BYD, electric and hybrid cars: batteries, Europe strategy

In 2024 Byd crossed the finish line of ten million vehicles Nev (i.e. 100% electric and plug-in hybrid) produced in thirty years of activityalso thanks to the contribution of the manufacturer’s first rechargeable hybrid car, the Seal U Dm–THEwhich has expanded and diversified the proposal of a rapidly growing brand with an eye towards Europe. There tech company Chinese company specialized in the development and production of batteries, part of a larger business that ranges from the world ofautomotive to commercial vehicles, up to electronics and rail transport vehicles, has recently introduced the electric SUV in Italy too Sealion 7the seventh model in the range, and is ready to continue the challenge to Western manufacturers with the launch of six new electrified products, including city cars, including the low cost Seagullsedans and B-SUVs, for a complete offering that ranges from 100% electric to plug-in hybrids. Of the strategy and future prospects of a brand ready to start production also in Europe, in Hungary by the end of the year (which will automatically eliminate the duties on cars assembled here), and subsequently in Türkiye, and which aims to reach the 105 points of sale in Italy and 500 in Europe, we spoke with Stella Liexecutive vice president of BYD with a deep knowledge of the Italian and continental markets. Graduated in Statistics from Fudan University, it was she who inaugurated the brand’s first European office in 1999, based in Rotterdam.

BYD’s 2024 ended with the European launch of the Sealion 7. What are the most interesting features of this model for you?

“It has a very modern and stylish design, the driving experience is fantastic (with perfect English diction he defines it super cooled.) and the performances are exceptional, at the top. Inside, the passenger compartment is very spacious, elegant and luxurious. We believe it is a perfect solution to replace internal combustion vehicles for premium customers and corporate fleets, such as those of banks.”

In terms of design, the Sealion 7 is very close to the tastes of the European market. What do you think? And can you tell us something more about it?

“For several years our design director has been Wolfgang Egger. He is German but looks more like an Italian, he was born in Germany but also worked in Italy, as he held the same role for Lamborghini (and was responsible for the styling of Audi , ed). Every now and then I like to visit his centre, also because his works always draw inspiration from nature. In the case of the Sealion 7, the fourth model in the series Oceanthe reference is precisely to the latter, but also to Chinese culture which, through details, merges with Western culture. Over time we have built a strong team of international designers, with a studio in Pasadena, and we continue to hire our key figures from the various artistic majors of the best universities.”

However, one of the secrets of the Sealion is found in the underbody, the Blade Battery. What are the main features of these batteries?

“The Blade Battery represents a real revolution in the industry, because it is a battery with a high energy density, safe and which at the same time can be integrated into the car body, increasing overall rigidity by 30%. We have a video (visible with this link published on April 29, 2021 on the Byd Global Youtube channel, ed) where we showcase the technology we offer to consumers, using a Seal. In this video, a fully loaded 20 ton truck passes over the battery, which remains functional. This is to show the solidity of the battery. In the lateral crash test, the resistance of the batteries ensures greater solidity of the car. They are therefore able to guarantee very high safety and performance. And being made with lithium-iron-phosphate, they can be used in cold and hot temperatures and recharged very quickly (for the Sealion 7 SUV the declared data speak of 24-32 minutes to go from 10 to 80% in direct current, ed)”.

Batteries are a great challenge today in the automotive world. You started out leading the industry, and now having this new technology is the key to success. What are your prospects for the future from this point of view?

“For us, technology is fundamental, innovation is in our DNA (as he speaks he shows some slides relating to the Blade Battery, the e-Platform 3.0 & Ctb and the e4 Platform, ed). This is the difference Byd makes. We are a company that first produces batteries, then cars. The others, however, do the opposite. It is essential to be courageous in this sector, we know we can have safer cells and higher energy density, while most competitors try above all to have the longest possible autonomy for an electric car, using other technologies. Thus, however, the risk of fire becomes higher, with all the repercussions of the case. For us, a stable battery is more important.”

It is clear that significant investments are needed to achieve these objectives…

“BYD spends a lot on research and development. We have 110 thousand R&D workers (in English Research and Development, ed), with eleven research institutes. For every battery talked about in the industry, we have a specific center to study it. This is the largest team in the world, in the global automotive industry no other manufacturer comes close to these numbers. Our dimensions are double, triple compared to each competitor. This makes a big difference.”

2024 was also the year of the Seal U Dm-I, the first plug-in hybrid in the BYD range. Are you satisfied with the results (we are talking about an internal share of 60%) obtained by this car on the market?

“Certainly, customer response has been and still is very high, also because the Seal U Dm-I (Dual Mode Intelligent technology combines a 1.5-liter engine with an electric powertrain, ed) can be charged with one full tank and one recharge, and cover up to 1,200 kilometres. Many expect higher consumption and shorter range from a plug-in hybrid, while our car is capable of traveling in electric mode for up to 50, 80 or even 120 km. If it is used daily, perhaps for work reasons, moreover, it is enough to recharge it, without having to refuel. We have customers who haven’t been to the gas station for six months. It’s like a smartphone, which you charge in the office and at home, thus becoming an electric to all intents and purposes. It is one of the best-selling cars in the world, even outside of China, and in Europe, Brazil, Mexico and also in Italy it is our best-selling model.”

Given the success found on the international market, will your range consist of a greater number of hybrid cars in the future?

“Yes, we plan to bring another plug-in hybrid model to the market (the type of car suggests that in the future the Sealion 7 could also have a Phev version, ed), and we will have several in the next 2 years. This is because the Seal U Dm-I was the first, and customer response is very high. For the rest I can confirm what has already been said previously, i.e. that by the end of 2025 we will inaugurate the first European plant in Hungary, but we are also evaluating the launch of new production sites (the second will be in Turkey, ed).