BYD EVs Set To Arrive In Canada, But There’s A Catch
It appears as if the Chinese EV giant has found a way to bypass the tariffs imposed by the U.S.
It appears as if the Chinese EV giant has found a way to bypass the tariffs imposed by the U.S.
The situation is almost similar in terms of global plug-in (BEVs and PHEVs) car sales with these two accounting for over 31%. The global EV sales data for the first quarter of 2024 reveals some intriguing trends. The stats I am about to share with you have been sourced from EV Volumes. It is a reputed organization and is a part of J.D. Power. This portal has gathered data pertaining to the total global sales of pure electric cars, as well as plug-in cars which include BEVs and PHEVs. The two giants, in the form of Tesla and BYD, dominate the sales charts. Interestingly, 5 car marques comprise of over 55% of global EV sales out of the total 2.03 million. You might also like: U.S. Could Ban or Restrict Chinese Connected Vehicles Global Q1 2024 EV Sales The report mentions that the top five car conglomerates/OEMs for pure EV sales for Q1 2024 are – Tesla, BYD, Geely-Volvo, SAIC (incl. SAIC-GM-Wuling) and Volkswagen Group. Together, they own 55% of total EV sales while the rest of the carmakers own the other 45%. The details of each of these groups/OEMs as per car registration data are as follows: Carmaker Sales Market Share (Q1 2024) Market Share (Q1 2023) Tesla 386,825 19% 23.6% BYD 300,124 14.8% 14.7% Geely-Volvo 149,647 7.4% 5.7% SAIC (incl. SAIC-GM-Wuling) 149,290 7.3% 7.4% Volkswagen Group 136,949 6.7% 7.5% Global Sales Data for EVs in Q1 2024 Hawk-eyed among you would instantly notice that there is a significant decline in Tesla sales this year in comparison to the same time period last year. The number of EV sales for BYD and SAIC has remained roughly the same. Only Geely-Volvo has demonstrated healthy growth while the VW Group has also shown some depleting sales. Global Plug-in (BEVs + PHEVs) Car Sales in 2024 Interestingly, the list of top global plug-in car companies/conglomerates also consists of these 5 players only. However, the order is slightly different when we include plug-in hybrid cars. Still, the total number of plug-in cars sold globally in Q1 2024 is just over 3.21 million. Out of these, the top 5 hold over 51% market share. The breakdown of this data incorporates: Carmaker Sales Market Share (Q1 2024) Market Share (Q1 2023) BYD 624,398 19.4% 21.3% Tesla 386,825 12% 16.5% Geely-Volvo 251,106 7.8% 6.1% Volkswagen Group 205,652 6.4% 7.4% SAIC (incl. SAIC-GM-Wuling) 190,409 5.9% 5.5% Global Sales Data for Plug-in Cars in Q1 2024 This time around, BYD is at the top of the list because it sells tons of PHEVs in the domestic market. On the other hand, Tesla doesn’t sell a single PHEV which is why it slides down to the second spot. Still, it is quite impressive to post such numbers solely from pure EVs. Geely-Volvo maintains its third spot. Volkswagen Group overtakes SAIC this time around to clinch the 4th spot. You might also like: VW CEO Says PHEVs Are Necessary Transitional Technology Learn Electric Cars Says These stats unequivocally show that the initial surge of the electric mobility revolution which was resting on the shoulders of a select few car companies is slowly getting distributed evenly. Sure there is still a long way to go. But the market share of the top 5 players has reduced drastically in Q1 2024 in comparison to the same time period last year. That is also evident when we look at new players and more legacy carmakers emerging on the scene. Still, numerous established names in the automobile world are yet to enter the EV race completely including the likes of Toyota and Honda. Apart from that, many new emerging markets will also participate and contribute to global EV sales going forward. The EV industry is still in its infancy in many emerging global markets. Once they start chipping in with sales, the market share will be distributed much more evenly.
The American EV giant sold 386,810 electric cars in Q1 of 2024 in comparison to BYD’s 300,114 units. As per the sales data for Q1 2024, Tesla has reclaimed its title of the biggest EV maker in the world. This news report becomes important because, in the last quarter of 2023, the Chinese auto giant BYD overtook Tesla in total EV sales. That was a huge deal where the American auto giant had lost the top spot in quarterly sales for the first time ever. Speculations were floating suggesting that the Chinese automakers might finally be about to take over. But the first quarter of 2024 indicates otherwise. You might also like: Tesla Clocks 6 Million Lifetime Sales, 1 Million In Last 6 Months Tesla Q1 2024 Sales The 386,810 units sold by Tesla in Q1 of 2024 might be the highest in the world, but this number is significantly lower than what it sold in the last quarter. How low? Well, 20.2% lower! Not only that, this Q1’s sales are also 8.5% lower than the Q1 of 2023 (same period from last year). That is an unequivocal indication of the overall industry slowdown. In fact, the global automobile industry is largely driven by the Chinese market. Hence, these numbers represent the slowing down of EV demand. BYD Q1 2024 Sales That also explains the huge decline in BYD’s EV sales of 300,114 units in this quarter in comparison to the last quarter (526,409). However, in BYD’s case, these sales numbers are a significant 13.4% higher than what it sold in Q1 of 2023 (same period from last year). These numbers highlight that this year is going to be a slow year in terms of sales and demand for EVs. You might also like: 1,300 hp BYD YANGWANG U9 Is Ready To Redefine Electric Supercar Segment Learn Electric Cars Says The overall EV industry is in a slowdown, at least in the biggest economies in the world including the USA and China. Hence, these dictate the overall market trends. Nevertheless, some developing countries are still new to this EV revolution and are, therefore, displaying extremely positive growth signs. Going forward, the EV industry could also benefit from these small nations as EV adoption becomes more widespread. In any case, we shall have to keep an eye out for how each quarter from here on pans out in terms of global sales.
The electric supercar category is still in its nascent stage and the Chinese auto maker is looking to make giant strides to get an early-mover advantage. BYD YANGWANG U9 electric supercar has been launched in the Chinese market. We have not seen all that many contenders in this space even from the legacy supercar makers. The thought of an aerodynamically superior and insanely hard-accelerating supercar with an electric powertrain might seem counter-intuitive to many. But there are not many appropriate use cases of the instant torque delivery inherently associated with electric powertrains. Sure, the energy consumption will be high. But then again, supercar owners are often willing to make that sacrifice for the utmost driving pleasure. BYD’s high-end performance brand, YANGWANG caters to those potential buyers. U9 is its latest offering with a price of 1.68 million RMB ($237,000) in China. You might also like: EV Makers Reconsidering Their Ambitious Plans, Was Toyota Right All Along? BYD YANGWANG U9 Electric Supercar – Specs The specification table of the Chinese electric supercar is quite impressive. The EV is propelled using 4 electric motors (one on each wheel) to produce a combined output of a whopping 1,300 hp and 1,680 Nm of maximum power and torque. Underpinned by the e4 platform, the BYD DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System allows a top speed of a spine-chilling 309.19 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 2.36 seconds. This BYD DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System allows the supercar to achieve a maximum adjustable suspension travel of upto 75 mm. The electric supercar possesses BYD’s trademark Blade Battery ensuring a maximum of 500 kW DC ultra-fast charging capabilities using 800 V architecture. The EV uses a Super Carbon-fiber Cabin and next-generation CTB technology for unprecedented body strength. In order to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency, the YANGWANG U9 comes with 12 sets of active and passive aerodynamic packages to reduce drag coefficient and enhance heat dissipation efficiency. A fine-tuned thermal management system