BYD Seal U Hybrid: The Best of Both Worlds?
This page is translated from the original post "BYD Seal U hybride, le meilleur des deux mondes ?" in French.
- 06/01/2024 18:12
The world leader in electrified vehicles launches its BYD Seal U SUV in hybrid version in France. Blockbuster expected?
At BYD, they definitely like to do things differently! For a “normal” car manufacturer, the logic is that the transition to full electric should start with hybrid versions. First, they add a small 48V mild hybrid system to avoid taxes and to promote the virtuous transition they are making to save the planet, the trees, and our children. Then, they move on to plug-in hybrids, which are much more difficult to fit into a chassis designed for combustion engines. But a paradigm shift has occurred: drivers can now operate in zero-emission mode for several kilometers, from city centers to highways. With a bit of luck, this driver will realize that electric is perfectly suited to their lifestyle and may decide to visit a dealership of their preferred brand to purchase a model.
And well, at BYD, after launching 5 electric models, they are preparing to offer a hybrid version. To convert drivers to combustion engines? Of course not. The goal is simply to attract this still hesitant clientele to electric by ticking the “discovery” box that has been missing so far. It is also an honest recognition that all-electric is not yet suitable for everyone, and that sometimes a good versatile hybrid is better than an ill-suited or poorly used combustion or electric vehicle.
The BYD Seal U has a very similar design to the Seal sedan but in SUV format. Exactly what Tesla did when designing the Model Y based on the Model 3. The success of both models validates the concept. This vehicle is called BYD Song Plus DM-i in other parts of the world. It features a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine complemented by an electric motor to deliver a combined power of 197 hp. This version can travel between 110 km and 150 km in full electric mode, depending on the battery chosen.
All technical details and prices should be announced soon.
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