Here's everything you need to know about BYD
BYD is one of the freshest faces on the UK’s car scene. Focused on electrification, it’s a brand which might appear a little unfamiliar to begin with. However, with a range of new models hitting the road, there’s a good chance you’ll start to see more of its cars out and about.
But what is BYD, what can you expect from this brand and what is in store for the future? Let’s take a look.
When did BYD first appear?
BYD was founded in 1995 and started out as a technology company. In fact, it’s this technology focus that has remained core to BYD’s operations and it’s why it has branched out into a number of key areas, including the automotive sector. As well as BYD Auto, it also has subsidiaries such as BYD Electronics and FinDreams, which creates electric vehicle batteries.
It’s this final company which has the most impact on BYD’s cars. Whereas other car manufacturers have to outsource their car batteries, BYD’s are made in-house, giving this company the very latest technology possible. Today, BYD has a presence in over 70 countries and six continents - so it has really started to have an impact. And by the way, if you’re wondering what BYD means - it stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’.
What about BYD Auto?
BYD Auto is, as you might expect, the firm’s automotive arm. Leveraging the firm’s technology know-how has seen BYD quickly create cars which have a lot of features and systems to offer buyers at a price which often undercuts many key rivals.
It has been China’s top seller of ‘new energy vehicles’ between 2014 and 2019, too, and currently has over 780,000 vehicles on the road. Though BYD might be a new name in the UK, it already has enough cars on the road to rival ‘established’ manufacturers.
What technology does BYD use?
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Core to BYD’s cars are its Blade batteries. Essentially, these are batteries which have been developed by BYD to offer good levels of energy storage without too much weight. According to BYD, Blade batteries bring better energy density than rivals to ensure a long range without weighing down a car too much.
Unlike many other manufacturers, BYD also says that you’re able to fully charge a Blade battery to 100 per cent each time, rather than 80 per cent as with other batteries. Traditionally, fully charging a car each time can degrade the battery more quickly.
What cars does BYD currently offer?
BYD currently offers three cars in the UK. Things kick off with the Atto 3, which is the firm’s core hatchback. It’s got an official range of up to 260 miles, while its practicality-focused design ensures it’s got a decent amount of space in the cabin and the boot, too. A cool feature is the door pockets which have been designed to resemble guitar strings - you can even play a tune with them.
Up next is the Dolphin, which is another hatchback. You get slightly more range than with the Atto 3 at 265 miles, while its 345-litre boot is a really handy size. We’re also big fans of the panoramic sunroof which helps to give the cabin a bright, airy feel.
Then there’s the Seal, which is BYD’s aerodynamic saloon. Thanks to its 82.5kWh battery and clever design, it can deliver a claimed range of up to 354 miles, meaning that this is a great fit for long-distance drivers. Plus, with a 0-60mph time of 3.6 seconds, it’s got a lot of performance to offer.
What’s next for BYD?
BYD has some new cars in the works as well. The most notable of these is the upcoming Seal U, which enters BYD into the competitive electric SUV segment. As with other models from this brand, expect a good amount of range - an 87kWh battery should enable a range of up to 310 miles.
It’s also got plenty of tech available inside, such as the large central screen which has become something of a hallmark for BYD models