takes care of the cooling needs of the electric sedan. You might also like: Are EVs With 1000 km Range Still A Distant Reality? Specs BYD YANGWANG U9 Platform e4 (800 V) Electric Motors 4 Power 1,300 hp (969 kW) Torque 1,680 Nm (1,239 lb-ft) Top Speed 309.19 km/h (192.12 mph) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 2.36 seconds Charging 500 kW DC Specs BYD YANGWANG U9 Electric Supercar – Tech-Savvy Cabin & Features Just like the exterior, even the inside of the car is well thought out. It boasts myriad modern amenities and top-notch materials to reassure the owners that they are sitting in a high-end supercar. The cockpit is based on the DiLin150 intelligent platform which is powered by customized 4 nm 5G chips. Other notable features include intelligent race assistance, two 14-way adjustable front seats, a Dynaudio Evidence Series high-end audio system for an immersive experience, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment display and an optional 10.25-inch third display for the passenger. You might also like: 7-Seat Hyundai Ioniq 7 Electric SUV To Go Into Production In July – Report Learn Electric Cars Says BYD has been coming up with entirely new sub-brands to rule the global automobile market. Its focus is unequivocally on electric cars. It briefly overtook Tesla in total EV sales in the last quarter of CY2023. The Chinese carmaker is clearly aiming to dominate the global market with its products. It has already commenced operations in many countries in Europe and Asia. What is the most advantageous aspect of the BYD brand is that it offers vehicles from the entry-level to supercars. There are dedicated brands under the BYD umbrella to single-pointedly focus on a particular domain. In fact, BYD cars are primarily the reason why Tesla offers so many discounts on its models, particularly in the Chinese market. The competitive prices of BYD cars are just too difficult to compete with. As we advance, it would be interesting to see how well people receive the Chinese EVs across the world.
BYD is introducing its next affordable EV from its ‘Ocean’ series in the UK with the practical Dolphin EV by the end of 2023. BYD Dolphin EV will be the next practical vehicle from the Chinese auto giant in the UK. BYD’s expansion in Europe is rapid as its EVs are posing a serious challenge to established car marques around the globe. Dolphin is a compact hatchback that is planned to be seen in UK showrooms by the end of 2023. It will lock horns against the likes of the MINI, Fiat 500e and Renault Zoe. You might also like: Skoda Announces 6 New Electric Cars by 2026 You might also like: MG Cyberster EV To Be The Most Powerful MG Yet BYD Dolphin EV – Specs While the Chinese version has two smaller battery packs, the UK-spec EV will get a decent-sized 60 kWh battery with BYD’s Blade technology and LFP chemistry. This will power the electric motor to produce 204 hp and 290 Nm of peak power and torque allowing a 0-60 mph sprint in just 7 secs. This battery offers a decent WLTP range of around 265 miles (426 km) on a single charge. There is also the option of 88 kW DC fast charging enabling the battery to get juiced up from 10 to 80% in just 29 mins. The EV also supports 11 kW AC charging. Based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0, the EV comes with a heat pump as standard. BYD Dolphin Specs Battery 60 kWh Platform e-Platform 3.0 Range 265 mi (426 km) Power / Torque 204 hp / 290 Nm 88 kW DC Fast Charging 29 mins (10-80%) Acceleration (0-60 mph/96 kmph) 7 secs Specs You might also like: Lexus RZ Electric SUV Outdoor Concept Looks Adventurous Dimensions The BYD Dolphin EV is over 4.2 m long and 1.77 m wide. It has a height of 1.57 m and a wheelbase of 2.7 m. The electric hatchback offers 345 litres (with rear seats up) and a maximum of 1,310 litres (with rear seats folded) of boot space. Parameter Dimensions Length 4,290 mm Width 1,770 mm Height 1,570 mm Wheelbase 2,700 mm Boot Space 345 – 1,310 litres Dimensions You might also like: 5 Upcoming VW Electric Cars to Debut in 2023 – From New ID.3 to ID.7 Features and Price The electric hatchback comes with amenities like 12.8-inch Rotatable Infotainment Screen, Panoramic Glass Roof, Multiple USB Ports, V2L (Vehicle-to-Load), and Heated Seats. The prices are expected to be in the vicinity of around £27,000 ($34,000 or €30,000) More details will be available closer to the launch.
