BYD Unveils Plug-in Hybrid Version of Its Seal Sedan
This page is translated from the original post "BYD décline sa berline Seal en hybride rechargeable" in French.
- 07/02/2024 9:39
The electric sedan competing with the Tesla Model 3 is gaining a new plug-in hybrid thermal variant in China. Why?
Trying to please everyone… We’ll leave the rest to you. BYD may have doubts about the global market’s ability to shift entirely to electric? Very likely, and they are preemptively developing an entire range of plug-in hybrid vehicles… alongside their electric vehicle lineup.
A kind of “hodgepodge” that seems rather odd when you know that the efficiency of an electric car does not match that of a thermal engine due to mass distribution, cooling needs of mechanical components, aerodynamics, etc.
A Subtly Different Look
Aesthetically, only a keen eye will truly be able to distinguish the hybrid version from the electric. The appearance changes slightly, as does the front bumper. Another unique feature: this hybrid version is actually 13 cm shorter, with an 11 cm shorter wheelbase!
Under the hood, there’s a modest 1.5-liter engine producing 100 horsepower. It is supported by a 16 kWh battery, enabling about 90 km in all-electric mode according to the Chinese homologation cycle, about 60 km in Europe. The electric assistance power varies between 120 kW (163 hp) and 160 kW (217 hp) depending on the version. The top speed will be limited to 180 km/h.
Even more surprising: BYD’s somewhat vague statements suggest that this shorter version of the Seal could later in the year be launched as… 100% electric.
We’re confused…
ALL THE LATEST ON BYD
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
