One month with the BYD Atto3

  For my recent holiday trip to several European countries, I was eager to explore how electric vehicle (EV) charging operates in Europe and to drive a car that is not available in the US. I scoured through the available EV rental car options at my destination, ultimately choosing the BYD Atto3, a small Chinese electric SUV that is perfect for navigating Europe's narrow streets and small parking spaces.
  Honestly, I was initially skeptical about the car being Chinese, anticipating discomfort, limited driving ability, technical issues, and more. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the car exceeded my expectations. I drove it for over a month, covering more than 4000 kms, and encountered no technical problems. The ride was smooth and comfortable, even as I cruised on the German autobahn at my typical speed of around 130 km/h (~80mph), with a max speed of 163 km/h (~101mph). While that was the maximum speed I felt comfortable driving, the car could go faster, but I didn't want to push it beyond my comfort zone. Even at those high speeds, there were no vibrations or noises, making for a smooth ride.
  Although it is a small car, it has an SUV shape, making it larger and taller than hatchbacks. The design is sleek, modern, and visually appealing from every angle. For its size, the car has well-proportioned wheels that aren't too small. With its relatively large road clearance, the car is not low like the Ioniq and other EVs, making it good for driving on unpaved, country roads without any apprehension.

  In the US, I typically drive my Audi e-tron, and while the Atto3 doesn't compare to the e-tron's performance, its price is approximately half that of the e-tron. Therefore, it's understandable that the Atto3 is smaller and only comes in FWD instead of AWD. However, it boasts a 3D surround imaging system that is similar to the one that I had to pay ~$3k extra for on my Audi.
The DC charging times for the Atto3 are comparable to those of the e-tron, and while its range is slightly smaller, it should still be more than sufficient for daily commutes. The range may pose a challenge for long trips in the US, but in Europe, where the density of charging stations is higher, this isn't an issue.
The Atto3 has a large, rotating central display that works well. The software is responsive and includes features such as 3D imaging, a road map, and temperature and vent control.

  There are a few downsides to the Atto3. The range is relatively small, and the displayed remaining range is often significantly higher than the actual range. I found that one percentage of charge gives about 3 kilometers of driving in my aggressive driving style and not the ~ 4.2 km/charge % displayed.
The acceleration is good - for an ICE car - but it doesn't have the same punch as some other EVs.
The two hanging charge port covers are annoying, I would get rid of the one on top (AC), simplifying access. It's also strange that there is no button to stop the charge at the ports, nor an option in the car software. Instead, you can stop an ongoing charging by getting near the car charging input and pressing the car remote.

  Overall, it was a pleasant surprise, I found that the BYD Atto 3 is a great car with a few minor flaws. If you're looking for an EV with a long-lasting battery and a high-quality design, the Atto 3 is a great option. However, if you need a car with a long range and strong acceleration, you may want to consider another option, of course, at a much higher price.

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