“Following the launch of buses, we are now seriously considering the release of passenger cars.” This was revealed by a BYD Korea representative in a phone interview with us.
BYD Korea has hinted at plans to launch passenger cars in the domestic market this year. Currently, BYD is increasing its market share in the domestic electric vehicle sector, having introduced line buses and 1-ton trucks. Their strategy involves gaining consumer acceptance in the passenger car market after successfully navigating the historically cautious commercial bus and small truck markets.
The BYD Korea representative also mentioned, “The call for the release of passenger cars has grown louder than ever, and we are seriously reviewing this matter internally.” However, they dismissed rumors about specific models being planned for release, stating, “No decisions have been made regarding which models will be launched.”
The most likely model to be launched domestically from BYD’s overseas offerings is the SEAL from the Ocean brand. The SEAL is an electric sedan in the D-segment and has won awards at the iF Design Awards. The all-wheel-drive SEAL model, equipped with a high-performance 390KW electric motor, boasts the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
Another candidate is the DOLPHIN from the Ocean brand. The DOLPHIN is a C-segment hatchback electric vehicle and the first model in the Ocean series. It’s equipped with a 60KWh LFP battery, Blade battery, driver assistance system, and braking system for enhanced safety. Built on the e-platform 3.0, it can cover 427 km according to WLTP standards, and a 100KW DC charger can raise the battery charge from 30% to 80% in just 29 minutes.
The minivan ‘Denza D9’ is also worth attention. Denza is a brand that BYD jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz. The D9 is categorized into two powertrains: hybrid and pure electric. The electric version utilizes the e-platform 3.0, while the hybrid is based on the DM-i model. The hybrid can cover a distance of 945 to 1,040 km, and the electric vehicle can travel 620 km under CLTC standards, with a maximum charging power of 166KWh.
In addition, there is the electric SUV ‘N7’ under the Denza brand. The N7 is BYD’s first electric SUV and includes BYD’s driving assistance system. It can travel up to 702 km based on CLTC standards. The N7 can increase its driving range to 350 km in just 15 minutes using BYD’s dual charging technology. It features BYD’s CTB platform and adopts BYD’s own suspension system, Disus, for a smooth ride.
BYD’s premium brand ‘Yanwang’ cannot be overlooked either. The U8 from the Yanwang brand is an off-road electric SUV. It is equipped with the e4 platform, and its four electric motors drive each wheel independently, providing enhanced safety.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr