BYD Sparks Electric Car Battle with Game-Changing $12K Model

China BYD’s electric vehicle e2 price reduced to $12,404
What is the future of BYD, which has recently experienced negative growth?

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has been lowering the prices of its electric vehicles in China. BYD e2 is priced from approximately 101,529 yuan (about $14,086) to approximately 89,410 yuan (about $ 12,404). This automaker’s decision is expected to intensify the electric vehicle price war.

Due to the drastic price cut, this BYD electric vehicle became about 40% cheaper than South Korean compact SUVs. Its price has become similar to that of Kia Ray and Hyundai Casper. Many consumers who were interested in the low price were surprised by this vehicle’s fantastic performance and decided to purchase it.

With this e2 price cut, BYD is
adding to a 100,000 yuan model in its lineup

BYD’s base model, the e2 Honor Edition, has joined the seagull, Qin Plus DM-I plug-in hybrid, Dolphin, and Chaser 05 as BYD’s electric vehicle models priced under 100,000 yuan (about $13,873). The reason a model below 100,000 yuan (about $13,873) was added is related to the income of Chinese people. 100,000 yuan (about $13,873) is considered an appropriate price for China’s low-income class and can maximize psychological satisfaction.

In recent weeks, BYD has cut the prices of these electric vehicle models one after another. Electric vehicles are currently cheaper than ever in China. Accordingly, the electric vehicle price war, a big trend in the Chinese automobile market last year, is expected to continue this year.

Amazing price and performance

BYD’s e2 Honor Edition has an LFP Blade Battery pack that drives a single electric motor with 94 horsepower (70 kW). Based on China’s CLTC, this model’s driving range is 405 km (about 251 miles), and it is equipped with a fast charging function that can charge from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes.

Additionally, this model is equipped with various specifications despite its low price. Key specifications include a 12.8-inch rotating central infotainment display, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a heat pump, and an integrated VLT system.

BYD, Once Eyeing the Top Spot, Records Humiliating Sales in February

This automaker sold 3.02 million electric vehicles (including PHEVs) in 2023, 92% of which were sold in China. However, sales growth slowed significantly this year, reaching only 122,311 units in February, a 40% decline compared to last year. Based on monthly sales, this is the lowest performance since May 2022.

An industry insider commented on this price cut: “Affordable models will be able to drive consumption among the middle class, which has become sensitive to prices amid the expected economic downturn.” Attention is being paid to whether BYD, considered Tesla’s strongest rival, will recover sales due to this price cut.