BYD is more than just focusing R&D on “affordability”, although they are certainly the clear number 1 on affordability.
After all, BYD literally just launched a 150k USD massive luxury hardcore SUV with a bespoke ladder frame chassis, 4 motor drivetrain with 1000 plus total horsepower, fully independent electromechanicohydraulic suspension at all 4 corners, and so meticulously waterproofed that it can float in water for 30 minutes without any water ingress into the passenger cabin. There is nothing affordable about the U8, yet BYD just launched it within months of launching their gamechanging 10k USD Seagull.
There just is only so many people who want premium and luxury. But I don’t see the Chinese entering the US and European market strongly. They would have to totally rebrand and change their design language. Only by buying failing western brands could they do well. As they did with MG and Volvo.
I get what you mean with Chinese brands BUT I get 5 years total coverage with free inspections and oil … so I don’t have to worry at all and in 5 years I switch the car anyways again as I know myself.
Went with the hybrid version gasoline+ev as it’s easier to make longer trips in my country as the charging coverage is not yet superb in Asia.
I was also against Chinese brands till I tested them myself and so far no problems. Lets see after the 5 years but I bet I sold the car by then.
They are selling the Han, Tang, Seal, Seal U, Dolphin and of course the Atto 3 in the Netherlands and seem to be doing quite well. I think they are selling more European countries but their Dutch importer Louwman seems quite keen on getting almost every model they sell into Europe https://www.bydauto.nl/
Agree. Americans largely only look at Teslas because the subsidies render most other EVs not price competitive but outside of the US, Teslas are pretty poor value for entry level EVs.
I was in an Uber model 3 on the way to the airport recently and the person I was speaking with said he didn’t like Tesla Ubers because riding in the back is bumpy and I immediately knew what he meant.
I would much rather buy a car in BYD’s preferred “segment” (a car with a motor and some batteries to get me and my stuff from A to B) than Tesla’s (overly fancy and techy robot stuff with bits of luxury)
Depends on the market. BYDs are significantly cheaper than Teslas in SE Asian, Australian, and Latin American markets, places with no domestic champion automakers to protect and therefore logical targets for BYD to sell at cheap prices to gain marketshare rapidly.
Just for a quick comparison here for LATAM markets: the cheapest Tesla I could buy right now is a 2019, 21k miles Model 3 priced at around 74,327 USD from some random dude. Meanwhile, I can buy a brand new BYD Seal, with similar specs, at 61,296 USD directly from a dealership.
BYD has a lot of dealership and is opening two factories in the country. So repairs might not be as expensive in the future.
I would much rather have a Tesla, but it does not make much sense financially.
The cars are cheaper.
BYD is more expensive than Tesla in my country, and lots of EU nations too.
You get a BYD here in Asia for nearly half the price than a Tesla. And they solid for everyday usage in the city.
Bingo.
BYD is focusing R&D on affordability. This is a winning strategy for mass sales not just in China but in many other countries.
It is why BYD is going to take the crown and keep going from there.
It will be interesting to see what the rumored Tesla Model 2 is like in regards to quality and price.
It seems automakers are finally realizing that affordability is key now if you want mass sales and world wide presence.
BYD & GWM took over big time so far.
Toyota & Honda are still in development of EV cars here in Asia. They don’t have the one they have in Europe/USA
Tesla is cutting prices every month lol but yeah they can’t compete with BYD
Volvo is trying hard… but Volvo is so expensive I don’t get which people buy them compared to Tesla. I would go with Tesla.
BMW, Porsche and Mercedes if you want the high end … but they mostly have hybrids not full EV yet. But some models coming now.
USA/Europe is different than Asia though here in Asia people like Chinese cars if the price is right.
Volvo’s have nicer materials in car than Teslas, as I’ve heard I haven’t experienced this personally.
BYD is more than just focusing R&D on “affordability”, although they are certainly the clear number 1 on affordability.
After all, BYD literally just launched a 150k USD massive luxury hardcore SUV with a bespoke ladder frame chassis, 4 motor drivetrain with 1000 plus total horsepower, fully independent electromechanicohydraulic suspension at all 4 corners, and so meticulously waterproofed that it can float in water for 30 minutes without any water ingress into the passenger cabin. There is nothing affordable about the U8, yet BYD just launched it within months of launching their gamechanging 10k USD Seagull.
There just is only so many people who want premium and luxury. But I don’t see the Chinese entering the US and European market strongly. They would have to totally rebrand and change their design language. Only by buying failing western brands could they do well. As they did with MG and Volvo.
I would rather walk then buy a car made in China.
I bought a GWM H6 PHEV and I love it.
I get what you mean with Chinese brands BUT I get 5 years total coverage with free inspections and oil … so I don’t have to worry at all and in 5 years I switch the car anyways again as I know myself.
Went with the hybrid version gasoline+ev as it’s easier to make longer trips in my country as the charging coverage is not yet superb in Asia.
I was also against Chinese brands till I tested them myself and so far no problems. Lets see after the 5 years but I bet I sold the car by then.
Thanks for doing your part for the environment by walking
They are selling the Han, Tang, Seal, Seal U, Dolphin and of course the Atto 3 in the Netherlands and seem to be doing quite well. I think they are selling more European countries but their Dutch importer Louwman seems quite keen on getting almost every model they sell into Europe https://www.bydauto.nl/
People said the same about Japanese cars in the 70s.
Agree. Americans largely only look at Teslas because the subsidies render most other EVs not price competitive but outside of the US, Teslas are pretty poor value for entry level EVs.
Yep, last I looked, I think about 80% of BYD’s sales are in different segments than Tesla.
BYD is no slouch but it’s not the best comparison.
Har a taxi ride in a BYD tang, would definitely take that over a model Y if i were in the market.
I was in an Uber model 3 on the way to the airport recently and the person I was speaking with said he didn’t like Tesla Ubers because riding in the back is bumpy and I immediately knew what he meant.
Yeah I have a model 3. It’s a great car, but the back seats are really only for my kids.
I would much rather buy a car in BYD’s preferred “segment” (a car with a motor and some batteries to get me and my stuff from A to B) than Tesla’s (overly fancy and techy robot stuff with bits of luxury)
Not in Germany :(
A BYD in the same class as a MY/M3 is more expensive than these are outside of the US.
Depends on the market. BYDs are significantly cheaper than Teslas in SE Asian, Australian, and Latin American markets, places with no domestic champion automakers to protect and therefore logical targets for BYD to sell at cheap prices to gain marketshare rapidly.
Just for a quick comparison here for LATAM markets: the cheapest Tesla I could buy right now is a 2019, 21k miles Model 3 priced at around 74,327 USD from some random dude. Meanwhile, I can buy a brand new BYD Seal, with similar specs, at 61,296 USD directly from a dealership.
BYD has a lot of dealership and is opening two factories in the country. So repairs might not be as expensive in the future.
I would much rather have a Tesla, but it does not make much sense financially.