The BYD (EV) Thread

BYD announces a tablet that will integrate in its upcoming SUV

BYD is the latest carmaker to build its own consumer electronics. The juggernaut took to Weibo to unveil a self-developed tablet that will integrate into its sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao's upcoming Tai 7 SUV.

BYD is keeping technical details close to its chest, but is saying the tablet will integrate with the car, allow for multi-screen collaboration, and have multiple modes for multiple uses.

We'll see more of the slate once the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 goes on sale in Q4. BYD's sub-brand Fang Cheng Bao began manufacturing of the hybrid SUV yesterday, when the first unit rolled off the assembly line.

Fang Cheng Bao has so far unveiled the more urban-focused Tai 3 EV.

www.arenaev.com

BYD announces a tablet that will integrate in its upcoming SUV

From battery maker to car maker to consumer electronics maker.
www.arenaev.com www.arenaev.com

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Road Test: 2025 BYD Shark 6

2025 BYD Shark 6 Specifications
Price: R959 900
Powertrain: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motors
Transmission: single-speed automatic
Driven wheels: all
Power: 321 kW
Torque: 650 N.m

Test Summary

In a segment where the lead times for the introduction of all-new products remain lengthy, the arrival of the box-fresh Shark 6 deserves to be viewed with enthusiasm. Where other Chinese brands have largely followed a familiar formula with their respective double-cab offerings, BYD has taken the initiative by attempting to future-proof this popular segment.

That said, while there’s a lot to like about the Shark 6, unless you’re willing to add another compelling element to the package – like the suspension upgrade on the Ranger Raptor – modern turbodiesel powertrain technology will likely remain the weapon of choice in this segment, particularly when it comes to both workhorse and adventure-focused applications.

2025 BYD Shark 6 Test Score: 77/100

www.carmag.co.za

Road Test: 2025 BYD Shark 6

The largest automotive brand in China has big plans for the South African market. We test the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid bakkie...
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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BYD’s affordable electric car to be called Dolphin Surf, with price under R400,000

With its cheeky, Lamborghini-inspired looks, BYD’s compact electric hatchback will likely turn heads when it hits the South African market in September.

A week after announcing its imminent arrival, BYD South Africa has confirmed that its new battery car will likely be called the Dolphin Surf, and not the Atto 1, as had been suggested previously. This matches its naming convention in Europe and South America, while in China, it continues to wear a Seagull badge.

Yet regardless of what they're going to call it, BYD’s smallest car will almost certainly become the nation’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV). This was confirmed by a recent social media advert run by a BYD dealership in KwaZulu-Natal, which promised a starting price of less than R400,000. However, there have been rumours that it could start closer to the R350,000 mark.

Mzansi’s least expensive EV at present is the Dayun S5, priced at R399,900, but it’s smaller than the BYD and considered suitable primarily for city use.

In terms of size, the 3,780mm-long BYD Dolphin Surf is sized roughly halfway between a Suzuki Celerio and Swift.

As for battery and range figures, the local specifics have yet to be revealed. However, in overseas markets the Dolphin Surf is offered with a choice between two batteries. The smaller 30kWh unit offers a WLTP range of 220km in mixed conditions and 356km in city driving, while the larger 43.2kWh unit can manage 322km combined and 507km in the city, according to claims.

Both feature the BYD Blade Battery, essentially a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a blade-like design that’s said to enhance safety, durability, and performance.

It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology that allows the vehicle to operate as a power bank that can power external devices.

The cabin is fitted with BYD’s signature 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and there’s also a voice command system that responds to “Hi BYD”.

 
FiestaST said:
BYD’s affordable electric car to be called Dolphin Surf, with price under R400,000

With its cheeky, Lamborghini-inspired looks, BYD’s compact electric hatchback will likely turn heads when it hits the South African market in September.

A week after announcing its imminent arrival, BYD South Africa has confirmed that its new battery car will likely be called the Dolphin Surf, and not the Atto 1, as had been suggested previously. This matches its naming convention in Europe and South America, while in China, it continues to wear a Seagull badge.

Yet regardless of what they're going to call it, BYD’s smallest car will almost certainly become the nation’s most affordable electric vehicle (EV). This was confirmed by a recent social media advert run by a BYD dealership in KwaZulu-Natal, which promised a starting price of less than R400,000. However, there have been rumours that it could start closer to the R350,000 mark.

Mzansi’s least expensive EV at present is the Dayun S5, priced at R399,900, but it’s smaller than the BYD and considered suitable primarily for city use.

In terms of size, the 3,780mm-long BYD Dolphin Surf is sized roughly halfway between a Suzuki Celerio and Swift.

As for battery and range figures, the local specifics have yet to be revealed. However, in overseas markets the Dolphin Surf is offered with a choice between two batteries. The smaller 30kWh unit offers a WLTP range of 220km in mixed conditions and 356km in city driving, while the larger 43.2kWh unit can manage 322km combined and 507km in the city, according to claims.

Both feature the BYD Blade Battery, essentially a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with a blade-like design that’s said to enhance safety, durability, and performance.

It also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology that allows the vehicle to operate as a power bank that can power external devices.

The cabin is fitted with BYD’s signature 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and there’s also a voice command system that responds to “Hi BYD”.

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A similar ICE car like the Toyota Vitz comes in at around 200k and the specs will be comparable. Economically then, the 150-200+k price difference between Surf/Atto1 and a Vitz makes zero sense as those costs will never be made up. It’s much like choosing a Mini Cooper over a Suzuki swift, with the difference being the Mini actually looks cool.
 
XPD said:
A similar ICE car like the Toyota Vitz comes in at around 200k and the specs will be comparable. Economically then, the 150-200+k price difference between Surf/Atto1 and a Vitz makes zero sense as those costs will never be made up. It’s much like choosing a Mini Cooper over a Suzuki swift, with the difference being the Mini actually looks cool.
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The only ways the Vitz is comparable is in size. The BYD will have far, far superior interior and tech.
 
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XPD said:
A similar ICE car like the Toyota Vitz comes in at around 200k and the specs will be comparable. Economically then, the 150-200+k price difference between Surf/Atto1 and a Vitz makes zero sense as those costs will never be made up. It’s much like choosing a Mini Cooper over a Suzuki swift, with the difference being the Mini actually looks cool.
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You're not entirely wrong, but you would eventually reach a break-even point even if it's 5+ years down the road. It's not the only aspect to consider though, the BYD is newer, has better tech, and is likely to be a lot safer, all their cars have done well in crash tests while the current Celerio/Vitz hasn't even been tested.
 
XPD said:
A similar ICE car like the Toyota Vitz comes in at around 200k and the specs will be comparable. Economically then, the 150-200+k price difference between Surf/Atto1 and a Vitz makes zero sense as those costs will never be made up. It’s much like choosing a Mini Cooper over a Suzuki swift, with the difference being the Mini actually looks cool.
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Once you have driven these Chinese cars you will realise there is no comparison, the comfort levels are far far superior.
 
BYD.GP is a plate I see often in Randburg / Sandton. I do not know if it is EV. I think it is.
 
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