Wall Street analysts from Swiss investment bank UBS recently got up close and personal with a BYD Seal electric sedan to see how it compares to the segment’s leader, the Tesla Model 3. Analysts at UBS thoroughly evaluated the BYD Seal and said there is a lot for other automakers, including Tesla, to worry about.
According to UBS, the BYD Seal mid-size electric sedan is a fantastic Tesla Model 3 substitute at a far lower price. UBS which literally dismantled the vehicle to examine, said the Seal strengthened its belief that Chinese carmakers are here to stay and dominate the global electric car market.
Analysts at UBS said the Seals outshines Model 3 in a number of ways such as:
- 10-20 percent lower selling price
- Larger interior space
- Rotational central screen (can be oriented as portrait and landscape)
- 5G connectivity
UBS said when comparing power performance, cost efficiency, and energy density, the BYD Seal’s electric system “is in line with the competition despite being at the relatively lower end of the range, especially compared to the leading solution provided by Tesla’s Model 3.” UBS also noted that BYD’s cell-to-body battery technology enables more in-vehicle legroom, improved performance, lower manufacturing costs, and a low car profile, which favors aerodynamics.
The teardown also revealed that, unlike Tesla, BYD appears to avoid investing in autonomous driving technology, opting to equip the Seal with a third-party Level 2 advanced driving assistance system instead. They acknowledged that “The BYD Seal is cost competitive, thanks to its vertical integration, suitable specs, and volume scale.” UBS analysts concluded:
“Chinese carmakers currently have systematic EV cost advantages versus US and European incumbents while offering wider product line-ups than Tesla and covering more segments (especially mass market).”
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A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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