BYD Seal 06GT leaks in China as sporty new EV hatch poised for EU market

A new electric hot hatch is about to hit the market. The new BYD Seal 06GT was uncovered in China ahead of its official market debut later this year.

BYD revealed the new Ocean-M at the Beijing Auto Show in April, calling it the first RWD performance electric hatch.

As the latest addition to its Ocean series, the electric hatch takes design influence from the Seal and Dolphin. The Ocean-M is based on its new e-Platform 3.0 Evo, used for its new Tesla Model Y-rivalling Sea Lion 07 electric SUV.

BYD claims the new platform features the “world’s first full scenario intelligent pulse self-heating technology.” As such, BYD says the platform cuts charge time by 40%, even in the extreme cold.

The new platform also features the highest-speed production motor (23,000 rpm) and a 12-in-1 smart e-drive system.

Leaked info from China’s MIIT shows both single and dual-motor BYD Seal 06GT models are in the works.

BYD to launch new Seal 06GT EV hot hatch

The single-motor model will use 160 kW (215 hp), likely in the rear. Meanwhile, the dual-motor version features a more powerful 200 kW (268 hp) rear motor with an added 110 kW (148 hp) front motor.

With a choice between 59.52 or 72.96 kWh battery packs, the BYD Seal 06GT includes up to 505 km (314 mi) or 605 km (376 mi) CLTC range.

At 4,630 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,490 mm tall, the new electric hatch will be positioned between the Dolphin and Seal in BYD’s Ocean lineup.

The BYD Seal 06GT is expected to launch with starting prices in the $20,700 to $27,600 range (150,000 to 200,000 yuan). Sales are expected to kick off in the next few months, with exports likely in 2025.

According to CarNewsChina, BYD likely developed the electric hot hatch with plans to export, especially to Europe.

Meanwhile, the EU announced pre-disclosed tariffs on Chinese EV imports on Wednesday. For BYD, the EU would apply an additional 17.4% duty. BYD and other Chinese EV makers can explain the accuracy of the findings. If no solution is found by July 4, 2024, the new tariffs will be imposed.

BYD, which plans two European factories, believes it can overcome the impact of potential tariffs in the EU. Its Hungary plant is already under construction and is expected to begin production next year.

Source: CarNewsChina, China MIIT