Did you know that BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’? The Chinese car manufacturer has been around since 1995, but since they sponsored the Euros 2024, they have really made their name known in the electric car market. So… what is so special about a BYD EV and why should you be considering one as your next car? We’re aware that these cars are built with quality and safety in mind, so allow us to put you at ease by breaking down the main reasons you should consider this make for your next EV.
Who is BYD?
Relatively new to the UK automotive industry, BYD have been paving the way for affordable electric cars since they hit the UK dealerships in early 2023. Offering a unique style to the new-fashioned way of travelling, BYD have taken inspiration from the sea - a sleek, streamlined design and an oceanic name to match: BYD Dolphin and BYD SEAL. Whilst most automotive brands have been turning their hand to electric manufacturing, there are a few ways that BYD have set themselves apart from their competitors - through innovation and affordability.
Reasons to choose a BYD electric car
When searching for an electric car, there are so many on the market that it can be difficult to know why one is better over the others. Whilst they steadily make their way into the UK market, we already understand some of the main features of the BYD cars that makes them stand out from the rest:
The Blade battery
BYD’s own creation, the battery contains an eight-in-one electric powertrain that uses advanced and innovative technology - it has been rigorously tested to become one of the safest electric car batteries on the market. The unique shape and design of the battery offers many advantages over your typical lithium-ion battery:
- The thin, rectangular shape of the battery improves preheating and cooling efficiency and is able to perform in different temperatures. When testing, the battery was put under conditions that simulated a car accident - the nail penetration test. This test simulates a short circuit from a sharp object, like what might happen in an accident. The results of the test were conclusive - there were no signs of smoke or fire coming from the battery.
- The flat shape of the battery allows a compact fit in the car, increasing space whilst also increasing safety and its lifecycle (over 5,000 charge and discharge cycles).
- The battery is manufactured with a honeycomb design which increases the strength of the upper and lower side panels.
- The style of the battery allows for more range that most competitor batteries - as much as 50% more range.
Specialised EV technology
BYD takes the crown as the first electric car manufacturer to successfully master the holy grail of EVs - electric control, battery and electric motor. These three core technologies allow BYD to achieve a battery production capacity of 16GWh, which has allowed them to become an industry leader. With the hype around electric cars comes apprehension- will electric cars be able to take over the legacy and reliability of the ICE vehicle? BYD has managed to put those fears to rest with their technology:
- BYD’s Dual Motor (DM) technology. See the new BYD SEAL U DM-i
- An all-wheel drive with a response time of 0.02 seconds - this is ten times faster than that of competitors
- A fuel consumption below 2L/100km (for hybrids)
- An acceleration of 0-60 in under five seconds
The battery capacity boasts a range of up to 354 miles on a single charge. Whether you’re travelling around town or considering a longer journey the battery in the BYD will have you covered through every aspect of your journey. If you need to top up enroute, there are plenty of charging stations that offer fast charging to keep you on the road. Slow chargers can be used at home, where you are more likely to be charging overnight.
Unparalleled safety
It’s no secret that BYD’s electric cars are manufactured with the highest quality in mind and there’s no compromise when it comes to safety. If you take a look at the Euro NCAP ratings for BYD in 2023, you may be surprised (or not so surprised) to discover that the Dolphin, SEAL and SEAL U all received 5 star safety ratings. This included tests conducted for an adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road users and safety assist.
BYD are also known to rigorously test their vehicles themselves - as mentioned above, their Blade battery was put under pressure to ensure that it wouldn’t be able to catch fire, even if the vehicle were to be involved in a crash. Although there have been many fears and worries that the battery of an electric vehicle is prone to catching fire, BYD proved that their batteries were better than the rest.
Choose BYD with Swansway Motor Group
BYD is a fantastic investment when it comes to an electric car, as it offers everything you and your family need to have a safe and comfortable journey. BYD are already making headway in the UK automotive market and are set to change the way manufacturers build new EVs. If you’re in the market for a new car, why not take a look at the new and used BYD stock we have available? If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.