BYD upgrades top-selling small electric SUV with more range, now starting at about $11,000

This is car news out of China, not something that touches your home directly, but it's worth knowing about if you're weighing an electric vehicle alongside home upgrades like a heat pump or EV charger. BYD, the Chinese automaker, just launched an updated version of its small electric SUV, sold as the Yuan Up in China and the Atto 2 elsewhere. Prices start around $11,000 after a temporary discount, with trims running up to about $15,500 (or $14,500 discounted). That's dramatically cheaper than any EV currently sold in the United States.

The new model adds a longer-range battery option, up to about 311 miles on the Chinese test cycle, alongside the existing shorter-range versions. Some trims actually got cheaper than the outgoing model despite the added range. The SUV is roughly the size of a Hyundai Kona and comes with a refreshed interior, a bigger touchscreen, and driver-assistance features like highway autopilot and self-parking.

None of this is available in the US market, so it does not affect what you can buy today. But it's a sign of how fast EV prices and range are moving in China, and it's a reminder that if you're planning a home EV charger as part of a broader electrification project, the vehicle side of the market keeps shifting quickly, with more affordable options showing up abroad even if they haven't reached American driveways yet.