BYD launches in Europe with three electric vehicles

China’s BYD has commenced the rollout of its electric vehicles in Europe, as it continues its global expansion.

The company announced it would enter the European market two years ago, with the debut of three vehicles at the 2022 Paris Motor Show this week.

It follows the launch of BYD in Australia this year, with the brand managed by third-party distributor EVDirect locally.

4

The launch includes the Atto 3 small SUV, which arrived in Australia last month, and two LHD-only vehicles: the Han sedan and Tang large SUV.

EVDirect previously said the Han and Tang would arrive in Australia this year, however, both models remain exclusively left-hand drive.

Instead, it is expected to launch the Tesla Model 3-rivalling BYD Seal sedan in Australia next year, while the BYD Dolphin – a Volkswagen ID.3-sized hatchback – is also tipped to arrive.

4

While the Han and Tang are available with a plug-in hybrid setup in China, only the all-electric versions will be sold in Europe – joining the electric-only Atto 3 (and its domestic market namesake, the Yuan Plus).

European versions of the Atto 3 are identical to the Extended Range sold in Australia, with a single front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW and 310Nm, and a 60kWh lithium-ion 'Blade' battery allowing for a WLTP-rated 420-kilometre driving range.

With similar dimensions to the Tesla Model S large sedan, the BYD Han measures 4995 millimetres in length, 1910mm wide and 1495mm tall, with a 2920mm wheelbase.

It features a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system producing 380kW, with a claimed 3.9-second 0-100km/h sprint time – showcased by a tailgate badge – and a WTLP-rated 521-kilometre driving range.

4

The final model, the BYD Tang seven-seat large SUV, was first introduced in 2018. It received a facelift in 2021, with its dimensions slotting between the Tesla Model Y and Model X.

It measures 4870mm long, 1950mm wide and 1725mm tall, with 2820mm of distance between the wheel centres – shorter than the Model Y’s 2890mm wheelbase.

With an identical powertrain to the Han, the Tang also produces 380kW, but with a larger 86.4kWh lithium-ion 'Blade' battery offering a claimed 400km driving range.