I Bought a BYD Atto 3 So You Didn't Have Too. Anything You Would Like to Know About It?

pegaxs on 17/09/2022 - 09:37
Last edited 13/10/2022 - 07:49

I ended up buying a BYD Atto 3, partially because I wanted an EV, somewhat because I didn't want a Tesla and mostly out of spite (As per that comment, it's even complete with wankery number plate). I wanted to put my money where my mouth is and buy one of these "cHiNa CaR bAd" EV's so maybe you don't have to.

I took delivery of it from Sydney (Castle Hill BYD) and promptly drove it back to work up the F4 freeway and back to work (About 200km journey). Consumption was ok (but there is no way this car is getting anywhere near the optimistic 480km range on the highway.) and used an average of about 17kWh/100km.

I ended up getting white, because I'm a tight arse and it was $0 for white ($700 for other colours) and it is not white. It's not even "Pearl White"… it's silver. For comparison, it was sitting next to a silver Navara at the dealership (they share with Nissan) and it was more silver than the Navara.

Quick thoughts

Fit and finish: Very good. I would absolutely say it was on a par with Kia and Hyundai. Seats are really nice. Dash material, not so much. Paint is all good and no massive panel gaps or piss poor painting.

Colours: Interior colours are much more muted and acceptable compared to the original LHD one they were showing in Darlinghurt. And as above, white is not "white".

Performance: About what you would expect from a 1.6 turbo, or a 2.0+ 4 cyl. engine, just way more torque. Regen is disappointing, it's either not enough, or too much. No one pedal driving.

Features: Yep, it's got them. Every anagram you can think of, it's there somewhere. Radar cruise is good and much better than the work Outlander. Lane Keep Assist is a little intrusive, but can be turned off. Cameras are amazingly clear.

Infotainment: Yep, well, that's a hot mess. No AA/ACP, (but AA can be side loaded for now.) Radio randomly reset volume when you turn vehicle off and on again. But all in all, LOTS of features and settings and it is a very snappy display with no lag.

Climate control: It works? All done through media control.

Ride comfort: Meh. Better than my Outlander, not as good as my Fiat. Around town and over bumps and rough surface, it's good. Around fast curves, it's a whale.

Economy: On the freeway/highway, not to bad, better than expected (expected 200~250km, got about 350km) around town, excellent. On one drive, I left home at 75%, got home with 76%.

Noise: Very quiet inside. It is very well insulated. It's no BMW 7 series, but it's certainly no Hyundai Accent. The "pedestrian warning" (drone noise up to 30km/h) feels like it resonates a bit, but swapping it from standard to dynamic helped. (I want a custom pedestrian warning noise.)

Size: Bigger than a Toyota Yaris Cross, a bit smaller than an Outlander. Interior is big compared to the outside would have you believe (I borrowed neighbors cat to swing around to test.) Seats are a good size, rear leg room is massive, boot space is, "average". not small, but not huge. I am 6'2" (188cm) and my head fit well within the car with a good 80~100mm between my head and the roof.

All in all, a really solid first impression. It drives well, is built well, handles on the upper side of "ok", power is good and range is not to bad… So, if you have any questions about the car, want to know anything or want a photos of something in particular, or just want to hang it on me for buying a Chinese EV, have at it.

Remember, I early adopted here so you don't have too, and I am not some paid off shill working for an auto review site/publication, so if it is a piece of shit, I'll say it, if it has issues, I'll certainly let you know and I am not here to defend the vehicle like some fanboi. To me, it is transport, not a love story. It's a family car, so it needs to be treated like one.

Edits and additions:

Total Cost: Some have asked me about what I paid for it, In NSW, the final price was $48,405.91. This included registration but not the stamp-duty. The stamp-duty rebate was done at the dealer for me. There is also a $3,000 EV rebate as well, that one you have to apply for online, and I have applied, but have not received it. After rebate, if/when I get it, it will be a total of $45,406 drive away.

Charging: I have a wall charger ready for install, but at the moment, I am living with a 10A granny charger. From 36% to 100%, the car estimated 24 hours on the 1.6kW granny. I plugged it in over night (8pm~8am) and it went from 36% to 75%. More than enough for an average day of town/city driving.

Pics or it didn't happen: Hold my beer fam… I got this…

Safety Features: I went and covered most of it in this reply

Servicing: This can be found on the BYD Aus website and I have talked about it somewhere around here

Price: $48,405.91 ($0 stamp duty and before $3,000 NSW EV rebate. For more info, I covered it here

Insurance: $884 full comp. through Budget Direct. More info on my "stats" for this price was mentioned here

Why an EV?: Because (fropanity) petrol companies! It had nothing to do with "saving the planet"

That rear badge: It's ok, you know I got your back on this…

Observations and Updates

First OTA updates have arrived: Info here

EV Incentive rebate was approved. Applied for it 16/9 and was approved 30/9. Payment arrived about 5 days after final approval.

Update on safety rating. Vehicle received Euro NCAP 5 star rating. ANCAP rating release in NZ (5 stars) still pending in Aus.

Automotive BYD Auto Car Electric Vehicle

Comments

    • pegaxs on 25/01/2023 - 10:31

      @Andyz Left you a (late) reply. Didn't see people still active in this thread… Sorry.

