Connect with us

Published

on

BYD’s new electric mid-size SUV stole the spotlight after making its European debut at the Paris Motor Show this week. BYD vows the Sealion 7 will extend its reach in Europe as a true challenger to top-selling EVs like Tesla’s Model Y.

BYD launches the Sealion 7 electric SUV in Europe

Although BYD unveiled several new models at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, it was the Sealion 7 that attracted the masses.

According to BYD’s global design director, Wolfgang Egger, the new model is “more than just an SUV.” He calls it “a lifestyle statement.”

As the former head designer of Audi, Alfa Romeo, and Lamborghini, Egger knows a thing or two about attractive vehicles, especially those for European buyers.

The Sealion 07 is “crafted for those who live life at full charge.” It’s the first model based on BYD’s upgraded e-Platform 3.0 Evo, which offers faster charging and improved powertrain capability. BYD launched the Sealion 7 (Sea Lion 07) in China in May, with a starting price of around $26,000 (189,900 yuan).

At 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, BYD’s new electric SUV will rival Tesla’s top-selling Model Y (4,760 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall).

BYD-sealion-7-Europe
BYD Sealion 7 mid-size electric SUV (Source: BYD)

Taking on top-selling rivals

The Sea Lion 07 offers up to 379 miles (610 km) CLTC driving range in China. That’s for the Long-Range model, starting at about $28,000 (199,800 yuan).

BYD Sea Lion 07 trim in China Starting price Range (CLTC)
550 Standard 189,800 yuan ($26,250) 550 km (341 miles)
610 Long Range 199,800 yuan ($27,625) 610 km (379 miles)
610 Smart 219,800 yuan ($30,389) 610 km (379 miles)
550 4WD Smart Navigation 239,800 yuan ($33,154) 550 km (341 miles)
BYD Sea Lion 07 prices in China

Tesla’s base Model Y RWD gets up to 344 miles (544 km) CLTC range and starts at around $35,000 (249,900 yuan). The Long Range AWD Model Y begins at $40,200 (290,900 yuan) and gets up to 434 miles (688 km) driving range.

Inside, BYD’s electric SUV features a 15.6″ rotating touchscreen and a 10.25″ driver display. The new EV is also the first BYD vehicle to include DiPilot 100 “God’s Eye” ADAS. The system consists of 12 ultrasonic radars, five mm-wave radars, and 11 cameras for advanced drive-assist features.

BYD-sealion-7-Europe-back
BYD Sealion 7 mid-size electric SUV (Source: BYD)

According to BYD executive vice president Stella Li, responsible for overseas operations, the Sealion 7 “shows how BYD is reacting to customer demand and tastes” in Europe.

Li explained that the new mid-size electric SUV would “extend our reach” in the region. The Sealion 7 is BYD’s eighth vehicle to launch in Europe, including the Dolphin, Seal, and Seal U.

BYD-sealion-7-Europe
BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV interior (Source: BYD)

BYD made its European debut at the 2022 Paris Motor Show with three models, the Atto 3, Han, and Tang. Just 24 months later, BYD is launching its eighth vehicle at dealerships across the region.

During the event, BYD’s European managing director, Michael Shu, said, “Our customers have been showing great interest in high-performance SUVs, so today, the SEALION 7 comes to Paris.”

BYD-sealion-7-Europe
BYD Sealion 7 interior (Source: BYD)

He added, “Besides its Blade Battery, cell-to-body construction, and our LFP battery chemistry, it is equipped with the world’s highest-speed electric motor in mass production, with a speed of 23,000RPM and 400 revolutions every single second. Shu said BYD is the only company that has achieved this feat.

Although BYD did not reveal prices, it said it will begin Sealion 7 deliveries in Europe by the end of the year.

Li recently told Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung (FAS) that BYD expects sales to pick up in less than six months with new models rolling out. BYD’s leader said it would offer EVs priced around $27,500 and $33,000 (25,000 to 30,000 euros) in Germany.

Source: BYD, Automotive News

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Ford is paying dealers up to $22,500 to sell F-150 Lightning models through a new program

Published

on

By

Ford is paying dealers up to ,500 to sell F-150 Lightning models through a new program

Ford dealers just got a significant new incentive to move F-150 Lighting inventory. Through a new pilot program, Ford will pay dealers up to $22,500 for every F-150 Lightning model restocked from a Retail Replenishment Center.

During Capital Markets Day last May, Ford CEO Jim Farley outlined plans to make buying an electric vehicle as easy as possible.

The changes included transparent pricing, a better customer experience, and remote delivery options. To get vehicles into customers’ hands quicker, Ford said it would introduce new Retail Replenishment Centers (RRC) that can deliver EVs in under ten days.

According to a new bulletin (via CarsDirect), Ford will pay dealers up to $22,500 when replenishing F-150 Lightning models from an RRC.

From October 15 through November 15, 2024, Ford’s new incentive gives dealers $1,000 for every 2024 F-150 Lightning that comes from a Replenishment Center.

If a dealer unloads more than nine (max 15), the incentive increases to $1,500. Throughout the month, dealers can earn up to $22,500.

Ford-dealers-F-150-Lightning
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Black (Source: Ford)

Ford to pay dealers to move F-150 Lightning inventory

Ford’s dealer note said the program is designed to “further test the logistics and efficiencies of RRCs” while boosting engagement.

The incentive applies to all trims except the base F-150 Lightning Pro, which is no longer available for retail sale.

Ford-dealers-F-150-Lightning
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning Flash (Source: Ford)

As CarsDirect points out, the program could be good and bad for buyers. Some dealers will want to move F-150 Lightning inventory at lower prices, while others can sell models that don’t have many on the lot.

