Summary
- BYD is aiming to compete with the dominance of the Tesla Model Y with its new Sealion 7
- Sealion 7 is one of six new EVs that BYD plans to launch in Europe by 2025
- The Sealion 7 is lower and wider than the Model Y, with a longer wheelbase and overall length
- It features a similar interior design to the Seal sedan with a central screen and physical controls
- Sealion 7 will have different battery configurations and a maximum DC fast charging power of 230 kW, with production in Hungary starting by the end of 2025
Article
BYD, a Chinese automaker, has set its sights on challenging Tesla’s dominance in the electric vehicle market with its latest offering, the Sealion 7. This new model is part of BYD’s plan to launch six new EVs in Europe by the end of 2025, including the Sealion 7, which aims to rival the Tesla Model Y. The Sealion 7 is positioned as a more practical and spacious crossover alternative to the BYD Seal EV sedan already available in European markets. It boasts a slightly larger size compared to the Model Y, with a longer wheelbase and overall length, and features a design that leans more towards a tall hatchback than a traditional SUV.
The interior of the Sealion 7 features a design similar to the Seal sedan shown in China, with a 15.6-inch central screen that rotates between landscape and portrait orientations. Unlike its Tesla rival, the Sealion 7 also includes a plethora of physical controls alongside the touchscreen interface. The seats are upholstered in a combination of quilted Nappa leather and soft vegan leather, providing a luxurious feel to the interior. One standout feature of the Sealion 7 is the electric cover for the full-length panoramic glass roof, a feature not found in the Model Y.
Powering the Sealion 7 are two lithium iron phosphate Blade batteries, with a gross capacity of 91.3 kilowatt-hours in the larger option. This provides a range of up to 380 miles on the Chinese test cycle or 342 miles on the WLTP used in Europe. Charging the big-battery Sealion 7 from 30 to 80% takes just 25 minutes, with a maximum DC fast charging power of 230 kW. The Chinese market version offers a standard-range battery with a range of 340 miles. BYD has not yet detailed the powertrain configurations available in Europe, with additional options expected to be introduced later on.
While the initial production for European models will be handled in China, BYD is making moves to establish a production facility in Hungary to circumvent import duties imposed by the European Union. This new facility is expected to begin production by the end of 2025, reducing the tax burden on BYD vehicles sold in Europe. The Sealion 7 is set to be one of the first models produced in the Hungarian plant, with the first deliveries expected to begin this month. This strategic move by BYD demonstrates its commitment to expanding its presence in the European EV market and challenging Tesla’s stronghold on the industry.
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