BYD’s Han electric sedan rivals the Tesla Model 3 in global markets
Chinese automaker BYD Co Ltd has launched the Han all-electric sedan in its home market. Proclaimed to be “China’s fastest EV in production”, the BYD Han comes in with both plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and electric powertrains.
It took the EV about 10 years to transform from its concept to a mass-production luxury car targeted at Tesla Model 3 buyers. At the moment, sales are limited to the Chinese market but BYD Co Ltd plans to gradually enter other potential markets in Asia as well as Europe.
The Chinese automotive industry has made almost a complete recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, the country has witnessed the launch of several EVs across different price categories, over the last few months. Below is the BYD Han’s full launch event by YouTube channel Chinese Car Intelligence:
Variants & Prices
The BYD Han electric sedan is offered in an ‘Extended Range’ variant priced at 229,800 RMB (~ Rs.24.70 lakh). There is also an ‘Extended Range Premium’ variant available at 255,800 RMB (~ Rs 27.54 lakh) while the 4WD ‘ High Performance’ variant carries a price tag of 279,500 RMB (~ Rs 30 lakh). The PHEV Han ‘DM’ variant is sold at 219,800 RMB (~ Rs 23.65 lakh). The RMB-INR conversions are dependent on varying exchange rates.
Performance & Range
BYD’s Han EV is the first product in its class to get an Ultra Safe Blade Battery pack; a seven-dimensional quad-layered system. It is apparently the safest in the world and can remain stable even at high temperatures. In its highest trim, the BYD Han EV comes with 11 airbags, six cameras, multiple radar units, air purification systems and more. There are multiple driving modes that adjust the all-electric sedan’s performance and range accordingly.
BYD claims that the Han EV features the world’s first MOSFET motor control module. It can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds while braking from 100kmph to a standstill is accomplished in an impressive 32.8 meters. The Han EV ‘Extended Range’ variant promises 605km on a full charge (NEDC test cycle). The Han DM hybrid (fastest hybrid sedan in China) can run 81km in pure electric mode and 800km combined.
DiPilot Intelligent Driving System
The BYD Han EV boasts of a market-leading DiPilot Intelligent Driving System or driver assistance suite. Notable functionalities include adaptive stop/go cruise control system, forward collision alert, pedestrian identification and protection system; lane departure warning, etc. Furthermore, it packs NFC smartphone key function that permits locking and unlocking even if the phone runs out of power or signal. The car is 5G-enabled.