Another small electric SUV for under 15,000 euros

BYD launched its new Yuan UP Vitality in China, a super cute and well-equipped 100% electric small SUV at a completely crazy price.

In France, we love to complain, but objectively we are relatively spoiled when it comes to the offer of electric vehicles. First and foremost, we have powerful and inventive national manufacturers who fully embrace electrification. German brands are well established in our territory, and Japanese manufacturers have historically been solid partners, exemplified by Toyota, which produces its Yaris in Northern France in Valenciennes. Finally, Chinese manufacturers are not ignoring us, even if we are a bit less spoiled than Scandinavian countries or the Benelux.

So when you want to buy an electric car, the choice is wide, but there is one rule to follow. Never look at what’s happening in China!

As proof, the BYD Yuan UP launched on the market at the beginning of the year and has sold 5,000 units since then. Measuring 4,310 mm long and 1,830 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, it uses BYD’s latest electric platform. The style is understated and fairly elegant. With quite square volumes, the priority seems to be habitability rather than looks.

Perfectly calibrated electric

Inside, passengers are welcomed in a plush ambiance by an 8.8-inch LCD dashboard, a 10.1-inch rotating central screen, and a wireless charging station for mobile phones. Everything is ideally within reach, from numerous physical buttons to the crystal gear shift knob.

A Vitality series has been launched in recent days with a small 70 kW (94 hp) engine under the hood, combined with a 45.12 kWh Blade battery that ensures 400 km of range compared to 300 km previously. It’s still a somewhat clumsy SUV with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 12.9 seconds, but it now only takes 30 minutes to recharge the battery from 30% to 80% and regain 200 km of range.

Until now you might think that the Peugeot e-2008 or the Renault Captur have little to fear from this little Chinese car. But if we tell you it costs only 14,000 euros in China, which is much less than a Dacia Spring or a Citroën ë-C3, are you still so sure?

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