Safety ratings (from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency)
Economy
Electrical energy consumed from the battery over a given distance.
Economy
{model}
{wh}
kWh/100 km
Economy
{model}
{km}
km/kWh
Energy consumption is displayed on the dashboard and is re-calculated as you drive. It is different to the WLTP-rated consumption (which measures power from the mains).
This number is estimated by comparing the usable battery capacity against the WLTP range.
An estimate of how far you can drive on one full charge, adjusted for typical local conditions.
Type of driving — slide between all urban and all highway (≈ 100 km/h).
Temperature — pick the outside temperature (‑5 °C – 35 °C).
Energy consumption
How much electricity the car uses while it’s moving.
Use the 🔄 icon to flip between:
km / kWh — kilometres driven per kilowatt‑hour
kWh / 100 km — kilowatt‑hours used per 100 kilometres
Consumption ⚡️
How much electrical energy does the vehicle use while driving?
Higher speeds increase energy consumption (due to aerodynamic drag and reduced opportunity for electricity regeneration). Cold temperatures also increase consumption.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) ⚡️
V2L allows electricity to flow from the battery to power appliances.
Some vehicles have interior NZ sockets, while others require an adapter be plugged into the Type 2 exterior charging socket.
Tow Capacity
Unbraked (kg) / Braked (kg)
Most EVs can have towbars fitted for carrying bikes (but not for towing loads).
Towing a load will significantly decrease range (typically by 50%).
The maximum charging rate the EV can support at home or public AC charging.
An EV has a built-in charger that converts household AC electricity into DC current that goes into the battery.
This limits the maximum speed you can charge at home - no matter what extra equipment you install. Single-phase power supports up to 7.4 kW - if the EV can take more than this, three-phase power must be available at the property.
Fast Charge ⚡
The maximum charging rate the EV can support at a DC fast charger.
Charging power also is limited by the capacity of the charging station.
In NZ, fast chargers are typically 25 kW, 50 kW, 100 kW, 175 kW, and 300 kW.
Cold temperatures and the vehicle's charging curve also dictate peak speed (i.e. a warm battery at a lower state-of-charge will charge quicker).
The Atto 3 is a fully electric crossover SUV from BYD, based on an all-electric platform and proprietary BYD Blade battery. It’s a feature-rich vehicle, making it a popular choice in the New Zealand EV market.
The updated Atto 3 includes changes to interior and exterior styling, but no changes to the powertrain (over the previous model). The model has a number of enhancements over the Essential variant: larger battery (longer range), larger wheels (18″ compared to 17″), slightly faster peak DC charging power (88 kW compare to 70 kW), sunroof and roof rails, front heated seats, larger 15.6″ touch screen, 8-speaker audio, wireless phone charger. In June 2025 BYD changed the trim name from Premium to Superior.
The Atto 3 crossover is the first EV from the massive Chinese BYD marque to hit NZ shores. Although very similar in spec to the 2022 MG ZS EV, it is marginally quicker (with 0-100 km/h in 7.3s compared to 8.6s).
The base model ended in 2023 after most buyers preferred the extended range Atto 3.
The rare Tachyon edition is an upgrade to the long-range Atto 3.
The original blue and white interior has been replaced with premium leather and suede, updating the entire cabin, front and back, creating a luxurious feel. The wheels are factory original 20” alloys (compared to the 18″ on the original). Windows are tinted, and ‘Tachyon’ badge is displayed along the back.
BYD Atto 3 vs MG ZS EV
Quick comparison.
Feature
BYD Atto 3
MG ZS EV
Legroom
More
Armrest
Yes
Interior Charging Outlets
More
Apple Carplay and Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Dash Camera
Yes
Adjustable Regenerative Braking and Driving Modes
Yes
Throttle Response
Sharper
ANCAP Safety Rating
5 stars
5 stars
Sound System
8 speakers (clearer, more depth)
6 speakers
ISOFIX Connections
2 (1 on front passenger seat)
2
Boot Length
161 cm
164 cm
Tow Bar Possibility?
Yes
Yes
Paint Colors
4 (3 extra cost)
5
Atto 3 V2L output
There is nothing in the official specs or the owner’s manual.
However, home testing showed the V2L output was 2,200 W (continuous). The tester was able to draw 3,200 W (indicating a peak). This is consistent with a typical household 10A draw.
Review
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Sales and ranking
All Time
3
Last 12 months
2
The BYD Atto 3 is the 3rd best selling new fully electric vehicle (of all time) - in New Zealand.
Over the past 12 months, the BYD Atto 3 was the 2nd best selling new EV.
