The new BYD Sealion 7 launches but is there enough information out there for customers to understand it?

Is there enough launch information available for customers to understand the new BYD Sealion 7

Going electric for the 1st time? The difficulty is understanding some of the nuances with the vehicle compared to traditional combustion options in petrol and diesel formats. Education and analysis are vitally important but this is actually something which may have been missed as part of the transition.

Over the last 5 years much of the effort has been invested into vehicle range, charge points at home and public charging facilities. In the last year or two, the push on discounts and prices has encouraged an increase in EV sales, with the UK tracking more in line with the ZEV Mandate compared to our expectations.

However, with this still hovering around 25% of the vehicles being sold, more is required to help UK customers make that jump. With new / used electric cars available, the next push needs to address some of the more subtle quandaries which are still present.

Labour have failed to introduce battery certificates and EV information, according to GB News . The article addresses research from AXA and Aviloo, which suggest 63% of the surveyed drivers have no plans to purchase an EV, with 37% stating concerns on battery life.

As part of their electric manifesto, Labour had identified that more information on BEVs was required, with a particular focus on battery health and functionality for used options. But, as the article identifies, there has been no political or legal changes in this market.

While there are used-EV solutions available, like the efforts from ClearWatt, the new car industry is still selling all-electric platforms in the same way as a petrol or diesel option. Yet, overcoming this, is not really that difficult with our industrious EVC™.

As you can see below, this identifies the crucial aspects for product suitability. Using the Sealion 7 Design SUV as an example, some of the elements have been succinctly presented:

• Real Range - helping customers to understand the reality of an EV is key with the WLTP figures in the market providing unrealistic expectations. Added to that is the difference between warmer and colder climates, which also influence the range of the vehicle. With the battery performing better in warmer and more ambient conditions, you will note that Spring and Summer allow for better performance;      

•  Charge Times - not every EV can charge at the same speed in either AC or DC format. It is the latter, rapid charging where many customers need to focus their attention. If you are likely to charge in the public domain, such as service stations or services, you need to have a good grasp of how long this session will take. Each vehicle should identify a DC capability, often between 75 - 250kW. In practice, the difference between them can be a 20-25 minute charging time. Of course, understanding the charge point you are connecting to is another key point, with our partners at Zap Map able to assist;            
•  Usable Battery - the battery size is not somewhat dissimilar to the CC reference on the combustion car. Where this is important, will be for ascertaining the energy required to “fuel” the EV and therefore appreciating the cost of running the car / comparing Whole of Life costs;       
• Heat Pump - a key facet on many EVs, which will either be free or chargeable, is a useful feature for improving range in winter. For those drivers who are more averse to range capabilities or who are high-mileage, this is a key aspect;   
• Electricity Costs - the “fuel” aspect is one of the fundamental reasons for moving into green technology. However, this is not a uniform element, with EV tariffs, domestic electricity and public network tariffs all differing;   
• kW - the performance / power will be denoted as kW, as opposed to bhp or ps. Our EVC converts this for you; and
• Bidirectional Charging - the link between your car and home / battery storage is now more relevant. The term V2G, V2L and V2G are becoming more common, as customers with solar energy and battery storage take advantage of the energy savings. Not all EVs have this ability, so do check on this with the dealership or broker.

Hoping to capitalise on a more educated populous is the BYD group. This week (March 2025) the Chinese automotive group officially launched their luxury SUV - the Sealion 7 - for UK personal and business customers to lease.

The electric performance SUV has dynamic water drop tails, ocean x design, 15.6” rotating centre screen, multifunctional nappa leather, Led headlights, cornering lights, panoramic glass sunroof, 19” or 20” alloys, exterior mirrors folding, (electric and heated), privacy glass, heated seats, memory seats, ventilated seats, climate control, Dynaudio with 12 speakers, navigation, wireless charging and a 10.25” instrument panel. Every specification includes key EV functions like - V2L, heat pump, 11kW AC on-board charger and eco driving modes. Colours include grey, white, black and indigo grey.

But how does the BYD Sealion 7 perform?

As per below there are 3 configurations including:

• Comfort -  (from £46,990) with a usable battery of 82.5 kWh this RWD offers 230 kW (308hp), top speeds of 134 mph and 0-62 times of 6.7 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 220 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 300 miles (on a full charge) - 260 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 9 hours with the 150 kW DC enabling 10-80% in 32 minutes. The Sealion has Bidirectional charging - a V2L which has a 3.3kW AC output from an exterior outlet. It has a 128 mpg equivalent, 520L cargo volume and offers towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 750kg (braked). The heat pump is standard;

• Design - (from £51,990) with a usable battery of 82.5 kWh this AWD  offers 390 kW (523hp), top speeds of 134 mph and 0-62 times of 4.5 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 215 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 285 miles (on a full charge) - 250 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 9 hours with the 150 kW DC enabling 10-80% in 32 minutes. The Sealion has Bidirectional charging - a V2L which has a 3.3kW AC output from an exterior outlet. It has a 123 mpg equivalent, 520L cargo volume and offers towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 1500kg (braked). The heat pump is standard; and

•  Excellence - (from £58,990) with a usable battery of 82.5 kWh this AWD  offers 390 kW (523hp), top speeds of 134 mph and 0-62 times of 4.5 seconds. Real-world ranges suggest a combined 215 miles in colder weather with warmer temperatures to allow for 285 miles (on a full charge) - 260 miles combined . The 11kW AC allows for 0-100% charging times of 9 hours with the 230 kW DC enabling 10-80% in 24 minutes. The Sealion has Bidirectional charging - a V2L which has a 3.3kW AC output from an exterior outlet. It has a 120 mpg equivalent, 520L cargo volume and offers towing capacities of 750kg (unbraked) and 1500kg (braked). The heat pump is standard.

For more information on the best BYD Sealion 7 deals, just head to our designated  BYD  section, or just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]