New BYD Han EV set for European launch
The Chinese-built, all-electric saloon rivals the Tesla Model 3, with a maximum claimed range of 376 miles
China’s largest car manufacturer, BYD, has confirmed it will move into the European market with the launch of its latest all-electric vehicle, the Han EV. The luxury four-door saloon is designed to rival the Tesla Model 3, as well as the upcoming BMW i4.
The Han EV will debut in China in late June, before making its way west to Europe. The company is targeting a starting-price of between €45,000 and €55,000 for the continent, but there is no official word on models being sold in the UK.
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Exact details on the Han EV’s powertrain remain scarce – although BYD says it will have a 0–62mph time of 3.9 seconds and maximum range of 376 miles. It’ll be powered by the company’s recently developed “Blade Battery” which, according to BYD, can be punctured without combusting, emitting smoke or increasing in temperature.
The Han EV will also feature BYD’s “DiPilot” advanced driver assistance system, which features self-learning and self-evolution technology and can take advantage of 5G connectivity. More specific details remain scarce, but we expect it will have some form of semi-autonomous driving mode and a driver monitoring system.
BYD has taken a conscious effort to make the Han EV appealing to European buyers, borrowing a host of styling features from European competitors. For example, its cabin layout and seat design blends aspects of the Jaguar XE with the Mercedes E-Class, while the car’s tailgate and rear lamps ape the design of the Peugeot 508.
Inside, the BYD Han EV features familiar luxury car kit, such as leather upholstery, a sports steering wheel, a digital instrument binnacle and an enormous infotainment screen, which appears to control the vehicle’s ventilation and heating system, alongside the usual navigation and media functions.
BYD is better known for its commercial and municipal vehicles; in February of this year, the company supplied West London with a fleet of 29 all-electric double-decker busses. It brought the number of BYD busses in London up to 269.
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