However, this could mean fewer choices when visiting a dealership. The pilot program likely comes as Ford looks to move older models ahead of the new 2025 F-150 Lightning.


2024 Ford F-150 Lightning trim
Starting Price Range
(EPA-est miles)
XLT $62,995 240
Flash $67,995 320
Lariat $76,995 320
Platinum $84,995 300
Platinum Black $92,995 300
2024 Ford F-150 Lightning price and range by trim (*not including $2,095 destination fee)

Ford has introduced significant incentives for the electric truck in recent months. The 2024 F-150 Lightning is available with 0% APR for 60 months.

In addition, through its new “Ford Power Promise,” all EV buyers get a free Level 2 home charger, and Ford is covering the cost of installation. The offer includes a $2,000 cash incentive that can be combined with 0% financing.

Are you ready to take advantage of the savings? 2024 models may not last long with 2025MY arrivals around the corner. You can find the best deals on Ford’s F-150 Lightning near you using our link.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

London’s electric last-mile delivery provider Fin to expand to the US

Published

on

By

London's electric last-mile delivery provider Fin to expand to the US

Sustainable logistics and deliveries provider Fin announced $7 million in seed funding and is expanding its operations to the US.

With the seed funding, Fin is able to scale its operations, now boasting over 100 e-cargo bikes and 100 electric vans used to deliver between 7,000 and 14,000 parcels throughout London daily.

The expansion to the US, with plans to launch in New York City in early 2025, will mark the company’s first venture outside the UK. Fin will also expand into five additional UK cities in 2025. 

Marlon Nichols, managing general partner and co-founder of MaC Venture Capital, which led the funding round, said, “The MaC team has supported Fin since its inception, and we are fully confident in the team’s ability to scale as the company expands its footprint beyond the UK and into the US market.

“The company’s rapid growth in London has demonstrated not only the effectiveness of its model but also the strong market appetite for greener, more efficient delivery options. We believe Fin is well-positioned to shift the culture of urban logistics, especially in New York, where residents need a better solution for efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly deliveries.”

Fin’s deploys electric vans and e-cargo bikes built to carry up to 250 kg, and uses a proprietary AI-powered technology platform that creates optimized routes offering full transparency to clients and end customers. The company offers next-day delivery even for late-night orders.

Looking ahead, Fin is focused on continuing its rapid expansion while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and innovation and aims to deploy 500 more bikes this year across both the UK and New York.

Read more: Revel just added Juice’s ‘face ID for EVs’ to its DC fast chargers

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Ford’s reborn Capri EV now en route to first customers in Europe

Published

on

By

Ford's reborn Capri EV now en route to first customers in Europe

The legend is back for the first time in nearly four decades. Ford’s new Capri EV is headed to the first customers across Europe. Following the electric Explorer, the new Capri is Ford’s second EV based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform.

Ford unveiled the all-electric Capri in July, claiming the “legend” is being revived. A little over three months later, the electric sports crossover is on its way to dealerships across Europe.

The first electric Capri models left Ford’s Cologne EV Center in Germany and are headed to customers.

Ford said the new Capri was designed to “inject some would in the world of electric vehicles.” It’s an all-electric twist on a cult classic. Almost 200,000 customers have created their Capri models on Ford’s website.

The most popular color option was Vivid Yellow, with 24% opting for the modern take on the classic Capri’s Daytona Yellow.

According to Ford, over 50% chose the Capri Premium model, which gains Dynamic LED headlights, a 10-speaker B&O sound system, 20-inch alloy wheels, and more.

Ford's-new-Capri-EV
The all-electric Ford Capri (Source: Ford)

With nearly 400 miles (627 km) WLTP range, the Capri EV can drive from Cologne to London on a single charge.

Meet Ford’s new Capri EV, a legend reborn

“Our new all-electric Capri is the car the iconic sports coupe was destined to become,” Ford Europe’s EV leader, Jon Williams, said.

The Capri’s return has been “well worth the wait,” Williams explained, adding, “We couldn’t be more excited to see a new generation about to experience the style and swagger that made Capri such a legend.”

Ford-Capri-EV
The electric Ford Capri (Source: Ford)

Ford’s electric sports coupe is available in Capri and Capri Premium. Powered by a 77 kWh battery, the RWD Capri EV has a driving range of up to 390 miles (627 km) in Europe.

The Premium model, with a larger 79 kWh battery and AWD powertrain, has a WLTP driving range of up to 368 miles (592 km).

Ford-Capri-EV-interior
Ford Capri EV interior (Source: Ford)

All models come with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The system includes 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras, and three radars.

Inside, you will find an adjustable 14.6″ infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. It also features a wrap-around cockpit and sculpted sports seats for a racecar-like feel.

Range
(WLTP)
Starting Price
(Germany)
Ford Capri EV (RWD) 390 miles (627 km) $48,800 (€44,950)
Ford Capri EV Premium (AWD) 368 miles (592 km) $52,300 (€48,650)
Ford Capri EV price and range by trim

At 4,634 mm long, 2,063 mm wide, and 1,626 mm tall, the new Ford Capri EV is similar to the Volkswagen ID.5 (4,599 mm long, 1,852 mm wide, 1,603 mm tall). From the side, it looks very similar to the Polestar 2.

The new Capri EV starts at $48,800 (€44,950) in Germany, slightly less than the electric Explorer, which costs about $52,700 (€48,500). Meanwhile, the Premium model costs around $52,300 (€48,650).

What do you think of the revived cult classic? Would you buy Ford’s new all-electric Capri? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending