BYD, China’s Electric Vehicle Manufacturer, Prepares EV Atto 3 to Compete with Tesla in the UAE

Dubai: China’s BYD, in partnership with Al-Futtaim, has emerged as the biggest competitor to Tesla in the electric vehicle (EV) market in the UAE. They have recently launched the Atto 3 SUV and plan to introduce two more EV models and two plug-in hybrid models this year.

YD is pulling no punches when it comes to aggressive pricing for its Atto 3 launch in UAE. At Dh149,900, the SUV also packs a range of 400 plus kilometers.

The Atto 3 boasts an impressive range of 420 kilometers and is priced at Dh149,900, making it the most affordable EV model available through an official dealership in the UAE. Other EVs in the market are priced closer to Dh200,000 or higher, giving BYD a significant advantage in terms of affordability.

Prior to the official launch, the Atto 3 received substantial online interest, with over 95,000 visitors, 3,000 registered leads, and 153 bookings. Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, emphasized that BYD is already the world’s leading EV manufacturer, outselling Tesla. The Atto 3 will serve as their entry model in the UAE market, followed by the introduction of other models.

The flagship BYD Han sedan is next in line, with bookings already open on the BYD UAE website and an expected launch in October. Industry sources predict that EVs and hybrids will gain popularity in the UAE over the next three years, both through ownership and subscription services.

Currently, EV sales account for less than 5% of new car sales in the UAE, primarily in fleet sales rather than retail purchases. However, this trend may change as younger generations become early adopters of EV options.

BYD and Al-Futtaim have decided to stagger the launches to ensure that each model undergoes rigorous testing, particularly in hot summer conditions. Modifications have been made to adapt the vehicles to local requirements, including improvements to air conditioning, battery power, and other summer-related specifications.

Checking out the BYD Atto 3 on launch day in the UAE.

In addition to offering three years free servicing to the first 100 Atto 3 buyers, the local dealership is committed to supporting competitive pricing. They provide a set residual value for a three-year period, allowing users either take full ownership or upgrade at the end of the term. This guarantees the future value of all BYD models and eliminates risks for buyers, aligning with their goal of democratizing EV ownership in the UAE.

Furthermore, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Co. recognizes the importance of establishing an extensive EV charging network. They plan to leverage their influence to expand the network by installing charging stations at various price points, ensuring that EV owners have convenient access to charging infrastructure.

Hasan Nergiz emphasized that developing the charging network is just as crucial as making EV models affordable, as it enables a wider base of EV owners to connect to charging facilities wherever they go.