Update: ‘BYD Seagull’ section updated.
Following the BYD Dolphin in 2021 and the BYD Seal in May 2022, two new EVs will reportedly join BYD’s ocean-themed EV family: BYD Seagull and BYD Sea Lion. Like the first two, they will aim to win customers in China and a few overseas markets with a spacious interior, and advanced battery and charging technology at an affordable price. Allegedly leaked material floating on Chinese portals reveals several details about these future electric car models from the Warren Buffett-backed auto maker.
Here’s what we know about the future BYD electric car launches:
BYD Seagull
The BYD Seagull (codename: BYD EQ) will belong to China’s A00+ car segment. With prices falling between CNY 60,000 and 80,000 (EUR 8,319-11,092), this model will target EV customers with a tight budget. We are now expecting the BYD Seagull to be unveiled in the second half of the year, rather than in the second quarter as initially expected.
A leaked picture of the Seagull’s exterior (view on 365che.net) revealed it will be a fluidic hatchback with a contemporary design. BYD has tried to stretch the wheelbase to a large extent, which has resulted in extremely short overhangs. After taking a closer look, we note steeply angled A-pillars, aero wheels inspired from the VW ID.3‘s ‘Sanya’ design, and a subtle kick in the beltline from behind the B-pillar.
At the front, the Seagull is devoid of an upper grille and features angular swept-back headlamps, an A-shaped lower air intake, and vertical side air inlets. A two-tone colour scheme will be available, in which the bonnet and roof panel carries a contrasting colour. The Leap T03 could be among its direct rivals.
BYD Sea Lion
The BYD Sea Lion (codename: BYD UX) should break cover by early 2023. It will reportedly be an SUV competing with the Tesla Model Y, which puts it above the Yuan Plus within the BYD lineup. The mid-size electric SUV will cost between CNY 200,000 and 250,000 (GBP 24,257-30,321/USD 29,874-37,342). It could have plenty in common with the BYD Seal electric midsize sedan that competes with the Tesla Model 3, Xpeng P5, and Nio ET5. Expect the Sea Lion to come fitted with the BYD Blade battery.
Chinese reports, based on details observed in a spy picture (view on Twitter), say that the BYD Sea Lion could be the production version of the BYD X Dream concept (pictured above) that debuted at Auto China 2021. BYD said during the presentation that the concept features the brand’s “well-received” Dragon Face design language and uses Chinese knot elements, which will be a key feature on the design front on future vehicles.
Expect the BYD Sea Lion to feature a similar octagonal faux grille, sharp rectangular headlamps, bow-shaped sleek and elegant greenhouse, beefy wheel arches, and a crossover-typical hunched rear-end. The interior should be minimalist but more practical and realistic than that of the concept. Expect certain similarities with the Dolphin and Yuan Plus in the cabin.
Second-gen BYD Blade battery
It is reported that BYD is developing second-generation Blade battery with a high energy density of 180 Wh/kg, a significant improvement over the current Blade battery with an energy density of 150 Wh/kg. That, along with a fifth-generation chip, will reduce power consumption in BYD EVs by 20% and increase the driving range by 3%, while offering an increase in motor power and torque. That’s according to an article from k.sina.com.cn, which also claims that the next-gen BYD blade battery is very likely to debut in one of the BYD Ocean series models. Note that BYD has issued no updates on the evolution of the Blade battery.
Featured image: BYD