The Chinese manufacturer BYD announced just a few weeks ago the launch of three electric models for the European market: the compact SUV Atto 3 (segment C), the sedan Han EV (segment E), and the executive SUV Tang EV (segment E). However, this will only be the beginning of the important product offensive that the company plans for the old continent.
Taking advantage of its presence at the Paris Motor Show, BYD has confirmed that the fourth member of its European lineup will be the Seal midsize sedan (segment D). This model will be called to compete against models such as the BMW i4, the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the Polestar 2, the Tesla Model 3, or the Volkswagen ID. AERO.
The BYD Seal has been a resounding success in its home market since in its first month of sale (September) it shipped a total of 7,473 units; In addition, it has accumulated more than 110,000 orders since its presentation. It is expected that this sedan will become the most popular proposal of the Asian firm in our market together with the Atto 3.
This 4.80 meter-long model sits on the “e-platform 3.0” architecture and is equipped with the manufacturer’s Blade batteries, which have a CTB (Cell to Body) structural design and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells. It is marketed with two packs (61.4 and 82.5 kWh capacity), thanks to which it homologates between 550 and 700 km CLTC.
The small BYD Dolphin could also reach Europe
In parallel, BYD’s sales manager in Europe, Pere Brugal, has indicated that the company is also considering launching the Dolphin utility vehicle (segment B), a model that would become the accessible alternative to its range. This addition would make all the sense in the world, as it would allow BYD to compete in one of the most important categories in the region.
The BYD Dolphin measures between 4.07 and 4.13 meters long depending on the version, so we could consider it a rival to the Peugeot e-208 and Renault ZOE. However, it stands out for having a very wide wheelbase of 2.7 meters, as well as its high height of 1.57 meters, more typical of an urban SUV.
It also makes use of the “e-platform 3.0” and the aforementioned Blade batteries. It Homologates 301 km CLTC of its 30.7 kWh version and 405 km CLTC in the 44.9 kWh version. It has a fast charge in direct current, being able to recover 80% of its range in just half an hour.