  • Cliche Guevara on 04/02/2023 - 22:01
    +2

    Finally picked up mine today :-)

    • ChaseTheSun on 04/02/2023 - 22:23

      Worth the wait? What colour did you get? Any first impressions?

      • Cliche Guevara on 04/02/2023 - 22:36
        +1

        Yes, I expected a long wait, but a bit frustrating as got conflicting delivery information and the communication from the BYD dealers is patchy. I also got white, didn't want to pay for colour and to be honest in my opinion it looks the best anyway. The new green colour you can order now might have swayed me if it had originally been available. First impressions are good. It's fairly quiet with pretty much just wind and some road noise on coarse chip surface - but tyres came delivered at 42 psi! Aircon seems ok but wasn't crazy hot today. Plenty of go from the motor - broke traction in sport mode doing the 0-100km/h test (7.5s). Suspension is quite soft and floaty, but perfect for small SUV/crossover for suburban family duty. Really happy so far.

        • pogichinoy on 07/02/2023 - 11:11

          Is 42 PSI bad? I run my 4WD on 45 around asphalt and it feels more comfy than 30.

          • Cliche Guevara on 07/02/2023 - 11:20

            @pogichinoy: Probably not 'bad' but the tyre placard says 36psi. I'd be happy going 10% over, say 40psi. And I was mistaken it's actually 45psi when cold! I think that's too much and I'm a little surprised it was delivered with the tyres inflated that high.

    • alteclan on 08/02/2023 - 09:24

      @Cliche Guevara any issues/annoyances you're experiencing to date? Some don't have good experience with Aircon (on a 35C hot day), subpar cruise control, constant warnings and beepings for no apparent reason.

      • Cliche Guevara on 08/02/2023 - 10:23

        My aircon seems fine, maybe not the coldest I've experienced, but seems to cool enough so far. Haven't had any really hot days though. Cruise control is generally ok (I've never had ACC before, just standard CC), but I think the lane-keep-assist ( auto steering) is not that good - but haven't done a full highway run yet. No issues with excessive beeps or warnings other than the "you are over the speed limit" when it hasn't picked up the traffic sign correctly.

  • CodeWorks on 09/02/2023 - 09:19

    @Cliche I noticed some owners in the facebook BYD group reported an uneven gaps between the top roof panel and frame. Do you notice similar issues?

    • Cliche Guevara on 09/02/2023 - 09:54
      +1

      Yes, if you go looking for the imperfections you can see them. But to be honest if my attention hadn't been drawn to it I wouldn't have noticed. It's seems very minor on my car, so I'm not particularly bothered. Apparently it's likely a manufacturing 'flaw' due to the way the roof rails are secured. I liken it to having uneven panel gaps in a car - if you want to you can find them on every vehicle. There is likely no 'fix' so I have to accept it or live my life in misery worrying about or making a futile attempt to get some sort of resolution.

  • Wampus on 12/02/2023 - 06:31
    +2

    I'm about to join the BYD club too, slapped a grand down as deposit yesterday, hoping for May/June delivery. Extended range in grey.

    Very similar decision making process as @pegaxs and some of the others on here. Wife needs to upgrade her ageing Honda and is buying the vehicle through her business. We have decent solar and would like to maximise its use. Were looking at ICE cars mainly for a larger SUV, but the FBT implications made the decision to go EV just too compelling.

    As for the BYD, I had a list of "must haves" and "nice to haves" and the BYD had pretty much all of them, the level of tech is nuts in a car that price, EV or no EV. Test drove the car in Brissie on Friday and the best word I can use to describe it is refined. So quiet, so smooth, well built, great tech. The MG wasn't on that level, and there wasn't very much else around in the EV space for the price.

    I don't expect it to be perfect, but no car is. I love my Subaru Levorg despite the suspension and some of the finish that Subaru cheaped out on!

    With the FBT benefits, like I said, it was a no brainer.

    • pegaxs on 12/02/2023 - 09:11
      +2

      the level of tech is nuts in a car that price

      And that's one of the things that sold me on it. I always hear that old nugget fro the anti-EV crowd… "But an EV costs $20k more than an ICE vehicle…" and then compare something like the Atto 3 to a base model Kia Picanto, or Even the base Hyundai Kona and never against a comparable vehicle with the same amount of options or tech.

      And I think now is an even better time to buy compared to when I got mine, because there were teething issues, and lots of them, on the cars initially, but a lot of those have been rectified at the factory and the cars are arriving in a better state of build quality than the first batch.

      • Wampus on 12/02/2023 - 21:54

        I'll have to check out how you removed the Build Your Dreams from the back of the car - that was one of the conditions from my wife!

        The other is that I'm not allowed to refer to it as the Aldi Tesla, or JohnnyCab :(

    • alteclan on 12/02/2023 - 23:13

      Good decision, it's pretty much unbeatable in value. We even tried to compare it with Tesla Model 3/Y, it doesn't feel like 20-30k jump from the Atto, even better, we put down the deposit a week or so before the price increase. Selling our Honda CRV 2022 which costs similar to the Atto and we know we'll get a depreciation hit selling it this soon, but the FBT discount is just too good to pass on.