BYD officially unveiled the Seagull EV at the ongoing 2023 Shanghai Auto Show and bagged 10,000 orders on the first day. BYD has unveiled its entry-level Seagull EV at the ongoing 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. As the name indicates, it will be part of BYD’s Ocean series with nomenclature inspired by sea creatures. Being the cheapest electric offering in BYD’s ever-expanding stable, it has garnered over 10,000 orders within 24 hours of the unveiling, as announced by the company at the press conference. Let us decipher the reasons behind that. You might also like: How Does Polestar 4 Compare Against Tesla Model Y? BYD Seagull EV Specs The BYD Seagull is based on e-Platform 3.0 and comes equipped with 2 BYD Blade LFP battery packs – 30 kWh and 38 kWh. The former is good for a CLTC range of 190 miles (306 km), while the latter offers a decent 251 miles (404 km). The power output stands at a usable 55 kW (74 hp) from the front-mounted electric motor. Both these batteries have DC fast charging capabilities enabling them to juice up to 80% in just 30 mins. BYD Seagull EV Specs Battery 30 & 38 kWh (Blade LFP) Range 190 / 251 mi (306 / 404 km) Power 55 kW (74 hp) DC Fast Charging 30 mins for 80% Platform e-Platform 3.0 Top Speed 130 km/h (81 mph) Specs You might also like: Tesla Battery (4680) vs BYD Blade Battery – Comparison BYD Seagull EV Dimensions Since the Seagull is an entry-level electric hatchback from the Chinese auto giant, its dimensions are indicative of that. It has a length of 3,780 mm, a width of 1,715 mm, a height of 1,540 mm and a wheelbase of 2,500 mm. Interestingly, it is 345 mm (L), 55 mm (W) and 30 mm (H) smaller than the popular BYD Dolphin mid-size sedan. However, both EVs are based on the same architecture. Dimensions Parameter Length 3,780 mm (148.8 in) Width 1,715 mm (67.5 in) Height 1,540 mm (60.6 in) Wheelbase 2,500 mm (98.4 in) Dimensions You might also like: BYD Seal Deliveries to Begin in Europe; To Rival Tesla Model 3 Features & Price Despite belonging to a subcompact segment, BYD has ensured that it is equipped with the latest convenience, tech and connectivity features. This includes a large 12.8-inch Infotainment Display, a 5-inch Driver’s Instrument Cluster, a sporty flat-bottom Steering Wheel, Wireless Charging, 2 Cup Holders, and more. The prices start at an enticing 78,800 Yuan ($11,400 ). With such an attractive package, experts believe that Seagull could become the highest-selling EV in the segment in China in the next 6 months. With BYD’s global expansion plans, the Seagull EV could attract a ton of customers in Europe and other international markets too.
