Exciting news for prospective owners of the BYD Atto 3 electric crossover: the wait time for your booking might just become shorter, thanks to the recent homologation certification obtained by the automaker from ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India). Launched back in October 2022, the Atto 3 has garnered significant attention in the electric vehicle (EV) market, and this development is poised to alleviate delivery delays while potentially reducing prices.
Homologation Certificate Clears the Way
The acquisition of the ARAI homologation certificate for the BYD Atto 3 is a significant milestone for the automaker. This certification enables BYD to import more units of the electric crossover beyond the current restriction of 2500 cars imposed on non-homologated vehicles. Consequently, customers awaiting delivery of their booked Atto 3 models can anticipate expedited timelines for receiving their vehicles.
Transition from SKD to CKD Model
In addition to streamlining the delivery process, the homologation certification paves the way for BYD to shift production from Semi Knocked-Down (SKD) to Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) units. This transition is expected to contribute to a reduction in manufacturing costs, subsequently leading to a potential drop in the retail price of the Atto 3.
Introduction of Lower-Spec Variant
To further enhance affordability and cater to a wider customer base, BYD is reportedly planning to introduce a lower-spec variant of the Atto 3. This variant, previously teased with exclusive details, is equipped with the same battery pack but offers a claimed range of 264 kilometers on a full charge, compared to the 512 kilometers claimed by the fully loaded model.
Market Competition and Future Prospects
Currently, the BYD Atto 3 faces minimal direct competition in the EV segment, with rivals predominantly comprising internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles such as the Hyundai Tucson, MG Gloster, and lower-spec variants of the Toyota Fortuner. However, as the EV market continues to evolve, competitors from established Indian automakers like Tata and Mahindra are expected to enter the fray, posing potential challenges to the Atto 3’s market dominance.
