Author: Qiu Kaijun
It seems deliberately low-key, but BYD released four major new products at the Shanghai Auto Show: the e-platform 3.0, the pure new species EA1, the X DREAM concept car, and the Tang DM-i, but did not invite many media to attend the press conference.
Especially the e-platform—it should be given more attention: With the adoption of blade batteries (defaulting to lithium iron phosphate), the overall range can reach up to 1000 kilometers; it also has 800V flash charging function, which can increase the range by 150 kilometers in 5 minutes; additionally, it will adopt four domain controllers and the independently developed BYD OS automotive operating system under a completely new electronic and electrical architecture.
This scheme of dividing the body’s electronic and electrical architecture into several large areas has already been implemented in the Tesla Model 3, astonishing Japanese engineers—Tesla has been leading by more than six years.
The e-platform 3.0: Targeting the Next Generation of Electric Vehicles
BYD Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu personally unveiled the e-platform 3.0 at the BYD booth at the Shanghai Auto Show.
He introduced the four major advantages of the e-platform 3.0.
In terms of intelligent advantages, the e-platform 3.0 has four domain controllers and the independently developed BYD OS automotive operating system under a completely new electronic and electrical architecture. The revolutionary implementation of hardware and software layer separation is expandable, upgradable, and fully open, providing a high standard of intelligent collaboration systems for advanced autonomous driving, as well as for better human-car interaction, car-to-car interaction, and car-to-object interaction. With this electronic and electrical architecture and BYD OS, electric cars will be able to achieve more powerful autonomous driving capabilities, and the iteration speed of new features can be shortened from two months to two weeks, reducing the feature iteration cycle by more than 70%.
In terms of efficiency advantages, the key modules of e-platform 3.0 are smaller in size, lighter in weight, stronger in performance, and lower in energy consumption. Equipped with a new heat pump technology, the electric drive system is upgraded to an 8-in-1 module, and the comprehensive efficiency can exceed 89%. Electric cars equipped with e-platform 3.0 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in as fast as 2.9 seconds, with a maximum comprehensive range of over 1000 kilometers. The 800V flash charging technology enables electric cars to charge for 5 minutes and drive 150 kilometers. The power consumption per 100 kilometers is reduced by 10% compared to similar models, and the winter range is increased by at least 10%.
In terms of safety advantages, blade batteries are the “standard” for e-platform 3.0 and are integrated as a structural component into the body design. Based on the e-platform 3.0, all vehicle models developed will adhere to the “ultra-five-star” collision safety standard.In terms of aesthetic advantages, the e-platform 3.0 models break through the traditional constraints of automotive aesthetics with shorter front overhang, longer wheelbase, lower center of gravity, and larger space. Its low profile and dynamic appearance, with a wind resistance coefficient (Cd) as low as 0.21, redefine automotive aesthetic design.
Byd announced its complete e-platform solution in 2018 and has been continuously iterating and evolving since. Today, the e-platform has developed to 3.0 with the capability of creating the “Next Generation Electric Vehicle.”
“In 2018, we opened e-platform for sharing. Currently, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, DiDi, and other companies are cooperating with Byd to build pure electric vehicle models based on the e-platform. Today, I announce that e-platform 3.0 will continue to be open to the industry for sharing, ” said Wang Chuanfu, the chairman and president of Byd.
The Global Premiere of Pure Electric New Species EA1
At this auto show, Byd also exhibited several new EA1 vehicles. Although some spy photos showed that Byd was developing this size of the model, the official never disclosed the appearance.
Byd claims that EA1 is a pure electric new species, the first model of the new e-Net series. Designed by Wolfgang Egger, Byd’s global design director, based on the “Ocean Design” concept and a new logo, it aims to create a free, personalized, and fun way of travel for young people, opening the dream of the city. The appearance of EA1 will enrich Byd’s e-Net product matrix and gradually achieve full coverage of model level and powertrain. EA1 will be synchronized with the e-Net for sales in the future.
X DREAM Concept Car Amazes the Audience
At this auto show, Byd also exhibited the X DREAM concept car. It continues the aesthetic design language of “Dragon Face.” By extending the fender, it creates a strong visual impact. The most distinctive feature is the interior, which is made of Chinese lacquer craftsmanship, inspired by Chinese ink landscape, creating a transcendental space.
X DREAM concept car also adopts Chinese knot elements for the first time, and the lamp design perfectly demonstrates the integration of technology and culture. Chinese knot elements will become one of the important design elements of Byd’s future models and will be applied in subsequent models.
Release of the 2021 Tang DM-i
The 2021 Tang DM-i was officially released at the auto show.
Tang DM-i adopts the electric-focused super hybrid technology with BYD’s 1.5Ti high-efficiency engine for plug-in hybrid vehicles, EHS electric hybrid system, and DM-i power battery with power-type blade.Tang DM-i’s fuel consumption is as low as 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers in electric mode, and the comprehensive cruising range can reach 1050 kilometers.
Tang DM-i has three versions: 52KM Deluxe model with an after-subsidy price of 189,800 yuan; 112KM Premium model with an after-subsidy price of 199,800 yuan; and 112KM Prestige model with an after-subsidy price of 216,800 yuan.
Compared with other eye-catching automakers at the exhibition, BYD’s advantage continues to lie in technology. E-platform 3.0 not only embodies BYD’s electric drive advantages, but also learns concepts of the electronic and electrical architecture and the automobile operating system from new car-making enterprises. Although both cannot have any weaknesses in the intense competition, it is rare to have a longboard.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.