BYD is turning up the pressure in China's EV price war with a new sedan and GT lineup starting at around $28,000.
News of the vehicle did spark some envy among American buyers, who thought it would provide a healthy entrant to take on the Tesla Model 3.
Here's what to know
As Electrek reported, BYD is using its Fang Cheng Bao sub-brand to launch the Formula S range as a challenger to volume-selling EV sedans like the Tesla Model 3 and Xiaomi SU7.
Priced from 189,900 yuan to 239,900 yuan, roughly $28,000 to $35,000, the Formula S range spans five models in total, made up of three sedans and two GTs. At the low end, that places it below the starting price of a Tesla Model 3, the outlet noted.
For sedan buyers, the longest-range rear-wheel-drive version stretches to 559 miles on the CLTC cycle. The standard rear-wheel-drive car, priced at $28,000, is rated at up to 466 miles, while the all-wheel-drive sedan opens at $35,000 with a 453-mile CLTC estimate, according to Electrek.
BYD says every Formula S uses its second-generation Blade Batteries and Flash Charging setup, which it claims can take the pack from 10% to 70% in five minutes and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. The GT comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms, with stated ranges of 528 miles (850 kilometers) and 453 miles (730 kilometers), respectively.
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More background
That makes the Formula S a departure for Fang Cheng Bao, which is BYD's fifth sub-brand, Electrek noted. FCB has been associated mostly with rugged electric and plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Bao 5 and Bao 8, plus the family-oriented Tai lineup, rather than sleek passenger cars.
Commenters on Electrek were intrigued by the new offering.
"I think it looks nice, would be great if the Model 3 had any serious competition like this in the U.S.," a user chimed in. "Second-best-selling EV in the states is a sedan, but all we get from legacy auto is SUVs and pickup trucks."
A commenter did follow up with their hope that Rivian would enter that space, while applauding GM for bringing back the Chevy Bolt temporarily.
More options in the category could provide an appetizing alternative to the Model 3. EVs can also bring major savings on fuel and lower routine maintenance costs, since they do not require oil changes and generally have fewer moving parts than gas-powered cars.
What's being done?
BYD is also leaning on software and chassis tech, not just aggressive pricing, as Electrek detailed.
The Formula S lineup gets the company's God's Eye B assisted-driving system with features such as high-speed navigation on autopilot and full-scenario intelligent parking, along with a choice of intelligent body control systems that BYD says give drivers "one car, two personalities."
Inside, both body styles add premium equipment including a 26-inch AR head-up display, integrated sports seats, a zero-gravity front passenger seat, 128-color ambient lighting, and a 1.8-gallon Smart Refrigerator, per the outlet.
If BYD's new Formula S delivers on its price, range, and charging claims, it could add even more pressure to an already crowded EV market. Electrek concluded by wondering if the brand intends to bring the series out of China, calling it "still up in the air."
Where can I learn more?
BYD is pushing the envelope from offerings in America's neighbor up north to extremely low-priced vehicles in its home base of China.
• In Canada, BYD says 5-minute EV charging could follow lower tariffs on Chinese cars.
• In China, China's $11K EV sharpened BYD's reputation for aggressive pricing.
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