Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric BYD Sealion 7 SUV
BYD Auto Co., Ltd was established in 2003 and is a subsidiary of BYD Company Limited, a publicly listed Chinese conglomerate headquartered in Shenzhen, China. BYD, an acronym for ‘Build Your Dreams’ manufacturers passenger cars, buses, trucks, forklifts, electric bikes and automotive components.
In relation to electric vehicles (EVs), BYD is now the largest EV manufacturer in the world. BYD ended the production of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in 2022, to focus on the development and manufacturer of electric cars. The company currently has the following battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs):
- All-electric BYD Atto 2
- All-electric BYD Atto 3
- All-electric BYD Dolphin
- All-electric BYD Seal
- All-electric BYD Sealion 7
- All-electric BYD Tang
- All-electric BYD Han
- All-electric BYD Seal U
- BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid
The all-electric BYD Sealion 7 is the fourth electric vehicle (EV) in the BYD Ocean Series (BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal and BYD Seal U), and the seventh BYD battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in Europe. The ‘7’ in the Sealion 7 should not be confused for the number of seats. No, it does not offer seven seats, a pity! The Sealion 7 is a midsize five-seater e-SUV. The pure electric SUV was first introduced to its home market (China) in 2023 and launched in 2024. It is currently available in a number of global markets to include, in Asia and Europe.
The Sealion 7 BEV has also been built on the BYD’s e-Platform 3.0. The same platform is used by the all-electric BYD Atto 3, all-electric BYD Seal and the all-electric BYD Dolphin. The e-Platform 3.0 is an EV dedicated platform, which the automotive manufacturer claims enables an electric range exceeding 1,000 km via the world’s first 8-in-1 electric powertrain.
For those new to electric driving, in general, EVs developed on EV only platforms offer many advantages compared to EVs built on platforms also shared with internal combustion engine (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles. Some of the advantages are: improved cabin space, higher efficiency, increased cargo space and more! Interestingly, the top variant BYD Sealion 7 AWD will use the e-Platform 3.0 Evo, an enhancement of the e-Platform 3.0.
The EV incorporates the BYD Blade Battery technology and uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP). According to BYD, it is cobalt-free, ethically sourced and highly resistant to extreme temperatures. Moreover, the Blade Battery’s cell-to-body (CTB) architecture integrates directly into the vehicle frame, maximising cabin space. It also forms a strong “sandwich” structure that can achieve a torsional rigidity of 40,500 N.
The Sealion 7 BEV is available in two EV battery sizes: the entry-level 82.50 kWh (550.4 V), and the 91.3 kWh (537.6 V) variant. According to BYD, the rear-wheel drive (RWD) 82.50 kWh variant has a 482 km (WLTP) electric range, while the all-wheel drive (AWD) 82.50 kWh variant has a 456 km (WLTP) e-range. The top of the range 91.3 kWh all-wheel drive (AWD) variant has a 502 km (WLTP) claimed electric range. The manufacturer claims an electricity consumption between 199.0 – 219.0 (Wh/km). An onboard heat pump comes as standard, which helps increase the efficiency of the EV i.e. reduces energy consumption and increases the electric range.
Of course, real-world zero-tailpipe emission electric range will be lower than claimed range. A number of factors impact e-range, to include: driving style, speed, road surface, vehicle weight, weather, temperature, terrain, tyre size, regenerative braking profile and more! By way of comparison, the all-electric Polestar 4 has a 100 kWh onboard EV battery and a 620 km claimed e-range (WLTP) and the all-electric Ford Explorer has a 84 kWh EV battery and a 602 km (WLTP) range.
The Sealion 7 e-SUV incorporates a 11 kW AC (three-phase) onboard AC charger as standard. As most homes in India are powered by single-phase AC power supply, EV charging will be limited to 7.4 kW AC (single-phase). For those with access to three-phase EV charging, the 82.50 kWh variant can be charged 0%-100% in 8.6 hours, while the 91.3 kWh can be fully charged in 9.6 hours. Single-phase EV charging will take longer. For the 82.50 kWh, it will take up to 13.5 hours for a full charge, and for the 91.3 kWh, it will take up to 14.9 hours. Bi-directional EV charging (Vehicle-to-load (V2L)) is standard on all variants.
