anymore.
Key numbers:
74.8 kWh usable battery capacity
14.4 kWh increase over the old model
Up to 220 kW DC fast charging
10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes
Blade battery using LFP chemistry
The 220 kW peak charging speed is double what the old AT3 managed. It is also higher than many direct rivals in this segment.
The battery uses BYD’s Blade LFP technology. LFP batteries generally degrade slower than nickel manganese cobalt packs. They also handle frequent charging above 80 percent better. Safety is another advantage. LFP chemistry is known for thermal stability.
Range figures are lower than the longest range versions of the Scenic and Elroq, which can exceed 350 miles WLTP in some trims. But the AT3 Evo balances range with strong charging performance. For most UK buyers, that matters more on long motorway trips.
BYD has also moved the charging port to the rear quarter panel. That makes life easier at public chargers, especially Tesla Superchargers.
Rear Wheel Drive and Performance
The entry level AT3 Evo now produces 308 bhp.
0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds
Rear wheel drive
Twin motor AWD version with 443 bhp
0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds for AWD
The shift from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive improves traction and efficiency. In EVs, moving the motor from the front axle to the rear is mechanically simpler than in combustion cars.
The AWD version is seriously quick. On paper, it is not far off the Tesla Model Y Performance in straight line speed.
Acceleration feels strong but controlled. Even in Sport mode, power delivery stays smooth. It does not feel wild or nervous.
Interior and Technology
The gym inspired design remains. Yes, the guitar string door pockets are still here.
But there are updates.
Cabin changes:
Gear selector moved to steering column stalk
Larger 8.8 inch driver display
15.6 inch central touchscreen
Built in Google services
Wireless cooled phone charger
The rotating screen from the old AT3 is gone. It now stays in landscape mode. Honestly, few owners used the rotation feature.
You get:
Google Maps built in
Google Play Store
Google Assistant
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
BYD also keeps its own voice system. Say “Hey BYD” and you can adjust climate controls. It works, though it is more limited than Google Assistant.
Material quality feels solid. You sit slightly higher than in some rivals. All versions get electric front seats with lumbar support.
Boot Space and Practicality
BYD improved practicality in a meaningful way.
Boot space:
490 litres rear boot
Up from 440 litres
101 litre front boot
That 490 litres includes underfloor storage. The lowered boot floor comes from better battery integration into the chassis.
There is a noticeable loading lip. Fold the 60 40 split rear seats and you get a step in the extended load area. Not ideal, but manageable.
Add the 101 litre frunk and total storage beats some rivals that do not offer any front boot at all.
Rear passenger space remains similar to before:
Flat rear floor
Decent knee room for a six foot adult
Fold down armrest with cupholders
Limited seat recline adjustment
You cannot slide the rear bench. Recline adjustment exists but the difference is small.
Driving Experience: Improved, But Not Class Leading
BYD fitted more sophisticated rear suspension.
The result?
Better body control
Less bounce on undulating roads
More stable at higher speeds
However, rivals still set the benchmark. The Scenic and Elroq feel more settled and more comfortable overall.
Steering remains light and somewhat remote. It does not deliver strong feedback.
Ride comfort is acceptable, especially at lower speeds. At motorway pace, you notice some wind noise around the pillars and tyre rumble on rough surfaces.
It is improved. But not best in class.
Standard Equipment and Warranty
Every AT3 Evo includes:
18 inch alloy wheels
Front and rear parking sensors
360 degree camera
Heated front seats
Heat pump
Vehicle to load function
Ambient lighting
The top Excellence trim adds:
Head up display
Heated rear seats
Panoramic sunroof
BYD also offers a six year or 93,750 mile warranty in the UK. That is stronger than many mainstream rivals.
UK Price and Value
Expected UK pricing:
Around £39,000 for Design
Around £42,000 for Excellence AWD
These prices place it slightly above some entry versions of the Scenic and Elroq, especially when government incentives apply to rivals.
However, the AT3 Evo includes more standard equipment and a long warranty. If value to you means features and performance rather than the softest ride, it makes a case.
Final Verdict
The old AT3 felt unfinished. The Evo feels thought through.
Charging speed is no longer a weakness. Performance is strong. Boot space is better. Tech is improved. The move to rear wheel drive makes sense.
The driving experience still sits in the middle of the class. If ride comfort and steering feel matter most, rivals edge ahead.
But if you want fast charging, serious performance, lots of equipment and a long warranty in an electric family SUV, the BYD AT3 Evo deserves proper consideration.
And yes, the guitar strings on the doors remain. Some things do not need evolution.
Sources and References
Official & Key Manufacturer Info
1. BYD ATTO 3 Official UK Page
BYD ATTO 3 Official UK Specs and Features
This is the official page from BYD’s UK website covering the ATTO 3 (pre-Evo). It includes technical data, battery info, interior features, safety tech, drivetrain specs, and platform details. Useful for baseline specification comparison.
2. BYD ATTO 3 EVO Official EU Page
BYD ATTO 3 EVO Official European Specs and Details
This page covers the ATTO 3 Evo on BYD’s European site, including range, battery size, charging capability, power outputs, and key practical features like boot space and comfort. Great for reference on Evo specifics.
Automotive Press & Reviews
3. Auto Express – ATTO 3 EVO Gains Power and Range
New BYD Atto 3 EVO Makes Big Power Gains (Auto Express)
Recent coverage from a respected UK motor publication detailing Evo performance figures, battery increase, and overall improvements over the original model.
4. What Car? – ATTO 3 EVO UK Overview
ATTO 3 EVO Review and UK Price Estimate (What Car?)
What Car? provides a detailed UK perspective on the Evo, including charging speeds, powertrain options, expected starting prices and range estimates.
5. HonestyJohn – ATTO 3 Evo News & Specs
2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo UK Launch Details (HonestJohn)
Comprehensive breakdown of the 2026 Evo update, including boot space, frunk, specs, battery details, and new features. Useful for factual backing on multiple Evo upgrades.
6. FleetWorld – ATTO 3 Evo Information
BYD Atto 3 Evo Transformed With Faster Charging and Range (FleetWorld)
Another UK publication giving figures on charging performance, power output, range, and battery details — helpful for comparison vs rivals.
Background on the Original ATTO 3
7. Wikipedia – BYD Atto 3 Entry
BYD Atto 3 Overview (Wikipedia)
Neutral baseline reference on the original ATTO 3, its global positioning, platform details, battery chemistry options, and history.
BYD AT3 Evo FAQs
1. What is new in the BYD AT3 Evo compared to the 2023 model?
The AT3 Evo is not just a facelift. It gets a larger 74.8 kWh battery, much faster 220 kW charging, rear wheel drive instead of front wheel drive, more boot space, updated suspension, improved tech, and a new gear selector mounted behind the steering wheel. Charging speed and handling were the main weaknesses before, and BYD has clearly focused on fixing those.
2. How fast does the BYD AT3 Evo charge?
The AT3 Evo supports up to 220 kW DC fast charging. In ideal conditions, it can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 25 minutes. That is roughly double the peak speed of the older AT3 and quicker than several direct rivals in this segment.
3. What is the battery size of the BYD AT3 Evo?
The usable battery capacity is 74.8 kWh, which is around 20 percent larger than the previous version. It uses BYD Blade Battery technology based on LFP chemistry, which is known for durability and improved thermal stability.
4. Is the BYD AT3 Evo rear wheel drive?
Yes. The standard version now uses rear wheel drive. The previous AT3 was front wheel drive. Moving the motor to the rear helps improve traction and efficiency, especially when accelerating from junctions or roundabouts.
5. How powerful is the BYD AT3 Evo?
The entry Design version produces 308 bhp and can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in about 5.5 seconds. There is also a twin motor all wheel drive version with 443 bhp, capable of 0 to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.
6. What is the boot space in the BYD AT3 Evo?
The rear boot offers 490 litres of space, up from 440 litres in the previous model. There is also a 101 litre front boot under the bonnet. Combined, it provides more total storage than many rivals that do not offer a front boot.
7. Has the interior changed in the AT3 Evo?
The overall gym inspired design remains, including the guitar string door pockets. However, the gear selector has moved to a steering column stalk, freeing up storage space in the centre console. The driver display is now 8.8 inches, and the central touchscreen measures 15.6 inches in fixed landscape format.
8. Does the BYD AT3 Evo have Google built in?
Yes. The infotainment system includes Google Maps, Google Play Store, and Google voice assistant. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. BYD keeps its own voice assistant, which can control basic functions such as climate settings.
9. How does the BYD AT3 Evo drive?
The Evo version feels more controlled than the old AT3 thanks to revised rear suspension. Body roll is reduced and high speed stability has improved. However, rivals such as the Renault Scenic and Skoda Elroq still offer a more comfortable and settled ride overall.
10. What is the expected UK price of the BYD AT3 Evo?
Official UK prices have not been confirmed, but estimates suggest around £39,000 for the Design version and around £42,000 for the more powerful Excellence model. The AT3 Evo comes well equipped as standard and includes a six year or 93,750 mile warranty.