  • Hjshakenwin on 13/02/2023 - 13:08

    Hi,

    looking to purchase a BYD atto, was wondering if there is a function similar to Tesla camp mode? also could the back seats be put down for car camping?

    • Cliche Guevara on 13/02/2023 - 13:33

      No camp mode, but you can leave the aircon on while parked. Also has a fan only setting. Seats fold fairly flat but it's not huge in the back though. One advantage over Tesla is the sunroof opens and you can have the glass just slightly cracked open with the sunshade almost fully closed. That would be an important feature for me if I was sleeping in the back.

      • Hjshakenwin on 13/02/2023 - 13:53

        thanks for the response. I take that the aircon on while parked can be done indefinitely? Does the v2l feature stay on when the car is off?

        • Cliche Guevara on 13/02/2023 - 14:44

          As long as the battery lasts. AC draws between 1-3 kW. Not sure about v2l, I haven't tried it but I suspect car would need to be on.

        • pegaxs on 17/02/2023 - 12:42

          No. You can either turn the car on and leave the car running and the A/C will keep running.

          The other mode is "remote start" that just turns the car to an on state enough to allow the A/C to run, but it will only run for 30 mins in this mode.

  • Wampus on 17/02/2023 - 12:05

    How many BYD owners have removed the signage from the rear of the vehicle? I saw @pegaxs pics and I was wondering the best way to go about it - I take it you just use some decent solvent?

    • pegaxs on 17/02/2023 - 12:16
      +1

      For what I can see in the forum's and Fartbook groups, around 15~20% of them do it.

      It's easy. You will need;

      • Hair dryer/heat gun (on low/medium setting).
      • Plastic trim removal tool.
      • Isopropyl alcohol.
      • Some Goo Off adhesive remover.
      • A rag.
      • A bit of car polish.
      • Tube of elbow grease.

      Heat the badges up to loosen the adhesive. Use a plastic or rubber trim removal tool to gently lift the lettering up one at a time. (Apply more heat gently if required.)

      Once they are all removed, use the rag and Goo Off to get rid of the rest of the left over double sided tape and adhesive.

      Once that is gone, use the Isopropyl to clean up the Goo Remover residue.

      Put some polish on a rag and give the area a good polish.

  • Speedz on 19/02/2023 - 22:20

    @pegaxs

    I just came across your thread, so tell me after nearly 6 months ownership what's your impression so far?

    I'm sort of in the cross roads between keeping my 2 Toyota ICE (outgoings only fuel and maintenance but both about 200k km) for the next few years or till the Toyota becomes too expensive to maintain or bite the bullet and shell out 50k for a EV but my first EV need to be a 7 seater which there is none I can afford (hell no to the LDV Mifa @ $110k++)

    • pegaxs on 20/02/2023 - 07:52
      +1

      I did an update a few weeks ago… here and a few days later found an issue with the AC system and talked about it here

      All in all, even with some minor issues (totally expected for a new vehicle and a new brand) it has been a really solid car to drive. It performs well and doesn’t creak or groan when I drive it.

      As for 7 seaters, the only other option I can think of is that BYD did bring in a batch of E6 people movers. There won’t be any more new ones, but you may be able to find a low km used one. And I think EV people movers a still a way off being affordable. They are typically big, heavy vehicles that carry a lot of weight, so they need a lot of batteries to get any decent range and performance out of them. If you need people movers, then I would be looking more at hybrids than straight EV’s… or, if your current vehicles are still working ok and doing well, just keep driving them.

      • Speedz on 20/02/2023 - 17:15

        Thanks mate, read your previous comment.

        Like you said I probably wait (barring the catastrophic issue with the 2 Toyotas), the hybrids are just another stop gap solution to EV. My old man drives a Estima Hybrid and about 650km range, not great but they don't make them anymore. The best MPV hybrid is to shell out $110k for a imported Alphard which cost about the same as the LDV Mifa lol.

  • Poor Ass on 22/02/2023 - 20:55

    Does your atto 3 have this loud hum sound when reversing and also taking off but gradually less when it speeds up?

    • Cliche Guevara on 22/02/2023 - 21:15
      +1

      That's the pedestrian warning system. Stops once going faster than 30km/h. There's no in-car way to turn it off (there are two sound modes though) but it can be physically 'unplugged' quite easily.

      • Poor Ass on 22/02/2023 - 23:53

        What do they sound like? lol

        • Cliche Guevara on 23/02/2023 - 07:38

          One is a monotone drone/hum the other increases in tone as your speed increases. Sounds kinda 'sci-fi' I suppose. If you watch some reviews on YT you'll hear it. It's not that bad from inside the cabin with the windows closed and radio/music on (or even aircon fan noise).

          • Poor Ass on 23/02/2023 - 09:58

            @Cliche Guevara: heard the aircon doesn't work when you reverse

            • Cliche Guevara on 23/02/2023 - 11:20
              +1

              @Poor Ass: Can't say I've noticed that. Possibly just a 'bug' that could be fixed in software updates. Or maybe it just reduces the fan speed to minimise noise/distraction while reversing? That may appear to some people it's turned off the aircon, but actually hasn't. It's not like you usually drive very far in reverse anyway.