V2L charging is a bidirectional functionality allowing an electric vehicle (EV) to use its onboard high-voltage EV battery to charge or power devices/ appliances. It is also sometimes referred to as Vehicle-to-Device (V2D). Depending on the type of device/ appliance that needs to be charged or operated, V2L can be used while the EV is moving or parked. As an example, a laptop can be charged or used when an EV is parked or moving, while a lawn mower can only be charged or used when the EV is parked.
We at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated smart solar compatible EV charger for home charging. We at e-zoomed also encourage EV owners to install on-site (home or business) solar PV and battery storage. It is a fantastic way to leverage the potential for lower cost of ownership of an electric car, and also achieve ‘well-to-wheel’ zero-tailpipe emissions.
The Sealion 7 offers up to 230 kW DC charging capability for the top variant. The entry-level variant is up to 150 kW DC. Competitors like the all-electric Genesis GV60 offer up to 350 kW DC, as standard. The Sealion 7 EV can be charged 10%-80% between 24-32 minutes, depending on the battery size. BYD offers as standard a 8 years or 160,000 km EV battery warranty. Though this is now the industry standard, some automotive manufacturers offer even a longer EV battery warranty period.
The BYD Sealion 7 has yet to be awarded the Euro NCAP Safety Rating. The EV offers a number of driving assistance, safety features and technology (equipment) as standard. Some of these include: parking radars (front and rear), forward collision warning, rear collision warning, lane departure warning, lane centring control, front cross traffic alert, rear cross traffic alert, emergency lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, blind spot detection, driver distraction warning, door opening warning and more! A
lso as standard, are: 15.6″ touchscreen, 10.25″LCD instrument panel, smartphone wireless charging, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. The Head-up Display (HUD) comes as standard only in the top trim!
In terms of dimensions, the five-door Sealion 7 is 4.83m long and 1.62m tall (1.92m wide). In comparison, the Polestar 4 is 4.84m long and 1.53m tall. And the Ford Explorer is 4.46m long and 1.63m tall. The Sealion 7 has a generous 58 L frunk (perfect for storing an EV cable) and a 520 L boot (up to 1,789 L with rear seats folded down). In comparison, the Polestar 4 and Ford Explorer have a 526 L and 470 L boot, respectively. The Sealion 7 electric tailgate can be opened with a foot gesture. The Sealion 7 offers ample practical interior space (legroom and headroom), along with practical internal storage. The panoramic sunroof further amplifies the sense of space in the cabin.
The interior styling feels premium but the patterned Nappa leather seats may not be to everyones liking. Vegan leather covers 80% of the interior. The exterior fastback styling is attractive, further enhanced by the water drop tail lamps. The limited exterior paint colour options are not the most exciting. We like the Atlantis Grey, which comes as standard on all variants.
The Sealion 7 BEV is available in both, rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain options. The entry-level 82.50 kWh (RWD) can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds (maximum power: 230 kW/ torque: 380 Nm), while the 82.50 kWh (AWD) can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (maximum power: 390 kW/ torque: 690 Nm).
The top-of-the range, 91.3 kWh (AWD) can achieve 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (maximum power: 390 kW/ torque: 690 Nm). All variants have a top speed up to 215 km/h. The EV does not incorporate one-pedal driving. There are 4 driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport & Snow. For maximum electric range, Eco is the best option! In general, there is good all-round visibility for the driver.
