Automakers are dying to know how the hell BYD can sell the Seagull for only $11,500. Terry Woychowski, the President of Caresoft, points out a few of the cost saving tips & John McElroy takes it for a quick test drive.
The EV Detroit is Dying to Benchmark – BYD Seagull
Legacy auto companies better pay attention to what was just revealed. 11,500. 252 range enough said !
Ready to take the world market by storm.
Also, from today’s FT, quote: [..] The municipal government of Shenzhen, where the world’s largest electric vehicle maker BYD has its headquarters, unveiled 24 measures including support for factory construction, opening new sea routes and allowing another 20 companies to export second-hand cars, according to a statement released by the city’s commerce bureau late on Monday.
The policy was crafted to “seize the opportunity from the development of car exports” and build an industrial cluster bridging car production, shipping and trade, the statement said, while aiming to turn Shenzhen into “a new generation world-class auto city”. [..]
I like the more reasonable 0-100 acceleration. And what does that 30kWhr battery cost? $11,200 does not make sense when a stationary BYD Premium HVL Battery System 28 kWh costs over $15,000. I’d think an automotie battery with vibration and temperature range concerns would be more costly than a home backup battery. Also do not see any of the highly touted large modules (giga castings). Construction looks pretty conventional.
It does look like a nice vehicle with some fluff cut out. I like no rear wiper, they never work very well anyway.
It will be interesting to see the entire cost breakdown from Caresoft.