BYD is planning to launch the Seal electric sedan (also known as Atto 4 in some markets) to rival the Tesla Model 3 in Europe. Having launched the Seal in the Chinese market in July this year (2022), the largest EV market in China aims to go global. In comparison to Model 3, it targets the audience with relatively affordable prices without compromising on performance. Seal is slated to be launched in Europe by the end of this year or beginning of the next year (2023). Thereafter, BYD wants to bring it to other markets like Australia, South America and the Middle East. You might also like: Are Chargers at DC Fast Charging Stations Bad For EVs? BYD Seal (Tesla Model 3 Rival) – Specs The EV is based on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 with Blade Battery and LFP cells in two variants – 61.4 kWh and 82.5 kWh with 550 km (342 mi) and 700 km (435 mi) range respectively. There will be options of a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD drivetrain. The power ranges from 201 hp to a colossal 523 hp. In its most powerful iteration, the Seal will be capable of achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.8 secs. BYD Seal Specs Drivetrain RWD / AWD Battery 61.4 & 82.5 kWh Range 550 – 700 km (CLTC) Power 201 – 523 hp 150 kW DC Fast Charging Yes Acceleration (0 – 100 km/h) 3.8 secs Specs You might also like: Pravaig Defy Electric SUV – Specs, Features, Range & More BYD Seal – Dimensions Seal is marginally larger than the Model 3 in terms of exterior dimensions which also translates to the wheelbase. It is 4.8 m long and has a wheelbase of 2.92 m. It has the CTB (Cell-to-Body) architecture which means that the lower part of the body of the vehicle forms the top part of the battery pack. BYD Seal Dimensions Length 4,800 mm Width 1,875 mm Height 1,460 mm Wheelbase 2,920 mm Boot Space 320 litre Dimensions You might also like: Hyundai IONIQ 6 vs Kia EV6 – Specs, Price Comparison Interior and Features On the inside is where the Seal differs significantly from the Model 3. While the latter has a completely futuristic and minimalistic layout devoid of physical buttons or knobs, BYD has adopted a more traditional approach. There is a massive 15.6-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System that can be switched between a Portrait or Landscape Orientation within seconds, a smaller Screen for the Driver’s Instrument Panel, a Heads-Up Display, 8-way Adjustable Driver’s Seat, with Lumbar Support, Heating and Ventilation with Memory Function, Air Purifier, Wireless Charging, and much more. BYD Seal vs Tesla Model 3 – Price BYD launched the Seal in July 2022 in China with prices ranging from CNY 209,800 ($30,084 US) to CNY 286,800 ($41,125 US) after subsidies. For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 retails between CNY 279,900 ($40,136 US) to CNY 367,900 ($52,755 US).
BYD launched the Atto 3 for China and Australia back in February and the deliveries are finally set to commence in the coming weeks down under. BYD Atto 3 (originally called Yuan Plus in China) gained massive traction after the specs and prices were revealed making it the most affordable EV in Australia. The Chinese EV manufacturer finally received the necessary government approval to sell its EVs in the country complying with Australian Design Rules (ADRs). The Atto 3 is set to get the ball rolling in the Australian market which is still not all that privy to the EV revolution. You might also like: Sono Sion – Production-Ready Solar Powered Electric Car – Specs & More BYD Atto 3 Prices For the Australian market, the prices of the BYD Atto 3 are incredibly attractive. BYD Atto 3 Prices Standard Range AUD 44,381 Extended Range AUD 47,381 BYD Atto 3 Prices You might also like: 2022 Polestar 2 Electric Car – Range, Interior & Specs BYD Atto 3 – Specs BYD Atto 3 comes with the company’s patented Blade Battery. It is underpinned by BYD’s e-platform 3.0. Here are the details of all the specs of this budget EV. BYD Atto 3 Specs Battery 50 kWh & 60 kWh Range 320 km & 420 km Power / Torque 204 hp / 310 Nm Charging (80 kW DC Fast) 0-100% in less than 1 hour Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 7.3 secs BYD Atto 3 Specs You might also like: Tata Motors Unveil Avinya EV Concept Stepping Into Electric Future BYD Atto 3 – Interior & Features The interior of the BYD Atto 3 is uniquely designed. The layout looks quite premium although the quality of materials used in the cabin is not superb. On the door panels, you would find popped-out speakers on which the door handles are smartly installed, there is a 5-inch screen for the Driver’s Information Display, the centre console is decorated with a rather large 12.9-inch screen for the Infotainment System which has a revolving function for enhanced accessibility and convenience, physical buttons with tactile feedback between the seats, Steering Mounted Controls, ADAS Functions, Panoramic Sunroof, 360-degree Camera, Vehicle to Load (V2L) to charge external devices including homes during those long power cuts and more. BYD is already a prominent EV player in China and is constantly planning to expand its global presence. It has begun operations in parts of Europe including Norway. The Atto 3 will cater to the Australian market including New Zealand. Throughout this year (2022) and the next (2023), BYD aims to flourish its footprint in markets like Japan, Brazil, India, Europe and America. We shall wait to see the specs and prices of the BYD Atto 3 in various markets.