BYD introduced its electric sedan, the 2024 BYD Seal, in Mexico, becoming the company's second Ocean series model in the country after the BYD Dolphin in September.
BYD is likely the only Chinese EV manufacturer that already sells and manufactures vehicles in the United States. They have an electric bus factory in Lancaster, California, where they primarily supply school buses. Their headquarters in North America are in Downtown Los Angeles.
Seal is based on e-platform 3.0 and employs CTB technology, which integrates the battery into the chassis. BYD has introduced two versions of their electric vehicles to the Mexican market.
The entry-level single motor RWD model boasts a 150 kW rear motor with 310 Nm peak torque and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. It is equipped with a 61.44 kWh LFP Blade battery that provides a range of 460 km WLTP, and is priced at 778,800 pesos (44,800 USD).
On the other hand, the dual motor AWD version offers an impressive 523 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. It features a 390 kW (160 kW + 230 kW) motor with 670 Nm peak torque, an 82.56 kWh LFP Blade battery for a range of 520 km WLTP, and is priced at 888,800 pesos (about 52,000 USD). For comparison, the Tesla Model 3 AWD starts at 985,900 pesos in Mexico, while in China the Seal AWD starts at about $39,000 USD.
Mexico is quickly becoming an important market for Chinese EV manufacturers. Following the announcement of the Giga Mexico plant, it was reported that Tesla asked its Chinese suppliers to accompany them into the country and assist them in building the local supply chain. And they gladly agreed. According to Reuters, Chinese firms are about to invest a billion dollars in Nuevo Leon, where Tesla plans to build its new Gigafactory. Analysts also speculate that Mexico could serve as a gateway into the US market for Chinese EVs and their suppliers.
BYD entered the Mexican passenger vehicle market in March and has since launched five EVs: the BYD Han sedan, the Tang SUV, the Yuan Plus (to 3) mid-size SUV, the Dolphin Hatchback, and now the Seal.