Taking the BYD Atto3 EV to Baguio
How different an EV road trip can be
Early adopters and tech-savvy travelers may dream of taking an electric vehicle (EV) on a scenic, 270-kilometer road trip from Bonifacio Global City (BGC) to Baguio City. However, most of us still have concerns about the viability of EVS due to factors such as range and the lack of charging stations outside major cities. This is a valid worry as this is all new technology and is shrouded in so many unanswered questions.
BYD Philippines decided to put its BYD Atto 3 crossover through the wringer to dispel any questions that Filipinos might have regarding the eternal question, “Can this car make the trip to Baguio?” While the history of that question might be rooted in things such as a car’s climbing and engine cooling capability, this exercise with the Atto 3 EV reframes everything: Will it have enough juice to make the 270 kilometer long and 1.4-kilometer high trip to The City of Pines?
Our goal was to start the journey at BYD’S new flagship dealership in Bonifacio Global City with fully charged Atto 3s and head north towards Baguio. With each of the eight cars equipped with 60-kilowatt Blade batteries at 100%, we set out to test the claimed driving range of 480 kilometers. As it was my first time driving an EV for further than 2 kilometers, I was curious about the whole trip. I, for one, wanted to see just what kind of adventure (or misadventure) we’d get into.
The new BYD Atto 3 stands out with its impressive range figure and charging capabilities, its stylish and modern design, and features that set it apart from the competition. The combination of aerodynamics and eco-friendliness makes this electric vehicle efficient and safe. Thanks to the BYD e-platform 3.0's 8-in-1 electric powertrain, it provides efficiency, safety, and a smooth ride. Additionally, the Blade Battery maximizes range performance. Not to mention we’re talking about 204-Ps and 310-Nm of torque that’s nothing to be scoffed at.
Stepping inside and the Atto 3 feels like stepping into the future. Or a whale. As the exterior’s sharp angles and modern lines give way to organic, flowing spaces inside, one is greeted by the massive 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen and curvy, comfortable seats that prioritize both the user experience and the vehicle’s technology. Plus, with its high levels of NVH protection, the riding experience is as quiet and calm as possible.
The Atto 3 has an electric motor with an exceptionally quiet hum, yet it can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in no time at all (7.9 seconds according to the data sheet). With instant torque and a powerful motor, driving from Manila to Baguio was effortless. Its handling is responsive enough to anticipate every movement you make, plus the Atto 3 boasts multiple safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and driver assist technologies that helped us avoid trouble.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Range anxiety can be a significant problem when driving an electric vehicle (EV), so this drive would be a good test to find the answer. Our car started out with 100% charge and 480 kilometers of range. By the time we got to the Total gas station on NLEX, we were down to 85% and 411 kilometers of range. We however had some ways to go and a big climb up Marcos Highway to contend with. At the exit of SCTEX we were down to 67% and 311 kilometers of range left. By the time we got to Rosario in La Union, we had 42%. As we were in car number 1 though, we had the privilege of getting a fast charging demo from the 180 kw fast charger at Shell Rosario. Fifteen minutes later, we were at 51% and ready for our climb
up to Baguio. After the slow climb up Marcos Highway, we arrived in Baguio with 23% battery capacity remaining. Granted we took a charge in La Union, without which we would have ended up at around 11 or 12 percent, but still. That’s about twice the energy consumption as our Taguig to Pampanga leg, but quite understandable as the last leg was a climb and a challenge with all the overtaking we had to do.
Our trip coming down from Baguio was one of the more interesting parts about this trip. Our route back to Manila took us through the tight and twisty Asin road. Here we were able to fully witness the massive regeneration capabilities of the Atto 3. Where an Ice-powered car would engine brake and still lose some fuel in a situation like this, the Atto 3 was gaining charge. In a way, it was refueling itself, which was quite amazing. It doesn’t charge the battery all the way, but with careful planning, one could theoretically extend an EV’S range depending on the terrain.
On this trip, we really got to see what the Atto 3 could do. Driving it was easy and fun, especially with how quick and smooth it felt on the road. We watched the battery go down as we drove. But we also watched it pick up charge as we coasted down. It's not just about thinking of how you’d get from one place to another, as in a fossilfueled vehicle. But rather, it's about figuring out when and where you'll charge up next. This journey showed me what it's like to travel with an electric car today, making me see the mix of excitement and planning that comes with it.
It's clear that the trip was more than just a test drive, and was a peek into the future of the Filipino automotive experience. It was a whole lot of fun and eye-opening for sure. While electric vehicles like the Atto 3 promise substantial savings on fuel costs, they do ask for something in return: your time. Whether it's planning your route around charging stations or waiting for your vehicle to power up, it's a reminder that every choice comes with its own set of considerations. But if this trip has taught me anything, it's that the journey towards a more sustainable future might require a bit more time from us, but perhaps that's exactly what we need to give to make a truly worthwhile change.