Chinese auto maker BYD has been introduced to the Irish market with the arrival of their all-electric Atto 3 C-segment SUV designed, by German auto designer Wolfgang Egger with electric European customers in mind, writes Trish Whelan. The car is aimed at the compact family crossover segment and BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’. It will be followed by two other models in August and September. The Atto 3 is the first car to use the brand’s dedicated electric platform bringing what BYD say is the latest in EV innovation in terms of safety, system efficiency, integrated vehicle intelligence and performance. It is powered by a 60.48 kWh battery with a rated 420km range (WLTP combined). The battery, styled ‘Blade’, passed serious safety impact and piercing tests, and is said to provide an efficient and longer range as well as more power density for optimum performance, including faster charging. The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. Energy consumption is 16.3kWh/100km or l