  • JonLee on 23/02/2023 - 13:42
    +1

    This is brilliant @pegaxs
    A proper feedback from person with normal sensibilities, above average knowledge of cars, no conflict of interest, and ozbargain attitude to spending money :D

    I started the EV search due to the govt novated lease deal, was initially looking at something Korean, (Kona, EV6, Ioniq 5), was impressed by the Atto 3 at that price, but struggling to get past the cheesy 'build your dream' tag and 'made in china' doubts
    But your posts are pretty convincing. Think if I am going to finally jump into the EV side of things, going for the cheaper end is the way is a good way to derisk and the Atto 3 stacks up.
    Only thing is here in QLD, you can't apply the EV rebate ($3K) with the Novated lease purchase. For Now. The current QLD EV rebate is running out in mid March, and I am hoping it might be replaced by something that can be applied on top of the Lease.
    But then again, thats no way a given, and Atto has gone thought a price increase in the last few months who knows if it will increase by another couple of grand by next month :S

    Thanks again, and your posts have given me more confidence to pull the trigger on an Atto.

  • Bigboomboom on 25/02/2023 - 15:48

    Just came on a post on the Facebook Group about rust issue on two separate instances. One is in Australia with one of the wrecked car and one in NZ with a car involved in accident. Apparently this was also reported in China so hopefully only affecting Atto 3 built last year? Any thought about this? Disclaimer I put down deposit in November last year and ETA is April/May this year.

    • Cliche Guevara on 25/02/2023 - 16:08

      Following this too. It's too early to tell if it's an issue with many/all cars. I won't be prematurely accessing those areas to check. Will wait and see if there's more identified.

    • alteclan on 26/02/2023 - 13:24

      In the same boat. April/May delivery and I am waiting for more details and clarification from EVDirect, this is make or break it for me - so unless there’s satisfactory response from BYD, I won’t be proceeding. There’s a few cancellations due to this post, and if not addressed properly this could render the car worthless in the 2nd hand market.

  • alexlim2000 on 27/02/2023 - 16:22
    +4

    Throwing in my 2cents here -
    Got my Atto3 in November 2022, just about to go for first service.

    My key gripes so far are:
    - You can't turn off the Day Running Lights - if the car is on, some form of headlight is on. You can't sit in a carpark and be turned on with AC on, without any headlights on.
    - No Android Auto yet (as at Feb 2023)
    - AC isnt as strong as it should be - might ask them to check gas level. Struggles to keep up on a 38degree day. (Doesn't fail, but just keeps running full tilt trying to keep up).
    - AC is extremely loud externally when running full tilt - sounds like something's actually broken at times.
    - Sometimes the proximity sensor for one touch unlock on driver's door - doesn't detect key. No issues with key detection on the electronic tailgate.
    - When you connect the car to a charger, then lock the door as you walk away, it actually breaks and re-establishes the connection. Some public chargers don't like this. But this is more of a protocol negotiation thing between cars and public chargers.
    - Potential issue with not having grills infront of Radiator to protect against stones n shit. But warranty should cover this.
    - Some concern over the recent revealations about surface rust - but warranty should cover this.

  • seannami on 28/02/2023 - 19:20
    +1

    Thanks for the thread, have been lurking for ages and it helped when I was looking at cars. Ended up going an MG ZSEV on novated instead (delivery in April) just cause I liked it better in the test drive. Thinking of doing a similar AMA to you for it since its my main (only) car and there seems to be an assumption that EVs should be the second car. Admittedly not going to be doing any one sitting runs to Sydney that everyone seems to want to do, but I think I'm a semi-average use case.

    • alteclan on 01/03/2023 - 00:07

      Great choice, apart from test drive, what made you choose MG and what you don’t like about Atto.

      I am thinking of either MG4 or ZS EV long range. I feel like BYD as an emerging brand with lack of dealer networks and complex warranty is too risky for us as we plan to use the car as the only car in the family.

      • seannami on 01/03/2023 - 22:57

        There were a couple of things about the Atto that didn't grab me. I felt like the Atto's drive was a bit heavy and the modes didn't feel like they did much. I'm quite a cautious driver so that kind of heaviness in my driving style is a bit ungainly. I also didn't like the feel of the Atto, I felt kind of crowded in it (elbows whacking the centre console, for example). It may also be cause the inside was dark, and I'm kind of long limbed. Admittedly the dealer being in that back seat watching my every move didn't help with getting a comfortable feel either. There were quite a few good points about it too, I like the look of it better than the ZS, and it's got a good range of features.

        I felt like the MG suited my drive style a better. There were also a few feature-based things like having a model without a sunroof and cloth seats- my current car has a sunroof and leather seats and I'm not a fan. It also helped that the dealer is within an easy distance and I wouldn't need to get to the other side of town to pick up or service.

        I think if the MG4 had been out or at least had a more definite release date when I ordered I may have considered that over the ZS just for the form factor, but being a smaller SUV rather than a full FWD sized thing I'm happy with my choice.

