Electric BYD Cars: A Smart Purchase with Low Running Costs

Amid the myriad discussions about this new counterbalance, the topic of owning and maintaining an electric vehicle has sparked considerable debate among users.

In mid-July, BYD Auto Vietnam officially launched three electric vehicle models: the BYD SEAL, BYD ATTO 3, and BYD DOLPHIN, along with attractive after-sales policies. These offerings promise to inject excitement into the NEV market share competition. Interestingly, these three models also inadvertently became the “subject” of a forum discussing the pinnacle of electric vehicle technology and the costs of “keeping” an electric car.

The BYD Trio: Emphasizing Technology and Quality Experiences

BYD’s flagship model, the SEAL sedan, is offered in two variants: Advanced and Performance, priced at 1.119 billion VND and 1.359 billion VND, respectively. With its sporty design, the car won the iF Design Award. Its inspiration stems from the fusion of the ocean’s motion and stillness, catering to customers who value both speed and cutting-edge technology.

BYD SEAL can be regarded as a model abundant in comfort and performance. The Advanced version boasts a powerful 201-horsepower electric motor, delivering a maximum torque of 310 Nm. Combined with rear-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds.

The Performance version, on the other hand, delivers an impressive 530 horsepower and a maximum torque of 670 Nm. When coupled with all-wheel drive, this electric sedan can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. The BYD SEAL Performance’s performance rivals, if not surpasses, that of supercars and sports cars with higher price tags. According to the manufacturer, the BYD SEAL can travel up to 520 km on a single charge.

In contrast, the BYD ATTO 3, a high-riding model, offers a blend of technology and versatility, making it suitable for both congested urban environments and long-distance journeys. This versatility explains why the BYD ATTO 3 has garnered significant attention from Vietnamese customers. It is priced at 766 million VND for the Dynamic version and 886 million VND for the Premium version.

BYD ATTO 3 is equipped with a potent 201-horsepower electric motor, generating a maximum torque of 310 Nm. Combined with the 49.92 kWh or 60.48 kWh Blade battery pack, it delivers a maximum range of 410 km or 480 km on a single charge, depending on the version.

Of the three models BYD introduced in Vietnam, the BYD DOLPHIN is the most affordable, priced at 659 million VND. This hatchback features a sleek and elegant design, with compact dimensions that ensure agility in urban settings.

The BYD trio, unveiled at the brand launch event, impressed with their modern technologies and enhanced user experiences.

All three models utilize BYD’s exclusive e-Platform 3.0 architecture, enhancing their performance. Additionally, they are equipped with durable and safe Blade batteries, a pinnacle of BYD’s battery technology, which many competitors aspire to possess.

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Made Easy

All three BYD models introduced in Vietnam are pure electric vehicles, requiring some adjustments in user habits and corresponding charging infrastructure. Therefore, BYD promptly implemented strategies to address these customer needs comprehensively and swiftly.

The automaker not only offers competitive pricing but also provides attractive promotions, including complimentary charging equipment and installation discounts for the BYD SEAL, BYD ATTO 3, and BYD DOLPHIN. The package includes a 2.2 kW mobile charger, a 7 kW wall-mounted charger, free home installation, and a V2L power conversion device that transforms the vehicle into a “mobile power station.”

BYD offers complimentary charging equipment and home installation to facilitate convenient charging for customers.

The 2.2 kW mobile charger allows users to plug in anywhere during their journey if they can’t find a public charging station or nearby BYD dealership. In contrast, the wall-mounted charger makes home charging incredibly convenient, requiring users to plug in overnight to fully charge the vehicle.

BYD offers an extended warranty of 6 years or 150,000 km for all three models and 8 years or 160,000 km for the batteries, reducing operating costs for BYD vehicle owners. This attractive warranty policy helps minimize vehicle maintenance expenses, providing peace of mind during ownership.

For gasoline vehicles, manufacturers typically offer a 5-year or 150,000-km warranty and recommend maintenance every 5,000 km, with costs ranging from nearly 1,000,000 to over 3,000,000 VND, depending on the service level. Major services, such as those required after 50,000 km, can cost up to tens of millions of VND. In contrast, BYD’s extended warranty and the reduced maintenance requirements of electric vehicles, in general, make their models much more “economical.”

Let’s do a practical calculation to compare the costs of maintaining an electric car versus a gasoline-powered one. On average, a gasoline car consumes approximately 7 liters of fuel per 100 km. With the current gasoline price at 22,600 VND, the cost per kilometer is about 1,600 VND.

For the BYD ATTO 3, equipped with a 60 kWh battery, the cost to charge from 0 to 100% is nearly 190,000 VND. With a range of 480 km on a single charge, the cost per kilometer is approximately 400 VND.

The BYD ATTO 3, for instance, offers a cost-effective option, with customers spending only about 400 VND per kilometer.

Not only do customers receive extensive support from manufacturers to acquire electric vehicles, but the costs of “keeping” them are also much more “breathable” for most Vietnamese, especially considering the heightened focus on post-pandemic living expenses. With BYD’s after-sales policies and incentives, the electric vehicle market will provide more comparative data for consumers to optimize their budgets, increasing NEV adoption and contributing to a more diverse and competitive automotive market in Vietnam.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)