BYD has approved Continental‘s EcoContact 6 Q tyres to be fitted onto its Atto 3 BEV SUV worldwide. Coming in the size of 18 inches (235/50 R18), the new tyre is claimed by the manufacturer to provide a quiet and energy-saving driving experience. It is also 20 mm wider than the current 215/55R18 Atlas Batman tyres fitted on the Atto 3.
These are characteristics especially beneficial for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) such as the Atto 3. You wouldn’t want your quiet EV experience to be ruined just by a set of noisy tyres, do you? Speaking of noise, Continental has also worked together with its developers to improve the tyre tread, which should in turn aid in reducing the tyres’ rolling noise.
The tyre manufacturer has also designed a special rubber compound for its EcoContact 6 Q tyres to minimize its energy absorption while the vehicle, which in this case is the BYD Atto 3, is in motion. The reduction in energy absorption is then able to help reduce the tyres’ friction and rolling resistance as well.
On top of having short braking distances, Continental has also claimed the EcoContact 6 Q tyres to offer exceptional grip, no matter when the road is dry or wet. This allows the car to have better stability while cornering, even at high speeds.
However, we only recommend you do this safely, and at your own risk. Also, do be mindful of other road users as well when driving. Or even better, bring your car to race tracks like the Sepang International Circuit, where you can test your car and your tyres safely. Safety first, everyone!
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The Continental EcoContact 6 Q tyres will be replacing the Atlas Batman tyres that previously came factory fitted with the Atto 3. BYD did not provide an explanation for this change, but there could be several possible reasons. There have been complaints that the Atlas Batman tyres were a bit noisy. The ‘Batman’ name also doesn’t sound so assuring although the comic book equivalent is a hero adored by many.
With the announcement of BYD’s approval for the use of the Continental tyres, we may soon start to see BYD Atto 3 cars equipped with the EcoContact 6 Q tyres from the factory. As of now, the BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia is still equipped with the Atlas Batman tyres. Will the new set of tyres increase the retail price of the BYD Atto 3? That has yet to be confirmed.
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