BYD electric pickup spotted during final stages of development
China’s largest EV maker BYD is entering a new segment with its electric truck as it continues expanding its brand lineup. The electric truck was spotted ahead of its expected official release later this year.
BYD unveiled several new models at the 2023 Auto Show in Shangai as it continues growing its portfolio of brands.
The EV maker recently revealed several new “series,” including BYD Dynasty, BYD Ocean, and Yangwang, its premium sub-brand. The Yangwang U9 electric supercar revealed earlier this month rides on BYD’s new e⁴ platform, deemed the “most advanced in the global industry,” enabling 0 to 60 mph capabilities in two seconds.
BYD has been expanding its lineup of low-cost EV models, including the BYD Seagull with a starting price of around $11,500 (78,800 RMB), and the BYD Dolphin hatchback, which will be its most affordable SUV in Europe starting at $33,000 (30,000 euros).
Meanwhile, BYD has been working on another division codenamed the “F” brand. Last November, the EV maker revealed it would launch two new brands, Yangwang and a professional unit.
We got a glimpse of the first model from the new segment, an electric Mercedes G-Wagon competitor with 650hp and an expected starting price of around 400,000 to 600,000 yuan ($58,000 to $87,000).
The second model from BYD’s new professional brand is expected to be an electric truck.
BYD “F” brand electric truck spotted
BYD’s electric pickup was spotted with camouflage and a charging socket on the right side, ahead of its expected debut before the end of the year, according to Sina.
Although details surrounding BYD’s EV truck are slim, it’s expected to feature BYD’s DiSus-P suspension, Augmented Reality HUD (AR HUD), and an electronic rearview mirror.
The main focus of the images is the massive chrome “BYD” brand logo and split-style headlights. BYD also includes a double-row seat layout and side steps.
According to the report, the electric truck is expected to be officially unveiled by the end of the year, with a starting price of around 400,000 to 600,000 yuan ($58,000 to $87,000).
Electrek’s Take
Although China is not necessarily known as a big pickup market, the consumer base is growing. Car New China reports that trucks are becoming more popular in China as people are picking up hobbies and traveling more across the country.
Furthermore, pickups are now considered a legal passenger vehicle in China, which wasn’t always the case, as many local governments banned them and labeled them as commercial vehicles.
EV makers like BYD are hopping on the trend – with the automaker expanding its global presence, could the electric truck make its way to new markets? We’ll keep you updated when we hear more about the model.
Image source: Sina
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With its tire-blistering acceleration and record-setting performance, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra has been getting attention throughout the auto industry, impressing everyone who’s seen it. That “everyone” now seems to include the OG supercar brand, itself.
CarNewsChina posted pictures from a Weibo user that reportedly show a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra exiting the storied Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy. According to a Chinese blogger going by 西米露在博洛尼亚 (which seems to translate to “Sago Dessert in Bologna”), the prancing horse brand is actively benchmarking the Chinese hypercar for its own upcoming EV.
The SU7 Ultra was definitely coming from inside Ferrari’s facility. After verification, we learned this specific vehicle was officially purchased by Ferrari for testing, and the development of their next-generation electric platform.
Yet another Chinese auto blogger, 苏黎世贝勒爷, claims that Ferrari representatives visited Xiaomi headquarters last year, allegedly to discuss the joint development of next-generation high-performance EV motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra made its debut last year, promising 1,548 hp, sub 2.0-second 0-60 mph times, and a top speed well over 200 mph – all at a price lower than a Tesla Model S Plaid or Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. The car sold out almost immediately after it was unveiled, racking up some 50,000 orders almost overnight.
The new electric benchmark
In the automotive world, “benchmarking” is a process in which car companies systematically tear down each others’ competitive products to compare everything from sound insulation, vehicle ride and handling, component materials, and even manufacturing methods against their own or against other industry leaders. The goal is to evaluate performance, cost, quality, and other key metrics, effectively figuring out “where they stand” in the market.
If Ferrari really did buy an SU7 to benchmark it against their own upcoming electric supercar, it’s more than just a curiosity – it could mean that the highest tiers of automotive innovation have shifted from West to East. Maybe forever.
Featured image via Xiaomi; sources throughout the post.
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We’re finally getting our first teases of the upgraded 2027 Chevy Bolt, built on GM’s battery/motor platform formerly known as Ultium. So far, so good for the vehicle, which will be revealed later this Fall.
Chevy took to social media today to tease the 2027 Chevy Bolt, saying, “You asked, we listened. The #ChevyBolt is back and better than ever. More this fall. 👀”
Chevy ended the original Bolt program with the 2023 model, which was loved by a loyal group of customers (including myself). Some of the major gripes, including charging speed and rear brake lights, already look to be addressed. Also, a new more aggressive fascia is debuting.
Electrek’s take
GM has done an incredible job keeping the 2027 Bolt under wraps. It will be the first GM vehicle with a native NACS port after the Cadillac Optiq-V, which we spied in Seattle last week.
Hopefully, the new Bolt will have improved charging speeds over and above the 54kW that previous Bolts adhered to. One possible downgrade is that the old Bolt’s amazing wireless CarPlay/Android Auto system will likely be replaced by GM’s move to Android’s built-in experience. For a few years, the Chevy Bolt was the most affordable long-range EV, and it won our 2022 Electrek car of the year for its versatility and price.
I would, of course, like to see the new Bolt as a hot hatchback, but GM CEO Mary Barra has hinted that it will likely take more of the EUV’s SUV form factor. Things like AWD options, SuperCruise, pricing, power and range are yet to be revealed, but stay tuned to Electrek for the latest on Bolt developments.
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On today’s test-acular episode of Quick Charge, it’s a new day and a new Chinese ADAS test for Tesla to conquer – but this one’s got a LOT more pedestrian carnage to parse through! We’ve also got some great e-bike deals from Retrospec and a bladder-busting Hyundai.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Retrospec – the makers of sleek, powerful e-bikes and outdoor gear built for everyday adventure! To that end, we’ve got a pair of Retrospec e-bike reviews followed up by the updated Hyundai IONIQ 6 with nearly 350 miles of range from its updated long-range battery. With that, Hyundai now has the longest range Korean EV on the market, while Texas is adding megawatts of battery energy storage to beef up its troubled grid, and it’s doing so faster and cheaper than ever before.
Plus: Quick Charge listeners can get an extra 10% off the price of their next awesome e-bike by using code ELECTREK10 at retrospec.com!
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Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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