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BYD's $22,500 electric sedan has a fridge and promises a 10-70% charge in 5 minutes

The separate front cargo compartment holds 42 gallons.

A modern BYD EV in a sleek design parked against a city skyline at sunset.

Photo Credit: BYD

A built-in refrigerator and rear entertainment screens are among the features usually found in pricier vehicles, but BYD has included them in its new electric sedan, which starts at roughly $22,500.

Here's what to know

BYD also says it can charge the battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes with its Flash Charging technology, Electrek reported.

Buyers in China can choose among two plug-in hybrid and three fully electric versions of BYD's second-generation Seal 07.

The starting price depends on the powertrain: 149,900 yuan, or $22,451, buys the fully electric version, while the plug-in hybrid costs 139,900 yuan, or $20,953.

The fully electric Seal 07 has an advertised range of up to 481 miles under China's CLTC testing standard. According to Electrek, it uses a 76.7-kilowatt-hour, second-generation Blade battery with lithium iron phosphate chemistry.

BYD says a 0-to-62 mph sprint takes 5.5 seconds, with the sedan's rear-mounted motor supplying up to 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

From a 10% battery charge, BYD quotes nine minutes to reach 97% using a combination of Flash Charging technology and the Blade Battery 2.0.

More background

BYD says the Seal 07 has the most rear-passenger space in its class. Slightly larger than a Toyota Camry, the sedan has a 116.5-inch wheelbase, and its body measures 200 inches long, 77.2 inches wide, and 58.9 inches tall, according to Electrek.

Rear passengers get two entertainment screens. Up front, the floating infotainment display measures 15.6 inches, and the instrument display is 10.3 inches.

The premium cabin features include audio built into the driver's headrest, zero-gravity seats, and a smart refrigerator with a 1.8-gallon capacity.

After the previous generation offered 143 miles, the plug-in hybrid can reach 205 miles of electric range. A 37-kWh battery supports that electric travel, with gasoline power available as backup.

A 214-horsepower front electric motor works with a 154-horsepower, 0.4-gallon turbocharged engine in the hybrids. That pairing is part of BYD's latest DM-i system.

What's being done?

BYD's limited-time promotion in China, called the "super trade-in price," is lowering starting prices to 145,900 yuan, or $21,852, for the EV and 135,900 yuan, $20,354, for the plug-in hybrid, according to Electrek.

For shoppers considering making their next car an EV, lower fuel costs and reduced routine maintenance are additional potential benefits alongside the Seal 07's purchase price.

On higher-priced models, BYD offers its intelligent driving system, called God's Eye B, and buyers can add optional roof-mounted lidar. Features include Navigation on Autopilot for city streets and highways, plus full-scenario intelligent parking.

BYD also says the Seal 07's front trunk is the largest in its class. That cargo compartment holds 42.3 gallons.

Where can I learn more?

Other electric vehicles offer some of the Seal 07's standout features, from fast charging to a built-in refrigerator. 

• BYD's Denza N8 promises five-minute battery charging from 10% to 70% capacity.

• In China, BYD's Formula S combines a $28,000 starting price with five-minute charging.

• Nissan's hybrid SUV offers a built-in refrigerator, massaging seats, and nearly 200 electric miles.

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