        A really good comparison review was done by Ecotricity on YouTube- he covers the practical information like size and leg room instead of the "rev head" reviews that talk about seconds to 100 and the things the average driver isn't going to encounter. I also watched through Jerry Pan's videos about the ZS that covers it's little foibles.

        • alteclan on 02/03/2023 - 20:48

          Thanks for this, we are waiting for MG4 - and compare it with Atto before making the final decision. There's a few Atto cancellations as I suddenly got a call that my car is ready for collection!

          • Cliche Guevara on 02/03/2023 - 20:56

            @alteclan: Just get the Atto3. I don't think you'll regret it.

          • seannami on 02/03/2023 - 21:36

            @alteclan: I mean, if its ready and you liked it in the test drive, may as well go for it

        • alteclan on 03/03/2023 - 08:40
          +1

          Thanks @Cliche Guevara and @seannami, I am not fully convinced that I like the Atto very much that it de-prioritises my concern about dealer support and complex warranty terms. Choices are very limited atm within the same price range, so I didn’t want to rush it and have asked them to delay my delivery.

          In the next few months there may be more budget EV choices and I would like to review and compare them before getting one.

  • eagleanthony on 13/03/2023 - 12:29
    +2

    Pegaxs, what's the updates on your car 6months on?

    • pegaxs on 22/03/2023 - 21:02

      Basically almost identical issues to this post. It has a few hiccups, but outside thst, it has been a pretty solid car. It drives well, handles pretty good. Is quiet. Interior it holding up well.

      I will be going in for the first service in a few weeks to see if I can get a few of the issues nutted out, but they are not really deal breakers other than the AC shitting itself on hot days. I have people who are on the latest updates and had their first service and they all claim the AC now works fine, so, fingers crossed.

      • Speedz on 12/04/2023 - 01:53
        +2

        And just like that I'm on the BYD bandwagon

      • Brick Tamland on 09/05/2023 - 13:30

        Are the guitar strings still tight?

  • dasher86 on 13/04/2023 - 12:46

    hey pegaxs,
    how did the servicing go?
    any closer on getting android auto?

    I'm planning a test drive this weekend, and really tossing up between this and the mg4. completely different size class but still an EV (fossil fuel company yo), and on novated lease.

    • seannami on 13/04/2023 - 14:29

      Might be worth test driving a ZSEV- not to necessarily add it to the maybe pile, but to get an idea how MG EVs drive, the software etc (if you haven't already).

      • dasher86 on 13/04/2023 - 14:36

        MG4 is a rwd and is built on the different platform to the zsev, but yet probably worth a test drive.

        • seannami on 13/04/2023 - 14:41

          Yeah, won't be exactly the same, but will give a feel for the brand of nothing else. There's the likelihood the 4 won't be test-drivable til around September apparently (unless they bring in pre-order demo models), and if you want a test drive first you'd be delivering maybe next year? A friend of mine is waiting on a 4 (between that and Atto). Reading reviews comparing the ZSEV and the 4 from the UK suggest there is not a lot of difference in the drive feel, and systems like KERS, drive modes, Pilot system etc are essentially the same, so at least the ZSEV will give a decent idea of feel if you were looking to order the 4 sight unseen to get it in September or so (though I admit I can't find the article I read the September date in so it's give or take).

          I have spent too much time talking about/looking at cars lately, apologies if I sound like a salesman :p

      • dasher86 on 22/04/2023 - 18:23
        +1

        Test drove the mg zsev. It was terrible for my drive style.
        I also test drove the polestar 2 this Arvo, leaps and bounds above MG, but also $20k more.
        Polestar has a great heads up display and drive was better than mg zsev.

        Below sums up my preferences
        1. BYD (value for money and better drive than mg)
        2. Polestar 2 all round great car but exxy.
        3. MG conventional cabin but terrible drive.

        • seannami on 22/04/2023 - 18:29

          Glad you got a test drive in! Drive style makes such a big difference to the feel and it's really not something you can guess. I have heard good things about the Polestar but it was well out of my price range once you added the features I wanted. Would you consider something like a Kona EV or to you kind of want to drop the SUV form factor?

        • seannami on 15/07/2023 - 10:29
          +1

          I know this was a while ago, but I have mine now and have a better feel for the drive- if it was the steering feeling too light and disconnected that was the issue, I discovered by accident the drive gets heavier and more conventional as you turn the KERS/regen down. Kers 3 is very light steering (this is default setting) so KERS 3 sport mode is a very fast and light, KERS 1 and ECO is a much heavier and more SUVish drive. NOrmal mode KERs 2 feels the most like a regular hatchback, Normal Kers 1 basically replicated the drive on a Prius.

          Admittedly I'm posting this more as a PSA to anyone looking at a ZSEV, it came as a shock to me today when it felt quite different coming home from a fast charge!

    • pegaxs on 13/04/2023 - 23:22
      +2

      Service was yesterday… all went well. The stealership I went too was staffed by incompetent, argumentative service advisors who tried to tell me things that were just utter bullshit (“you can’t not have a recall done, because it’s the law”… yeah, that’s not how it works, clown.)

      It took them 5 hours to do the service work, and I think that was because the service manager was pissed at me not wanting them to cut a hole in the back of my car seat because it looks like shit.

      They had to change the SIM card out and then install all the updates manually. I have no data on my SIM for the moment, but that may change in the next few days~end of the month, so any updates I had to do outside of this, I did at home over WiFi.

      So far, so good on the A/C issue. I was told that there was a software update for it that was applied, because some of the first cars that were delivered, even if the screen said “Lo” would still pump out 24 degree air. Will monitor this issue.

      I finally had the dreaded 12v battery failure and my car required a jump start to get it back to life. I was told that this was also a software issue and that the latest update covered this issue (I was unable to have my car updated due to being on the old French SIM)

      Other than that, there was no “mechanical” issues with the car I needed to address on the first service. It is all just software related shit. I just have to keep an eye on the bug and glitches and see what ones are still present, what ones are fixed, and what ones are still intermittent.

      All in all after 6 months and now after the first service, it feels less like an open beta-experimental and at least a beta-stable release now. Only time will tell, but at least the BYD (not EVDirect, they are woeful) team seem to be responding pretty quickly at putting out updates… even if Android Auto is still months away,

      • Cliche Guevara on 14/04/2023 - 07:49

        Just to allay some fears, more recently delivered cars (i.e. mine in February) already have the 'new' Telstra SIM and if all the OTA updates (3 I think) are done there isn't the 12v battery or A/C issue. The centre rear child seat tether point that 'needed' to be cut is also corrected at the factory now. As you say, there's pretty much nothing to be done at the first (complimentary) service.

      • seannami on 14/04/2023 - 07:58

        Was the recall about the thether? Does missing the recall for something non-integral affect the warranty?

        MG apparently has a similar issue occasionally with the 12v, would it be worth having a portable jump starter in the car just in case?

        • Cliche Guevara on 14/04/2023 - 08:05

          Yes, recall was about the tether point being covered (physically it is there, just under the seat covering). To qualify for 5* ANCAP as a 5 seater car, all three rear seats must be able to accommodate a tethered child seat. There was a delivery delay last year to ensure all new Atto3 complied and a promise to rectify all cars already delivered.

          12v battery issues appear common in EVs - the BMS not charging the 12v battery from the main traction battery properly. But it can always be sorted out with software updates.

          • pegaxs on 14/04/2023 - 17:40

            @Cliche Guevara: Yeah, i refused to get the anchor point fix done. On my car is doesn’t look factory. They literally just cut into the back of the seat cover and put a sticker next to it. It looks shithouse.

            I told them that when there is a fix, from the factory that makes it look like the other two mounts, then I’ll get it done.

            I laughed at them when they said “you will lose the 5 star rating if you don’t get it done…” saying that I am pretty sure the car is not any safer for a razor knife cut in the back of a seat.

          • sgsg on 13/05/2023 - 13:39

            @Cliche Guevara: Here's another potential issue with the 12V auxiliary battery.
            Mine was diagnosed as stuffed because it had gone completely flat several times and did not pass a load test. Dealer ordered a replacement after the 5k service which included all the current software updates and ANCAP fix.

            Since then I went away on a trip for 4 weeks with the car locked up and unused at approx 70% charged.
            Upon return, the car had only 10% charge left - a massive drain that has not happened before.

            When I went to get the little battery replaced, I asked about the big issue of the main battery drain and they said there was nothing in the "logs" but it may have been caused by the faulty 12V battery. They said to wait and see if it happens again.
            I am not convinced that a pissant tiny battery can consume so much energy from the huge battery in comparison without melting away.

            Not sure about this at all. Its not the same as someone milking your tank, but more akin to the fuel tank has a leak.

            • assailantsky on 13/05/2023 - 20:39

              @sgsg:

              not convinced that a pissant tiny battery can consume so much energy from the huge battery in comparison without melting away.

              If your main traction battery was at 70% which is around 42000wh (70% of 60kwh) and you left it for 4 weeks (672h), it only takes 62.5 watts per hour (one household incandescent light bulb) to drain that battery. 62.5wh drain is entirely possible when your bms is trying to charge a faulty battery over the course of 4 weeks.

              it may have been caused by the faulty 12V battery.

              • sgsg on 13/05/2023 - 23:08

                @assailantsky: It had never happened before and the battery has been this way for the last 6 months

                • assailantsky on 14/05/2023 - 12:23

                  @sgsg:

                  had never happened before and the battery has been this way for the last 6 months

                  Yes, you would never have noticed a drain if you never left it for that long before, with no charging at all for 4wks. A 62wh drain is not easy to notice when 1 hour on your granny charger will give you 1400w, or 22hr of drain at 62wh.

                  • sgsg on 14/05/2023 - 21:46

                    @assailantsky: let me get this back on track because the car has been left locked and unused several times before for periods from 1, 2, and even 2-3 weeks without any noticeable main battery drain, if any.
                    My point is why this time ?

                    • assailantsky on 14/05/2023 - 21:56

                      @sgsg:

                      let me get this back on track because the car has been left locked and unused several times before for periods from 1, 2, and even 2-3 weeks without any noticeable main battery drain, if any.

                      That would have been helpful to know.

                      My point is why this time?

                      If you could provide a clearer timeline of what actually happened and when, then maybe we can get a clearer picture to comment on. Otherwise we are just guessing.

