What Makes BYD Different from other Electric Car Brands?

What Makes BYD Different from other Electric Car Brands?

BYD, or Build Your Dreams, is another electric car manufacturer entering the European market. But what sets them apart from other brands? In this article, we take a closer look.

• BYD is a Chinese manufacturer specialising in electric battery technology, launched in 1995.
• Over the last 28 years, they’ve grown from a small start-up into a global business with over 230,000 employees.
• They specialise in in technical innovations for the motor industry, IT, New Energy Products, and Monorail.
• BYD is becoming rapidly popular in the European car market, going up against electric car giants like Tesla and Polestar. Plus, popular manufacturers renowned for their own EV line-ups, such as Hyundai and MG.

BYD is fast becoming the world’s most popular EV maker, beating even the likes of Tesla.

With electric cars now widely available from a range of manufacturers, you might be wondering what makes them any different. Read on to find out.

Industry-leading EV platform

BYD’s production of electric cars relies on an innovative, industry-leading approach to EV technology. Or more specifically, three core technologies:

1. Battery

2. Electric motor

3. Electric control

Among the first to nail these technologies, BYD has an annual battery production capacity of 16GWh. Such a high level of sustainable power makes them an industry leader in EV production.

Some key characteristics of their electrified models include:

• Accelerating from 0-100km/h (around 62mph) in under five seconds
• Electrified all-wheel drive with a response time of 0.02 seconds (ten times faster than the normal system)
• Below 2L/100km fuel consumption (for hybrid cars)
• BYD DM Dual-Mode Technology

In 2008, BYD launched China’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle – the F3DM. This paired an engine with an electric motor, allowing the car to switch between electric and hybrid driving modes.

In 2013, they then went on to lead sales for new EVs in China for the next 20 months. While also joining the top three EV best-sellers in the world, with their next generation ‘dual mode’ technology adopted.

Energy efficient, eco-friendly, and highly powerful, the DM system was a game-changer for improving PHEVs.

The BYD Blade battery pack

Another thing that separates BYD from other electric car brands is its highly optimised battery pack.

The BYD Blade is part of the brand’s eight-in-one electric powertrain and utilises advanced technology.

Rigorously tested in a number of different conditions, it’s regarded as one of the safest EV batteries. Made with lithium iron phosphate, it performs optimally in different temperatures. With slow heat generation, low heat release, and non-oxygen release.

Its flat rectangle shape helps improve cooling efficiency and preheating. As part of extensive testing, it’s also passed the nail penetration test. This test assesses the thermal runaway of batteries, simulating a short circuit from a sharp metal object. Similar to what might happen in a serious accident.

The Blade battery passed the test emitting no smoke or fire, and only reaching a surface temperature of between 30-60 degrees.

Other characteristics of the Blade battery include:

• Increased strength – arranged in a honeycomb-like structure with strong upper and lower side panels.
• Longer range – the Blade battery provides over 50% more range compared to other battery packs.
• Longer lifespan – with over 5,000 charge and discharge cycles.

As well as the battery, there’s also an energy-efficient heat pump as standard in all vehicles. This uses residual heat from surroundings to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce heat loss. The result is a longer driving range no matter the temperature or season.

Coming soon to Bristol Street Motors

We’re excited to welcome BYD to selected Bristol Street Motors dealerships later this year. The current range includes the BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, BYD Seal U-DMi and the BYD Atto 3. Read our overview of the BYD range for more information.

Keep up to date with the latest developments in our newsroom or send us an enquiry to find out more. For more information check out our article on the history of BYD, or explore the range below.

Explore the range