Here’s the first glimpse of BYD’s new electric sedan, the e7

KUALA LUMPUR: BYD, known for its exciting innovations and expansion in the EV market, always remains in the headlines. This time, the Chinese EV giant is grabbing the spotlight for its upcoming electric car, called the e7.

The BYD e7 is a mid-size pure electric sedan that is likely to be the affordable alternative to the Seal, targeting first-time EV buyers. The official teaser reveals the EV’s silhouette, sleek proportions, and a few visual similarities with the Seal, without disclosing specifications or pricing. 

But thanks to the MIIT (Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) for releasing some key details about the BYD e7.

BYD e7: What do we know so far

According to the report,  the upcoming BYD e7 is 4,780 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,515 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,820 mm. These dimensions position it right below the Seal in the brand’s global lineup. It is relatively lightweight in comparison to other electric cars; tipping the scale between 1,499 kg and 1,566 kg. 

The design of the EV highlights the brand’s cost-conscious approach as it is equipped with conventional door handles instead of the retractable ones available in modern-day high-priced EVs. Also, the electric sedan rides on 16-inch wheels, which reinforces the idea that it is an affordable car.

According to the MITI regulatory filings, the upcoming BYD will be offered with a single electric motor and two battery pack options. The specifications are as follows - 

Drivetrain	Single front-wheel drive
Max power	136 PS
Top speed	150 kmph
Battery pack	48 kWh or 57.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate Blade battery
Range	450 km or 520 km (on the CLTC cycle)

Although theoretical, the driving range numbers are quite optimistic, promising a decent balance between practicality and affordability.

Could be positioned as a global model

BYD EVs are often named after Chinese historical dynasties (Qin, Han, Song, Yuan) or marine life (Dolphin, Seal, Sealion, Seagull), with the e series being the exception, which has primarily been reserved for export markets. 

This designation somewhere indicates that the e7 could be offered as a budget-friendly EV market outside of China. Reports also suggest that it could initially target taxi operators, just like e6.

BYD’s recent launches in China 

March was quite hectic for BYD as the automaker launched or announced multiple new models across different segments. Some of them are - 

• BYD Sealion 05: It is a new compact electric SUV designed to compete in the mid-size SUV segment.
• Denza N9: It is a large SUV (under the Denza sub-brand) that aims to compete with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the luxury segment. The N9 comes in both plug-in hybrid and pure-electric versions.
• Yangwang U7: Launched under BYD’s sub-brand Yangwang, the U7 is an ultra-luxury electric sedan packed with cutting-edge technologies.
• BYD Qin L: It is a new electric sedan, offering an optimum balance of affordability and performance.
• Fang Cheng Bao Tai 3: Launched under the sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao, it is an off-road-focused SUV.

BYD also introduced its superfast charging tech last month. The new BYD Super e-Platform features a 1,000V high-voltage system that supports battery charging speeds of up to 1,000kW. It can provide a 400 km range in a mere five minutes of charging.

Also read: BYD Shark 6 pickup debuts in Thailand; Will it come to Malaysia?