BYD unveils affordable electric saloon for China
The BYD e7 is powered by a 100 kW motor delivering 180 Nm of torque. Two battery options are available: 48 kWh and 57.6 kWh. As is customary with BYD, the batteries use the company’s own LFP cells. In the case of the smaller pack, this translates to a claimed range of 450 kilometres, while the larger pack is said to offer up to 520 kilometres – both measured under China’s CLTC test cycle. This tends to yield slightly more optimistic figures compared to the WLTP standard used in Europe.
Beyond that, relatively little is known about the e7’s drive system. According to CarNewsChina, DC charging times are stated at 0.47 and 0.43 hours, respectively, so around 28 and 26 minutes. However, the portal does not specify which charging window these figures refer to. In China, charging durations are not always quoted for the common 10 to 80 per cent range, but sometimes start at 20 or 30 per cent.
The e7 measures 4.78 metres in length, 1.90 metres in width and 1.52 metres in height, with a wheelbase of 2.82 metres. Notably, this electric mid-size saloon does not belong to either the Dynasty or Ocean series, which is reflected in its rather plain name. Labels like Han or Tang (Dynasty models), or Dolphin, Seal and Sealion (Ocean series), are absent here.
This is likely due to the intended audience BYD is targeting with the e7. According to Chinese media reports, the new model is only available via the company’s website for corporate customers. CN EV Post thus speculates that the e7 is primarily aimed at the shared mobility sector, including taxi fleets and ride-hailing services. CarNewsChina, on the other hand, believes the vehicle may also be pitched to younger buyers.
In either case, the selling point is clearly the pricing. The e7 is offered at a price range between 103,800 and 115,800 yuan – the equivalent of roughly €12,800 to €14,300. In return, the model offers, in addition to the drivetrain mentioned, a 528-litre boot, a panoramic glass roof, and a 15.6-inch touchscreen inside, complemented by a five-inch cockpit display. The e7 is also equipped with the most basic version of BYD’s ‘God’s Eye’ driver assistance system – the camera-only DILink-100 setup.
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