BYD Atto 3 Charging Guide: Charge times, speed and cost
How and Where to Charge a BYD Atto 3 & BYD Atto 3 Charging Station, Port and Plug Type
The BYD Atto 3 is equipped with a CCS-standard charging port, which combines both AC and DC inlets for versatile charging options. At the top of this port, you’ll find the Type 2 connector, perfect for AC charging whether you’re at home, the office, or using public charging stations. These public stations are often conveniently located in places like shopping center car parks, making it easy to charge your vehicle while you go about your day.
For public fast or rapid DC charging, the BYD Atto 3 utilizes both the upper and lower sections of the inlet to handle the high power output needed. The CCS charging inlet, which is essential for this process, is conveniently positioned above the front right wheel arch. This strategic location ensures easy access and efficient charging when you’re on the go.
The Atto 3 can be charged at public stations with slow, fast, or rapid charging options. Here’s how it works:
- For slow charging, you’ll need a three-pin Type 2 cable, which is typically included with the car.
- When using public AC charging stations, you might find a tethered Type 2 connector, or you may need to use a Type 2 to Type 2 cable.
- Rapid DC charging is straightforward, as it utilizes a tethered CCS connector built into the charging unit.
1. Locate a public charging station equipped with fast and rapid chargers.
Your main options for finding public charging stations for the BYD Atto 3 include:
BYD’s In-Built Navigation: Tap into your vehicle’s integrated navigation system to swiftly locate nearby EV charging stations. It’s a seamless way to find the nearest options while on the road.
Plugshare: This app makes finding public AC and DC charging stations easy. With its interactive map and user-generated ratings, you can see station availability and read comments from other EV drivers. Download it on your phone for quick access.
Charging Provider Apps: Apps like Chargefox and Evie Networks provide real-time updates on charging station availability. They also let you check the status of individual stalls, ensuring you avoid out-of-service spots.
2. Connect the charging cable to the car
As you approach the charger, ensure your vehicle’s charging port—located on the front right—is aligned as close to the stall as possible. You might need to maneuver into the spot or back in to achieve the optimal position.
Once you’re parked, retrieve the correct charging connector from the stall’s holster. Open the Atto 3’s charging flap along with any other caps, and then securely plug the connector into the vehicle.
3. Confirm charging has started
To start the charging session, either use the charging provider’s mobile app or tap your RFID card on the charging stall. In some cases, you might also need to press a start button on the station.
After initiating the connection, you can monitor the charging status within moments. Check the station’s screen, view updates on the vehicle’s driver display, or use the BYD mobile app for real-time information.
BYD Atto 3 Charge Time and Speed
Level 1 and 2 Charging (slow)
Level 1 and 2 charging refers to using a standard power socket or a mounted charger, commonly found at home, work, or in shopping center parking areas.
The BYD Atto 3 is equipped with an onboard charger that supports single-phase charging at 32 amps, providing a maximum power intake of 7 kW AC.
With a portable charger and a standard 10A power source, you’ll gain 20 km of range per hour, but a full charge will require approximately 28 hours. By upgrading to a 32A power source, the range added per hour increases to 61 km, and the full charge time drops to less than 9 hours.
BYD Atto 3 Extended Range Charging times
Level 3 DC Charging (fast, rapid)
The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range is capable of handling DC charging power up to 88 kW. Any chargers with a higher output will be capped at this maximum capacity.
Based on the charge test results detailed below, the Atto 3 achieves an average charging power of 77 kW during a charging session.
Charging the Atto 3 from 10% to 80% at a fast/rapid DC station can be completed in as little as 35 minutes, providing up to 294 km of range.
Below, you’ll find tables that detail the estimated charging times for the Atto 3 Extended Range at different fast/rapid DC charging stations.
For optimal battery health, it’s recommended to restrict charging at rapid chargers to 80%.
How Much Does it Cost to Charge a BYD Atto 3?
The tables below outline the estimated costs for charging the Atto 3 Extended Range’s 60 kWh battery, whether at home using a standard flat tariff or at a public fast DC charger.
According to these estimates, the cost of fueling the Atto 3 Extended Range ranges between $4.00 and $9.60 per 100 km, depending on the type of charging used. Home charging generally offers the lowest cost per kilometer, whereas public rapid charging can be roughly double the price, both per charge and per kilometer. For context, a comparable petrol vehicle would incur a cost of about $15 per 100 km, assuming a petrol price of $2 per liter.
What is the Recommended Charge Level for a BYD Atto 3?
The BYD Atto 3 features an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack. For everyday use, BYD recommends setting the charge limit to 100%.
LFP chemistry stands out for its durability, enabling frequent full charges with minimal concerns about battery degradation. This robustness sets it apart from other battery types, making it a practical choice for consistent and reliable performance.
BYD Atto 3 Charging Guide: BYD Atto 3 Charging at Home
The BYD Atto 3 is compatible with nearly all portable and wall-mounted chargers. It includes a portable charging cable that can be used with any standard Australian domestic power point.
For faster charging, installing a wall-mounted charger can help you reach the Atto 3’s maximum charge rate of 7.2 kW.
While home charging might be slower, it generally leads to less battery degradation in the long run.
BYD Atto 3 Charging using Public DC charging stations
The BYD Atto 3 is compatible with major charging networks, including certain Tesla Superchargers and select Tesla destination chargers.
Frequent use of fast charging can accelerate battery degradation due to the increased heat generated during rapid charging.
Can a BYD Atto 3 Be Charged at Tesla Supercharger Stations?
Yes, the BYD Atto 3 can be charged at select Tesla Supercharger locations. Recently, Tesla has opened 30 of its 63 Supercharger sites in Australia to non-Tesla electric vehicles.
However, some BYD Atto 3 owners have encountered compatibility issues, especially at V3 Superchargers that deliver up to 250 kW. It’s still unclear if an over-the-air (OTA) update will address these issues.
Non-Tesla vehicle drivers will be charged $0.79 per kWh. Alternatively, they can subscribe to a $9.99/month plan, which lowers the cost to $0.66 per kWh
BYD Atto 3 Charging Guide: Non-Tesla EVs can now charge at Tesla Supercharger stations through the Tesla app.
Here’s how:
1. Download the Tesla app (version 4.18.0 or newer) from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Create a Tesla Account.
3. Select ‘Charge Your Non-Tesla’ and find the nearest Supercharger site.
4. Add your payment method, choose a stall, unlock the adapter, plug it into your vehicle, and tap ‘Start Charging.
5. Complete your session by selecting ‘Stop Charging’ when finished.
BYD Atto 3 Charging Guide: BYD Atto 3 Bidirectional Charging (V2L)
The BYD Atto 3 comes with bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing it to power external devices. With the included V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) adapter, you can connect to the Type 2 AC port and provide up to 2.2 kW of continuous power to a range of appliances.
Charging a BYD Atto 3 Bottom Line
The BYD Atto 3 provides average charging speeds within the electric vehicle segment. It performs below average with AC chargers but delivers standard speeds with DC fast chargers.
