BYD wants to change our idea of the plug-in hybrid car with the Atto 2 DM-i. This 4,310 mm SUV bets on its DM-i technology, which prioritizes the use of the electric motor and relegates gasoline to a secondary role. After a week of testing, the result is a convincing car: it offers 90 km of real electric range and a very spacious interior, competing directly with the Toyota C-HR or the KIA Niro.
Keys to DM-i technology: efficiency and interior space 🚗
The DM-i system is based on a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that primarily acts as a generator, while the electric motor moves the wheels most of the time. This allows for smooth driving and adjusted consumption. The 15.3 kWh battery offers those 90 km of electric range, enough for daily use. The Dragon Face design remains modern but restrained, with LED headlights and a redesigned grille that give it a clean, uncluttered look.
The plug dilemma: when the bar wins over the gas station 🍸
The problem comes when you get home at 3 in the morning and forget to plug it in. The next day, the gasoline engine kicks in and consumption skyrockets. But hey, that's what it's for: to save your skin when your memory fails. It's the perfect car for someone who wants to be eco-friendly from Monday to Friday and a bit careless on the weekend. At least the 400-liter trunk lets you carry the grocery bags and the shame of having forgotten it.