BYD India, a subsidiary of Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) giant BYD Co Ltd, has expanded its product lineup with three new variants of the BYD ATTO 3 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), a move aimed at expanding the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market.

The new editions include Dynamic, Premium, and Superior variants, along with a stylish Cosmos Black Edition, offering customers a wide range of choices. The introductory ex-showroom price for the Dynamic model starts at the equivalent of around $30,000, making eco-friendly driving more accessible for Indian motorists.

The strategic expansion follows the tremendous success and overwhelming customer interest in the original BYD ATTO 3, aiming to cater to a more diverse customer base and offering increased options to potential buyers, BYD India said

The strategic expansion follows the tremendous success and overwhelming customer interest in the original BYD ATTO 3, aiming to cater to a more diverse customer base and offering increased options to potential buyers, BYD India said in a press statement on July 10. The new BYD ATTO 3 variants start with Dynamic, and going up to the Premium and Superior variants.

Each variant has been meticulously crafted to meet the unique needs of BYD India customers. The lineup is fast-charging compatible, offering 0 percent to 80 percent charge within 50 minutes. It further comes equipped with a long feature list, including seveb airbags, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree holographic imaging system.

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BYD’s growing presence in the Indian market indicates that the Chinese firm is serious about expansion in India’s EV segment, experts said.

The new variants have received certification from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), emphasizing BYD India's commitment to performance and safety.

The Premium and Superior variants offer an impressive range of 521 km, powered by a battery capacity of 60.48 kWh; while the Dynamic model offers a range of 468 km, with battery capacity of 49.92 kWh, as per ARAI testing.

This showcases BYD's commitment to delivering vehicles with exceptional performance and efficiency, BYD said in its statement.

Rajeev Chauhan, head of electric passenger vehicles business at BYD India said, "Unveiling this extended lineup of three variants of the BYD ATTO 3 … is a significant milestone for us and a pivotal moment in India's electric vehicle landscape.”

BYD India also introduced the Cosmos Black Edition, adding an element of style and color to the EV’s new lineup.

“We aim to make premium electric mobility accessible to a broader audience. With the launch of these new variants, we are one step closer to realizing this vision," Chauhan said.

With 26 showrooms across 23 cities, BYD India is committed to providing first-rate service to its customers across the country. It has set a target of opening another 25 showrooms within the next one year, according to a senior company official.

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BYD India has price competitive advantage over other EV car makers, helping it have strong presence in Indian EV segment.

Its wide range of products have huge potential to enhance BYD’s presence in the Indian market going forward, said Alok Ray, assistant director of the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles, an association representing Indian EV and component makers.

Indian companies are feeling the heat from the competitive market, and this is likely why most of the upcoming EVs from Indian original equipment manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra are being priced in the mid-range segment. They understand the need to balance affordability and advanced technology to attract a broader customer base, Ray said.

BYD India’s passenger vehicles business currently has three successful products in its portfolio — the BYD SEAL, BYD ATTO 3, and the All-New e6, all of which are making strong presence in the Indian EV market. BYD claims it has sold 7.3 million vehicles worldwide, making it one of the best-selling electric car brands.

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The Indian government's push to boost domestic manufacturing of EVs may lead to large-scale entry of Chinese auto firms in the local market, according to a report released by the Global Trade Research Initiative, a think tank, in March this year.

The report said that in the "next few years, every third electric vehicle and many passenger and commercial vehicles on Indian roads could be those made by Chinese firms in India alone or through joint ventures with Indian firms".

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.