According to BYD, the name "Atto" was inspired by the attosecond, the smallest time scale unit in physics, depicting that the vehicle is "speedy, energetic, and dynamic".

[12] The Yuan Plus was first showcased in August 2021 at the Chengdu Auto Show, and was officially released in February 2022 after pre-orders in China opened in January.

[13] The Atto 3 / Yuan Plus is based on BYD's all-electric e-Platform 3.0, unlike the older models in the Dynasty Series that are modified from internal combustion and plug-in hybrid platforms.

[14] The interior design of the Atto 3 / Yuan Plus was inspired by fitness culture and features aesthetics resembling gym and sports equipment such as treadmills, boxing rings, dumbbells and muscle fibers.

[15][16] The centre 12.8-inch (with an optional larger 15.6-inch) infotainment system is based on Android,[14] and the screen can be rotated between portrait and landscape orientations.

[23]The Atto 3 / Yuan Plus incorporates a 150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS) front-wheel drive electric motor generating 310 N⋅m (31.6 kg⋅m; 229 lb⋅ft) of torque, powered by BYD's proprietary lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery.

It introduces price reductions and additional equipment such as heated and ventilated front seats, privacy glass, and transparent rendering for the 360-degree camera view.

[18][42] In the United Kingdom, the vehicle went on sale in March 2023 in three trim levels: Active, Comfort and Design.

[43] In July 2023, the Atto 3 became the best selling electric vehicle in Sweden, beating other popular cars like Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y.

[45] The Atto 3 was introduced in Indonesia in January 2024 alongside the Dolphin and Seal, as part of BYD's entry to the Indonesian passenger car market.

[51] The Atto 3 was released in Japan in February 2023 as the first BYD model introduced in the country, with deliveries began in March.

[60] The Atto 3 was launched in Brunei in July 2023, in a sole Superior variant (60.48 kWh battery with 480 km range).

Two variants are offered in the country, the GL trim with a battery of 49.92 kWh with a range of 400 kilometres (250 mi) under the NEDC cycle, and the GS trim, full extras with a 60.48 kWh battery and a range of 480 kilometres (300 mi) also under NEDC.

[69] The magazine Car noted that the Atto 3 supports DC rapid charging, but only at speeds up to 88 kW, which means a 30–80% boost takes around 29 minutes.

The publication noted its poor tyre performance, unintuitive 'P' park button, and an unrefined lane-keeping assistance system, rating it 7.1/10.

[70] The publication Paul Tan commented that the Atto 3's seats are "among the most comfortable chairs we’ve ever sat in.

"[71] The Autocar India magazine stated that the vehicle feels roomy due to its long wheelbase and the presence of a sunroof, and features well-built cabin panels.