The largest manufacturer of electric cars has arrived in the Czech Republic. BYD is a brand that does not follow trends, but sets them
Change of rules
The BYD brand timed its grand launch on the Czech market with unprecedented pomp. Futuristic cars, modern presentation, cutting-edge design and the latest technology. After the main programme was over, it was clear that BYD was not just here to sell cars. It wants to change the rules of the game.
I attended the car unveiling ceremony in person and had the opportunity to ride in one of their hybrid models. And right off the bat, I have to say that the car surprised me very pleasantly, even as a non-driver. Not by the way it looked (that was easy to tell from the photos and catalogues), but by the way it behaved on the road. The ride was absolutely comfortable, soft and smooth.
But what really got to me was the push off. Fantastic acceleration, which I would expect in a sports car rather than a hybrid SUV. It's just a shame that the test drives took place right in the centre of Karlín, where it felt like the traffic jam of the decade at that very moment. Even so, it was immediately clear to me that this car had a lot to offer - and that its full potential would be shown especially outside city traffic. But now let's talk about the brand itself.
Who is BYD and why is everyone suddenly taking it seriously?
You may be hearing about BYD for the first time, but it's certainly no newcomer. The company was founded back in 1995 as a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries. Today, it has sold over 10 million electric cars and plug-in hybrids and has overtaken even Tesla in global statistics!
The brand is smart about it. Instead of a single "flagship" model, it's launching three models for different types of drivers - the stylish SEALION 7 SUV, the sleek, sporty SEAL sedan and the SEAL U DM-i family SUV, which combines electric and petrol power. The hybrid model can cover more than 1,000 km on a single charge and refuelling. So the ideal companion for trips around Europe without the stress of looking for a charger.
What does BYD do differently than the others?
Unlike most competitors, BYD makes everything under one roof - batteries, electric motors, chips and software systems. This gives them a huge advantage not only in speed of innovation, but also in knowing exactly what they're offering in their cars. No compromises or dependence on supply chains.
Their biggest boast is the Blade Battery - a revolutionary battery that is non-flammable, non-toxic and contains no cobalt. It has passed extreme safety tests, including nail penetration, and still worked without smoke or flames. It lasts over 5,000 charge cycles, and is more space-efficient and stable than conventional batteries. Thanks to Cell-to-Body technology, the battery forms part of the body, increasing rigidity, safety and usable space inside the car.
From a design point of view, this is a very clever solution. Honeycomb-shaped reinforcements made of aluminium provide strength and the battery also helps to distribute the weight. The result is a pleasantly low centre of gravity and a feel-good stable ride, which I experienced (at least a little) first-hand in Karlín.
BYD also has a top-notch development background. It employs over 120,000 engineers, the most in the automotive world, and files more than 40 patent applications a day. It's no wonder, then, that their technology is a step beyond that of many established brands.
And what about the competition?
While Tesla is dealing with production quality issues and Elon Musk is clearly losing focus as he focuses full time on Network X (formerly Twitter), BYD is quietly but relentlessly forging a path forward. Volkswagen may have a strong name and great marketing, but when it comes to battery, chip or powertrain development, it has to rely on partners. Hyundai and Kia are stepping on the gas in the electric segment, but BYD is starting to follow - and already outperforms some of their models technologically.
This year, BYD also unveiled the Super e-Platform - its most advanced technology, which takes electric cars into a whole new league. An electric motor with 30,000 rpm, silicon carbide chips and charging power of up to 1,000 kW - something no other manufacturer currently offers as standard. Realistically, this means a 400 km range in five minutes. This is the future happening right now.
Moreover, unlike other brands, BYD doesn't expect customers to find it on their own. It plans to open up to 30 showrooms in the Czech Republic by the end of 2025 and is building a network in cooperation with proven partners, the main one being Auto Louda. It has been operating like this for a long time in other European countries - and successfully.
Design with a global signature
The design for BYD is by a team led by Wolfgang Egger, who has previously worked for Audi, Lamborghini and Alfa Romeo. His signature can be seen not only in the curves of the bodies, but also in the interior, where BYD prides itself on simplicity, clarity and elegance. The team consists of over 1,000 designers from more than ten countries. And their main base is the brand new Global Design Centre in Shenzhen, which also functions as a creative laboratory for the future.
The future has already begun
BYD aims to "cool the planet by one degree". It may sound like a fairly common advertising slogan today, but when you look at their pace of development, commitment and technological maturity, it may not be that far from the truth. All of the brand's cars are pure electric or plug-in hybrids, and they've already ditched internal combustion engines altogether two years ago and are investing billions in developing new technologies. And its influence grows stronger every year.
Today, it operates in more than 100 countries, with BYD cars in 400 cities around the world. In addition, the brand has become an official partner of UEFA EURO 2024™, making it the first electric vehicle manufacturer to enter the European Football Championship.
From the event in Prague, it was clear that the brand knows where it's going - and that it's not just about electric cars. It's about a whole approach to mobility, technology and the environment. If BYD keeps up the pace and quality it has shown so far, it could well become the next Tesla. In fact, even better.
