Italian authorities accused BYD, Stellantis, Tesla and Volkswagen of misleading customers on range, battery degradation and warranties. The probe was closed without fines – with a promise of clearer communication.
This is not another column about a "green future." It is a story of how four major manufacturers – BYD, Stellantis, Tesla and Volkswagen – were accused by Italian authorities of allegedly misleading customers about range, battery degradation and warranties. And guess what? The investigation was closed. No fines. Instead, a promise to improve customer communication. From now on, it is supposed to be clearer, simpler, more readable.
New range simulators, better warranty descriptions and transparent information on websites. The Italians waved their hands and said: "go ahead, improve." And the penalty? It was withdrawn.
BYD entered Poland in 2024 and immediately started attracting customers with its price – a showroom in Warsaw and aggressive discounts do the job. The Dolphin Surf starts from ~82,700 PLN, and after the NaszEauto subsidy – from as little as 42,700 PLN.
Atto 2? From 129,900 PLN. Seal – from 215,900 PLN. Seal U DM-i PHEV – from 169,900 PLN.
Competition? It can step aside. BYD says: more for less.
Want specifics? Here you go. BYD Dolphin Active – 136,000 PLN; Boost – 145,200 PLN; Comfort – 146,500 PLN. Seal AWD – 224,400 PLN, RWD – 198,000 PLN. Tang AWD – 306,300 PLN. And if you want a real rocket, Han AWD Executive – 303,700 PLN, Han AWD Emerald – 320,000 PLN. Plenty to choose from!
The BYD model comparison above shows the variety of prices and ranges, which can help make an informed choice when buying an electric car. It is worth paying attention to power and available options, which can influence the purchase decision.
Atto 2 is a small electric SUV priced in Poland from 129,900 PLN. It has 177 HP, a 45.1 kWh battery, range up to 312 km, 0–100 km/h in 7.9 s, top speed 160 km/h. It measures 431 cm in length, with 400–1,340 l of cargo space. It competes with the MG4 and Kia EV3. In Europe it is even cheaper – in France from €28,990, EUR 5,000–7,000 less than the competition. Like buying a family estate at the price of a small hatchback.
An AAA test from Australia showed that some EVs travel 5–23 % less in reality than manufacturers claim. The Atto 3 performed badly – 369 km real vs 480 km in the test (−23 %). Tesla Model 3 – 441 km vs 513 km (−14 %). EV6 and Model Y −8 %. Smart #3 – only −5 %.
In Berlin, the Dolphin Surf costs €22,990–24,990 and sometimes drops to €19,990–24,990 on promotion. In Poland, the Dolphin Surf is ~82,700 PLN (~€18,800), an aggressive offer, especially with the subsidy. BYD asks the question: "Excuse me, who is the price leader here?"
In Poland, the e-mobility market is developing at breakneck speed. In 2023 alone, more than 30,000 new electric cars were registered, and the number of chargers stands at around 3,200. In addition, subsidy programmes for buying electric cars, such as NaszEauto, offer support of up to 40,000 PLN, significantly influencing Poles' purchase decisions. In the face of growing competition such as BYD, traditional manufacturers must adapt their offerings so as not to be left behind.
Q: What are the cheapest BYD models available in Poland?
A: The cheapest BYD model, the Dolphin Surf, costs around 82,700 PLN, and after the subsidy it can be as low as 42,700 PLN.
Q: What are the differences between manufacturer range figures and reality?
A: Tests showed that some EV models, such as the Atto 3, have a range 23 % lower than stated by the manufacturer.
Q: Are subsidies for buying EVs available in Poland?
A: Yes, under the NaszEauto programme you can get a subsidy of up to 40,000 PLN when buying an electric car.
| Model | Price (PLN) | Range (km) | Power (HP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Surf | 82700 | 312 | 177 |
| Atto 2 | 129900 | 312 | 177 |
| Seal | 215900 | ||
| Han AWD Executive | 303700 |
About the author
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