            • Cliche Guevara on 15/05/2023 - 07:45

              @sgsg: If you're not already you could join the FB groups - there are others there that have had the battery issue and some are knowledgeable about it. Also there are some informative YT clips - general search of BYD, Atto3 and 12v battery should get what you're looking for. Phantom battery drain is not unique to this car and interaction between BMS, main traction battery and 12v battery seems to cause issues quite a lot. Remote battery monitoring, using the BYD app or an independent method is probably the best way to alert you to an issue.

  • Wampus on 25/04/2023 - 15:15
    +3

    Got our BYD delivered yesterday. Absolutely love it so far, great value for money. Currently soaking up the solar so we'll see how much it charges on an average day.

  • mouski on 27/04/2023 - 09:19

    Is there a way limit charging speed via the screen itself? Use case is say solar system is pumping out 5kw so want to charge at 4-5kw rather than drawing the additional 2-3kw from the grid.

    • Cliche Guevara on 27/04/2023 - 10:14

      No, limit can only be set by the EVSE - you need a 'solar aware' installation if you want to move your electricity around.

      • mouski on 27/04/2023 - 13:20

        Thanks for that - having said that, would there be wallboxes (if you're aware of any) though that you could change the output of instead then?

        • pegaxs on 27/04/2023 - 14:18

          Yea, there are a lot of evse that support it. Almost all wall boxes support amp limiting and there are some that can even plug into your solar system to vary the load it drags from your system.

          There are even some solar system inverters that also have the function built into them to load balance for high load items like evse being connected.

      • pegaxs on 27/04/2023 - 14:10

        Yep, this is how I do it. My wall box allows me to set charging amps from 1a to 32a. It can also be linked to my solar system if I bought the sensors and had an inverter that supported it. I just adjust it manually.

        The car only supports 1 charging timetable entry, so I have that set for off peak at night and I just manually start it if I charge during the day.

        • mouski on 27/04/2023 - 19:00
          +1

          Perfect, thanks for that.

    • Bigboomboom on 03/05/2023 - 11:24

      I bought ZJ Beny OCPP version and control it through ChargeHQ (I have Fronius inverter so no need for a hardware DLB module).

  • starlightshine on 02/05/2023 - 11:34
    +2

    @pegaxs This is a fantastic job writing about your experience thoroughly, I am super inclined with going for EV. I've a few questions since I am a first-time EV buyer who already has a bit of pre-purchase range anxiety. :)

    Does the atto3 allow you to use the cameras as a dash cam? If yes, how does it work and what is your experience using it.
    Are there enough public EV charging stations for doing a few days road trip with the extended range?

    • pegaxs on 02/05/2023 - 11:54
      +2

      Does the atto3 allow you to use the cameras as a dash cam? If yes, how does it work and what is your experience using it.

      No. You cant use the cameras in a "sentry mode" like they can with the Tesla vehicles. I dont know why now, it would make sense since they are already there. Maybe in a firmware update later down the track?

      But! in saying that, there is a built in dash cam in the vehicle that records to an SD card, down side, it also doesn't record from all the cameras (like the Tesla) or when the car is off and it only covers the front of the car when you are driving, but it does show a lot of information, like location, speed, what pedal you are using, what features are on or off, that kinda thing.

      Are there enough public EV charging stations for doing a few days road trip with the extended range?

      Depends on where you are and where you are going. I use two apps to help me out with all of this, PlugShare to find chargers in the area and A Better Route Planner (aka: ABRP) to help plan much longer routes (ie: Brisbane to Sydney trip).

      I have done a few longer trips (500km+ in a single day) and never had a problem with charging or finding a charger when I have correctly planned for the journey. I usually just work my charging stops into rest breaks and lunch breaks, so you dont even notice it once you have got it planned.

      Just put simply, to alleviate any range anxiety, stick to this; "plan your trip" and "always be charging". The best part of an EV is that you can plug it in at home and it can be filling itself while you sleep. If you are going shopping, look for shopping centres that have chargers. Going away for the weekend? Look for motels that have charging stations or are in close location to one. Plan your charging around needing a break. If you know you can drive for 3 hours, then set your start time to coincide with charge time being at lunch. The other good aspect of EV's is you can walk away from them while they are charging and do something else. It isnt just wasted time. Go visit a museum, local art gallery, kick back in a park and soak up some sun/shade.

      If you are getting range anxiety, you're doing it wrong.

      • seannami on 02/05/2023 - 14:08
        +1

        Range anxiety seems to be largely a "not what I'm used to" issue (and occasionally certain people I know forgetting that you can charge at home and thinking public charge is the only way- though they live in a complex so for them it might be):

        https://thedriven.io/2023/03/24/who-wouldve-guessed-range-an….

        We're used to thinking of range as "before I have to go out of my way and take time to fill up". As Pegxs said, there is none of that in an EV cause you can charge while you're at home, so there is no "out of your way" and unless you are doing more than your range in one day (unlikely for most people, even in a standard range Atto or MG), you may never need a public charger… unless, like me, you are intending to use the charger as an excuse for cheaper parking at work ;). I'll be charging, I just won't have to.

        ETA: realized I replied to the wrong post…

        • Bigboomboom on 03/05/2023 - 11:28
          +2

          For us the Atto 3 is the city car and the RAV4 is for road trip and it works perfectly so far (3 weeks of owning the Atto 3). My RAV4 is Hybrid AWD so it's also frugal on fuel and drives better in country road. That solves range anxiety.

  • starlightshine on 03/05/2023 - 15:13

    @pegaxs there is a mention of the infotainment but nothing the sound system and speakers in the thread. Curious, as someone who enjoys good music while driving. :) How are the internal speakers? Are they comparable to Bose that comes with Mazda's or even better?
    Is there an easy way to disable to reverse humming / drone noise while under 30kms? Something that can be done taking it to mech.

    • pegaxs on 03/05/2023 - 16:32
      +1

      The sound system is good. It works for me. I am not an "audiophile" so I cant compare, and sound is subjective anyway, what you consider "crisp highs and meaty lows" may be someone else's cringe setup. As for comparing it to a Mazda, dont know, I dont like Mazda much, so I dont tend to spend a lot of time checking out their sound systems.

      Is there an easy way to disable to reverse humming / drone noise while under 30kms?

      You can do it yourself in about 5 mins. Open the bonnet, remove the radiator shroud. Locate the noise maker and unplug it. It doesn't throw any codes, so it's all good. These are a nonsense thing anyway. It is there for pedestrian safety, but most pedestrians are either aware of cars, or have headphones in or are blinded by their mobile phones. The sound it emits sounds nothing like an oncoming car, so people are not going to be conditioned to listen out fore this monotone droning sound.

      IMO, after removing the "BUILD YER DREAMS" badge off the back, this is the next best thing you can do to the car.

      • starlightshine on 03/05/2023 - 19:53

        Thank you, will do once I receive the car! Wish someone makes a video on how to remove the badge off the back! :-)

    • Cliche Guevara on 03/05/2023 - 19:12
      +1

      There's no subwoofer but the general sound system is ok (not oustanding). The car is overall quiet, so you don't need the music blasting to overcome the ambient noise. Digital Radio sounds good.

  • starlightshine on 03/05/2023 - 19:57

    Have you considered or bought a radiator cover (under the bonnet)? the salesperson was telling me you can get one for $200 - from Aliexpress - this gives you additional storage! considering going for this!

    • Cliche Guevara on 03/05/2023 - 22:31
      +1

      The 'frunk' or 'froot' on AliExpress are for LHD only. There is a RHD version from Thailand and there are people in Australia looking to import them soon. Check the Facebook BYD Atto3 groups for details.

      • starlightshine on 04/05/2023 - 10:50

        sweet, will do ;)

      • seannami on 04/05/2023 - 15:15

        MGEV owners in the UK are making funks out of under bed plastic storage bins and apple boxes. Not saying it recommended, but it's interesting to see :p

        • Cliche Guevara on 04/05/2023 - 18:41

          Milk crates will probably fit…

  • mouski on 05/05/2023 - 08:27

    Found this listing for a front trunk - looks local made? https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/917478052790919/

    • Cliche Guevara on 05/05/2023 - 08:36

      Made in Thailand.

      • mouski on 05/05/2023 - 10:36

        probably should actually get the car first anyway :p

    • pegaxs on 05/05/2023 - 22:28

      Holy shit… $650 + $85 postage… I would go direct to the guys that make it in Thailand for that price. I think they were quoting about $500~ish delivered. These guys are just taking the piss, but then again, paypal and ebay fees are going to kill the price selling it on that platform.

    • dasher86 on 09/05/2023 - 11:46
      +1

      make sure which ever one you get you can access the 12v battery.

  • PVA on 18/05/2023 - 15:33

    Do they all have that weird inspirational saying on the back Build Your Dreams, or are most just the letters BYD.

    • pegaxs on 18/05/2023 - 16:48

      They all come with that stupid corporate slogan emblazoned on the back. The ones with just "BYD" are people who have re-badged the car themselves after removing all the other lettering.

      • PVA on 18/05/2023 - 17:15

        Thanks for replying.

        So thats standard? ( i havent seen many byd cars on the gold coast)
        It'd be the first thing I'd want changed. Have you changed yours?

        Are you still happy with it? Hows the info/entertainment system? Family member has a MG (I know, a different Chinese maker) and says its terrible to use on that.

        • assailantsky on 22/05/2023 - 13:52

          Hows the info/entertainment system?

          Its pretty good actually, fast and responsive. If you ever used a tablet then that's basically the infotainment system on the Atto 3, its an android tablet (with some limitations) underneath the skin. Spotify is preloaded, there are guides on how to sideload apps to the system, including Waze, Apple Music, Netflix, Prime Video, Youtube and other Google apps (via Gbox). Apps can also be used in portrait mode and/or split screen mode so it is up to your preference.

          The voice commands are useful too if you don't want to fiddle with the touchscreen for some functions such as temperature controls and heated seats.

          There's currently wired Carplay if you want to go that way. Android Auto is incoming.

  • dasher86 on 23/05/2023 - 19:13

    Looks like BYD Android Beta dropped in dealership owned cars today.
    Probably next major update it gets AA, fingers crossed.

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