BYD SEALION 06 Launched in Australia — Our Fast Overview

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As I write this, BYD is holding its EOFY “Pageant BYD” one-day occasion. I made a decision to not attend. Why? As a result of it will likely be so busy that nobody could have the time to reply my endless questions. So, Majella and I selected to go to yesterday and received the data and the take a look at drive of the Sealion 06 that we needed. Word that the Sealion 06 was beforehand to be known as the Seal U. (Editor’s notice: Sure, the title BYD has given this mannequin in Australia is “Sealion” relatively than “Sea Lion” — or, truly, BYD writes “SEALION” throughout its webpage, however we tried utilizing that all through this text and it was simply too loud.)

The employees at BYD Brisbane have been exceedingly beneficiant with their data and time. Teri Louise, the final supervisor, launched us to Sean the gross sales supervisor after which Sarah took us for a take a look at drive. After the rising pains of the previous two years, BYD has definitely streamlined and professionalised its operation (the Atto 3 solely launched about 2 years in the past).

The BYD Sealion 06 is a plug-in hybrid SUV about the identical measurement as a Hyundai Tucson or Toyota RAV4. You’ll be able to learn all of the technical particulars right here. Though I don’t normally have a look at PHEVs, for this one we made an exception. Why? First as a result of it’s a BYD and second as a result of its BEV brother (the Sealion 07) will seemingly launch in Australia by the tip of the yr. This one is seen as a transitional automobile.

Outfitted with DM-I expertise, the Sealion 06 can drive in EV solely mode (battery has a variety of round 90 km), in collection mode (the place the electrical motor is driving the wheels and the 1.5 L petrol motor is performing as a generator), or in parallel mode (the place each electrical and petrol are delivering energy to the wheels by means of a moist clutch). As you’d count on, this final mode delivers an enormous quantity of energy.

The motive force can choose EV or HEV mode and the on-board pc will decide the necessity for parallel or collection energy utility. “Should you want extra energy, extra will probably be supplied,” Sean tells me. The battery restrict earlier than the petrol motor kicks in could be set at any state of cost by the onboard pc. We mentioned a few situations: When commuting to work — say, 20 km every approach — it could possibly be executed on battery alone. Within the night, plug into a traditional energy level to realize a full cost in 9 hours. “Consider it as an enormous cell phone.”

Sean suggested that if occurring a protracted journey, finest to drive the automobile as a HEV. Consumption on such a visit may get as little as 1.1 L per 100 km. Now that’s effectivity. If caught in visitors, can depart the automobile in EV mode for the air-con, and so on.

After 6 years in gross sales with Toyota, Sean moved throughout to BYD. I couldn’t resist evaluating the Sealion 06 to Toyota’s HEV choices. Apparently, it’s a totally different kettle of fish. “A Toyota HEV is a petroleum automobile with an electrical help. The BYD Sealion 06 is an electrical automobile with a petroleum help. Plus, you possibly can plug it in.” What about prices?

The Sealion 06’s pricing is according to BYD’s different value-for-money choices. The Dynamic is AU$48,990 plus on-roads, the up-market premium is AU$53,000 plus on-roads. Sadly, PHEVs don’t qualify for the state authorities’s AU$6,000 electrical automobile rebate. But when leased, it will likely be in a position to declare the perimeter advantages tax concession. A couple of third of enquirers are being referred from their leasing firms. The bean counters know worth once they see it.

Curiosity in BYD as an entire has surged. It’s the second highest promoting EV model in Australia, behind Tesla. Sean has discovered that the general public are excited concerning the Sealion 06, commenting that it’s a “usable electrical automobile.” Many Australian households have a smaller automobile for metropolis driving and a bigger automobile for weekend and vacation journeys. The Sealion 06 can act as a BEV through the week and an HEV for longer journeys. “If you wish to go EV, however you might be involved about vary, that is the automobile for you,” Sean provides.

Let’s speak numbers. I like arduous knowledge. Nationally, orders for the Sealion 06 are approaching 3,000 up to now month. Relying on the color you choose, Sean tells me you possibly can have your automobile in as little as 7 days. In Brisbane alone, 171 BYDs (Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin) have been delivered in Might. Tesla could also be slowing down, however BYD is hiring extra employees and rushing up. “Since opening in October 2023, each month has been a file month at BYD Brisbane.”

BYD Brisbane is about amongst a gaggle of automobile dealerships and sits simply throughout the highway from BMW. Each weekend, individuals go to the BMW dealership, then cross the highway to BYD to ask the query: “Why are your automobiles half the value?” They definitely aren’t half the standard.

Sean tells me that almost all of patrons are properly knowledgeable and have skilled EVs by means of their social networks — household, associates, work colleagues, and neighbours. BYD does some promoting on Fb and Instagram. Then, there are these highly effective referrals from leasing firms.

BYD’s liberation battle on ICE will proceed later within the yr in Australia with the launch of the Shark ute and probably the Seagull (probably to be renamed because the Dolphin Mini). The Seagull has not but been confirmed for the Australian market. Nationally, there have been hundreds of expressions of curiosity within the Shark ute (additionally a PHEV). BYD is aiming for a automobile in each section of the Australian market as quickly as doable.

At current, roughly 30% of BYD gross sales in Brisbane have been for the Seal, 25% for the newly up to date Atto 3, 20% for the Dolphin, and 25% for the Sealion 06. The Dolphin’s worth has not too long ago been lowered and an upsurge in gross sales is predicted.

Final week, BYD introduced on the RACQ MotorFest and the 2 automobiles accessible – a Sealion 06 and a Seal have been taken for a minimum of 30 take a look at drives. The general public could be very .

After knowledge gathering and this nice chat, we have been off to Bartley’s Lookout for a take a look at drive with Sarah. The Sealion 06 has loads of knobs and buttons for individuals who like them and loads of energy up the hills. Majella sometimes will get to drive our daughter’s diesel Hyundai Santa Fe. She discovered that the Sealion 06 had an identical consolation degree and trip high quality. “It was a really easy snug trip, with energy once I wanted it — however not as a lot because the Seal on this scenario.” The regen was a bit gentle within the HEV setting, however the automobile gained extra regen within the EV setting.

The screens displaying knowledge readouts have been simple to see when driving. It was fascinating having a petroleum gauge and a battery cost degree. The Sealion had nice visibility for reversing. The animation even confirmed the wheels turning after we have been reverse parking the automobile.

Total, the Sealion is a superb transitional automobile for these nonetheless a bit nervous about going “full BEV.”