Is the BYD Sealion 7 a good car? The e-SUV has much to offer in terms onboard equipment and practicality. Of course, a longer e-range would further enhance its overall proposition. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Available as a rear-wheel drive (RWD) and an all-wheel drive (AWD) | DC charging limited to 230 kW DC |
| Spacious interior, with practical boot and decent sized frunk | Electric range not as good as competitors |
| Heat pump, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard | Does not incorporate one-pedal driving |
Gallery
The All-Electric BYD Sealion 7 SUV (credit: BYD)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In India: | Yes |
| Trims (2 Option) |
|---|
| BYD Sealion 7 Premium (from ₹ 48,90,000) |
| BYD Sealion 7 Performance (from ₹ 54,90,000) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium Iron-Phosphate (LFP) |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 82.50 kWh (550.4 V)/ 91.3 kWh (537.6 V) |
| Charging: | 150-230 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 24-32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100% : 8.6h – 9.6h)/ 7 kW AC (0%-100% : 13.5h – 14.9h) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1620 |
| Width (mm): | 1925 |
| Length (mm): | 4830 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2930 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 11.7 |
| Boot Space (L): | 520 (up to 1,789 L with rear seats folded) |
| Frunk (L): | 58 |
| BYD Sealion 7 (82.5 kWh) | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 82.50 kWh (550.4 V) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 456-482 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 199.0 – 214.0 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 32 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100% : 8.6h)/ 7 kW AC (0%-100% : 13.5h) |
| Top Speed: | 215 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 4.5-6.7 seconds |
| Drive: | Rear-wheel drive (RWD)/ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (kW): | 230-390 |
| Horsepower (hp): | N/A |
| Torque (Nm): | 380-690 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,225-2,340 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 750/1500 |
| Colours: | 4 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Insurance: | 45E, 47E, 49E |
| BYD Sealion 7 (91.3 kWh) | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 91.30 kWh (537.6 V) |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 502 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | 219.0 |
| Charging: | 230 kW DC rapid charging (10%-80%: 24 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100% : 9.6h)/ 7 kW AC (0%-100% : 14.9h) |
| Top Speed: | 215 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 4.5 seconds |
| Drive: | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Max Power (kW): | 390 |
| Horsepower (hp): | N/A |
| Torque (Nm): | 690 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,435 |
| Towing Capacity (Braked/Unbraked)/ (kg): | 750/1500 |
| Colours: | 4 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
| Insurance: | 45E, 47E, 49E |
Solar And EV Charging: An Overview
The benefits of renewable energy, in particular, solar and wind energy, is already well established in India and in other parts of the world. With the increase in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) over the past three years, the advantages of using clean and renewable energy has been further enhanced.
Firstly, on-site renewable energy systems can be used for powering, both, business premises and homes. For on-site generation, we have witnessed a significant increase in distributed clean energy generating plants i.e. many commercial buildings and residential buildings have become generators i.e. generating electricity on-site! Solar roof projects have been popular for such on-site generation installations.
The war in Ukraine has further amplified the need to develop energy security, not only at a national level, but also at a local level, to include, businesses and households. Those households and businesses that already generate and consume clean energy on-site have been spared the significant onslaught of energy price rise in 2022 and 2023.
Installing solar panels on-site, mitigates the risks associated with energy price inflation, a significant contributor to costs for a business or a household. On-site renewable energy generation also impacts the environment positively. For those with electric vehicles (EVs), in particular, pure electric vehicles, we strongly encourage the use of renewable energy for EV charging. Of course, we also encourage the use of solar energy for charging a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Apart from the significant cost benefit i.e. generating renewable energy is a nominal cost per kWh (after initial set-up/ installation costs), to achieve true zero-tailpipe emission electric driving, renewable energy needs to be used for EV charging. This is also known as ‘well-to-wheel’. Just one electric car on the road can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2.
The good news for electric car owners is that a number of EV charging stations are now compatible with solar/ wind generation and battery storage. The UK based manufacturer myenergi zappi is a good example of a solar/ wind compatible EV charger.
We encourage business and households to adopt an on-site ecosystem of ‘renewable energy-battery storage-EV charging’, to gain the maximum from the advantages of low carbon generation and zero-emission electric driving. Bottom-line, renewable energy is good for the environment and the wallet!
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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