07.08.2025

Osh to Bishkek in a BYD Yuan Up: Real EV Road Trip

 Road Trip from Osh to Bishkek in a BYD Yuan Up:

Mountains, Zero Charge & Regeneration

Electric vehicles are becoming a part of everyday life in Kyrgyzstan — but can they handle real mountain routes and long-distance travel? To find out, a team of EV enthusiasts took a BYD Yuan Up on a journey from Osh to Bishkek, testing its limits on high-altitude roads and steep climbs.

With a claimed range of up to 401 km (CLTC cycle), this compact Chinese EV had a lot to prove on the challenging roads of Central Asia.

 

🔋 The Beginning: Unknown Distance, Real-World Driving

The exact distance of the route wasn’t measured in kilometers — the focus was on real-world performance. From Osh to Bishkek, the team faced a variety of road conditions: mountain passes, winding roads, and the unpredictable nature of elevation and weather.

The vehicle was a standard BYD Yuan Up, with no special modifications — just a full charge and curiosity.

 

⚡ First Charging Stop: Kara-Kul

As expected, the EV couldn’t cover the whole route on a single charge. The first charging stop was made in the city of Kara-Kul. Despite the 401 km advertised range, the mountains, added weight, and AC use consumed power faster than ideal.

Charging in Kara-Kul was smooth, and the team hit the road again — next stop: the legendary Too-Ashuu mountain pass.

 

⛰️ Climbing Too-Ashuu: 0% Battery and Still Moving

Climbing the Too-Ashuu pass turned into the most intense moment of the trip.

As the car ascended, the battery drained rapidly. Near the peak, the display showed 0% battery, yet — surprisingly — the car kept going for several more meters, managing to reach the top.

This showcased not only BYD’s efficiency but also how well the system manages power under pressure.

 

🔄 Going Downhill: The Power of Regeneration

Once at the top, the team began the descent from Too-Ashuu — and that’s when the magic happened.

Thanks to regenerative braking technology, the BYD Yuan Up began recharging the battery on the way down, recovering energy from the descent. The charge percentage began to rise steadily, giving the team enough power to confidently reach the next charging station.

This moment was a clear demonstration of how electric vehicles can not only consume but also generate energy on the road.

 

⚙️ About the BYD Yuan Up

  • Electric motor: 94 or 174 hp

  • Battery capacity: 32 to 45.1 kWh

  • Range (CLTC): up to 401 km

  • Category: Subcompact electric crossover

  • Production: Began in 2024

  • Also known as: BYD Atto 2 (in some markets)

 

📌 Conclusion: EVs Are Ready for Kyrgyz Roads

This journey proved one key point: electric vehicles are not just for the city. With smart planning, route awareness, and proper charging infrastructure, EVs like the BYD Yuan Up can handle real Kyrgyz terrain, including long distances and mountain passes.

 

What we learned:

  • Always plan your charging stops.

  • 0% battery does not always mean instant shutdown.

  • Regenerative braking works — and can even save the trip.

  • EVs are capable of more than most people think.

 

📽 Want to see how it all went down?
Watch the full video on YouTube and experience the Osh-to-Bishkek road trip firsthand — including zero charge drama and magical regeneration on Too-Ashuu!