BYD has just announced plans to upgrade the Tang e-SUV in Europe, German publication Automobilwoche reports, citing the Chinese electric automaker’s remarks during the test drives in Shenzhen.
It is indeed a significant development, considering that the BYD Tang reached the European market just less than a year ago.
Upgrade details
BYD will equip the Tang EV with a bigger battery pack. According to the report, the battery capacity will increase from just 86 kWh to 108 kWh.
As a result, its WLTP-rated range will reach up to 530 km (329 mi) from just 400 km (248 mi). It indicates an approximately 130 km (81 mi) range increase.
Apart from that, BYD also plans to boost the model’s charging capacity to support 11 kW AC (up from 7 kW) and a maximum of 11 kW AC (up from 7 kW).
Moreover, the upgraded BYD Tang EV will come with dual motors that can generate a maximum output of 517 horsepower. It can also accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 4.9 secs.
Lastly, BYD will introduce new active dampers to the vehicle’s chassis to enhance driving in different road settings.
BYD Tang’s European launch
In hindsight, BYD launched the Tang EV in the Norwegian market in 2020. However, its launch in Germany, Netherlands, and other major markets in the region only transpired in 2023.
In September 2022, BYD disclosed that the all-electric SUV will have a presale price of €72,000 ($78,000).
BYD aims to leverage the Tang EV in its efforts to challenge the Tesla Model Y’s dominance in the European market. For context, the BYD Tang has a 4,870 mm (191″) length, 1,950 mm (77″) width, and 1,725 mm (68″) height. Meanwhile, the Tesla e-crossover is 4,751 mm long, 2,129 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall.
In addition, it is also among the few e-SUVs with seven-seat options, like the Tesla Model Y.
Significance
Tesla’s all-electric Model Y SUV continues to dominate both the global automotive industry and the electric vehicle market.
That said, it is unsurprising that BYD is attempting to target the Tesla Model Y. It is very crucial for the Chinese automaker to surpass its American rival to hit its goal of becoming the global leader in electric vehicles.
In the fourth quarter, BYD successfully beat the Musk-led company’s EV sales. However, Tesla remained at the top for the full-year sales results.
BYD aims to sustain the momentum this year with an upgraded Tang e-SUV.
As for the pricing, BYD has yet to announce if it will raise the Tang e-SUV’s pricing after the upgrade. However, it teased potential customers by saying, “Be prepared for a surprise.”
