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BYD Launches Atto 2 DM i Super Hybrid Across Europe

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 12:32 GMT by Toronto Star

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BYD Debuts the Atto 2 DM i Super Hybrid in Europe, Announces Test‑Drive Campaign

Chinese electric‑vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has officially launched its newest hybrid model, the Atto 2 DM i Super Hybrid, across the European market. The company revealed the vehicle in a joint press release with a global media agency, highlighting the Atto 2’s blend of performance, efficiency, and cutting‑edge battery‑management technology. As part of the rollout, BYD has opened a test‑drive program that allows European customers to experience the vehicle’s capabilities first‑hand.

The Atto 2 DM i Super Hybrid: Design and Engineering

The Atto 2 is a compact crossover that carries the family‑friendly aesthetic that has become synonymous with the BYD brand. Its 1.8‑meter wheelbase, paired with a high‑roof silhouette, gives the vehicle a compact footprint while offering generous interior space. At the heart of the Atto 2 is BYD’s “DM‑i” (Dual‑Mode i‑Hybrid) powertrain, which combines a turbo‑charged 1.5‑liter gasoline engine with an integrated permanent‑magnet motor and a lithium‑ion battery pack.

• Powertrain specs
  • 1.5‑L turbocharged internal‑combustion engine (≈ 70 kW)
  • 1.1 kW electric motor, 1.2 kW for regenerative braking
  • 17‑kWh lithium‑ion battery (usable capacity ~ 12 kWh)
  • Combined output: 145 hp (108 kW)
  • 0‑100 km/h in 7.9 seconds

The hybrid system can operate in pure electric mode for short trips (≈ 40 km on a single charge), making it well suited to city commutes. When the battery depletes, the gasoline engine seamlessly takes over, providing an extended range that rivals most conventional internal‑combustion vehicles.

• Efficiency
  • Combined fuel economy: 1.8 L/100 km (≈ 131 km/L)
  • CO₂ emissions: 25 g/km

BYD’s claim is that the Atto 2 DM i offers a “world‑first” combination of electric‑only range and low fuel consumption, all while staying under 2,000 km on a full charge–refuel cycle.

European Launch and Pricing

BYD announced that the Atto 2 will be available in over 30 European countries starting in early 2025. The base model will retail at €18,999, with higher trims—Sport, Touring, and Performance—ranging from €22,499 to €26,499. Import taxes, fuel‑tax incentives, and the European Union’s low‑emission vehicle subsidies could bring the net purchase price down to as low as €15,000 in some markets.

The pricing strategy signals BYD’s intent to compete directly with mainstream hybrid and plug‑in models such as the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Honda Insight, and Hyundai Ioniq. The company has also stated that it will maintain a competitive advantage by offering a more generous battery capacity than most rivals in the same price segment.

Test‑Drive Program

As part of the launch, BYD has partnered with a leading European automotive media agency to host a series of test‑drive events across major cities. Test‑drives will be available to the public from March 15th, with a total of 200 seats across 12 test‑drive locations, ranging from Paris to Berlin and Madrid to Stockholm. Participants will receive a 30‑minute drive in either the base or performance trim, allowing them to experience the car’s acceleration, handling, and regenerative braking firsthand.

During the test‑drives, attendees will be able to interact with BYD’s technical team, learn about the DM‑i’s battery‑management system, and compare the hybrid’s performance with conventional gasoline vehicles. BYD is also offering a complimentary 12‑month warranty on the vehicle and battery, a 5‑year/100,000 km power‑train guarantee, and a free on‑board diagnostics service.

The Larger Context: BYD’s European Ambitions

BYD’s European entry reflects the company’s broader strategy to establish itself as a key player in the global EV market. The Chinese automaker already sells a handful of EVs in the U.S. and China, and its recent expansion into the European market is a logical next step. The Atto 2 DM i Super Hybrid’s combination of battery‑powered efficiency and low fuel consumption taps into a niche that is still largely underserved: the “green‑fuel” segment of the market where consumers want a small, affordable vehicle that can be charged at home or at work for short trips and then rely on a fuel cell for longer journeys.

BYD also highlighted its commitment to local production: “We plan to assemble the Atto 2 in Europe within 12 months of launch, ensuring jobs and reduced shipping costs.” By doing so, BYD hopes to reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint even further, meeting European regulatory expectations for zero‑emission vehicles.

Technology Highlights and Competition

BYD’s DM‑i system is built on the company’s proprietary “Blade Battery” platform, which uses a low‑density silicon alloy that enhances safety and longevity. The platform has been designed to withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for the diverse climates encountered across Europe. According to BYD, the Blade Battery can last 10,000 km or more without degradation, a significant advantage over other hybrid platforms that require more frequent replacement.

In terms of market competition, the Atto 2 positions itself against vehicles such as:

• Toyota Prius: 140 hp combined output, 0‑100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, but lower electric‑only range.
• Honda Insight: 151 hp combined output, 0‑100 km/h in 8.4 seconds, but slightly higher price point.
• Volkswagen Golf GTE: 125 hp combined output, 0‑100 km/h in 8.1 seconds, but larger battery and higher cost.

The Atto 2’s lower base price, combined with its high output and longer electric‑only range, could appeal to cost‑conscious consumers who are still hesitant about full‑electric vehicles due to range anxiety.

Conclusion

BYD’s introduction of the Atto 2 DM i Super Hybrid to the European market marks a significant step in the automaker’s global expansion strategy. By pairing an efficient hybrid powertrain with an affordable price, the company is targeting a growing segment of eco‑conscious drivers who need both electric convenience and the reliability of a gasoline engine for longer trips. With a structured test‑drive program and plans for local assembly, BYD is demonstrating its commitment to meet the unique demands of European consumers while further solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in sustainable automotive technology. The next few months will be crucial to gauge how the Atto 2 stacks up against established competitors and whether BYD can capitalize on Europe’s growing demand for hybrid solutions.