Chinese carmaker BYD's subsidiary in India has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with three new SUV variants, aiming to lead the Indian EV market.

The new editions include Dynamic, Premium and Superior variants of the BYD ATTO 3, 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 about $30,000, making eco-friendly driving more accessible to Indian motorists.

The expansion is a direct response to the tremendous success and strong customer interest in the original BYD ATTO 3, aiming to cater to a wider customer base by offering diverse options, BYD India said in a statement last week.

Each variant has been designed to meet the specific needs of Indian customers. The lineup can achieve 0 to 80 percent charge in just 50 minutes. The vehicles boast a comprehensive feature set, including seven airbags, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree holographic imaging system.

BYD's growing presence in the Indian market signals a strong push to lead the EV sector, experts said.

Certified by the Automotive Research Association of India, or ARAI, the new variants underscore BYD India's focus on performance and safety.

According to ARAI, the Premium and Superior models boast an impressive range of 521 kilometers, powered by a battery capacity of 60.48 kWh, while the Dynamic model offers 468 km with a 49.92 kWh battery.

This showcases BYD's commitment to delivering high-performance and efficient vehicles, the company said in the statement.

'Pivotal moment'

Rajeev Chauhan, vice-president of BYD India's electric passenger vehicles business, described the launch of the new variants as a significant milestone for the company and a pivotal moment in India's EV landscape.

"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 in 23 cities, BYD India is committed to providing first-rate service to its customers nationwide. It has set a target of opening an additional 25 showrooms within the next year, according to a senior company official.

BYD India's competitive pricing gives it a strong foothold in the Indian EV sector. Its wide range of products have huge potential to enhance BYD's presence in the country going forward, said Alok Ray, assistant director of the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles, an association representing Indian EV and component makers.

Indian EV makers, including Tata and Mahindra, are focusing on midrange pricing strategies to stay competitive amid market pressures, Ray said. This approach aims to strike a balance between affordability and advanced technology to attract a broader customer base.

BYD India's passenger vehicles business has three successful products in its portfolio — the BYD SEAL, BYD ATTO 3 and the all-new e6, all of which are having a strong presence in the Indian EV market. BYD said it produced more than 3 million new energy vehicles last year, including almost 1.6 million fully electric vehicles, making it one of the best-selling EV brands.

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

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 report said.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.