BYD Seal 06 Gets Refresh: EV Range Gets Longer, Hybrid More Fuel-Efficient

BYD is making a major update to the Seal 06 line in the Chinese market. This refresh covers the entire family of models, from the Seal 06 EV, Seal 06 DM-i hybrid, to the Seal 06 GT (hatchback).

This information is recorded in the China Automotive Energy Consumption Label database, which details the increase in mileage, motor performance, as well as energy consumption efficiency. As quoted from Carnewschina, Monday, January 19.

On the pure electric variant, BYD presents two wider mileage options than the previous version. The 630 km range Seal 06 EV is equipped with a 240 kW peak power motor with an energy consumption of 11.4 kWh/100 km.

Meanwhile, the Seal 06 EV variant with a range of 530 km uses a 120 kW motor and records more economical consumption, namely 10.7 kWh/100 km. Both EV variants are said to have improved efficiency thanks to the use of the latest generation Blade batteries, high-efficiency motors, and integrated intelligent electric control systems.

The improved efficiency allows BYD to extend the driving range without sacrificing energy consumption. For battery details, the Seal 06 EV 630 km carries a capacity of 64.315 kWh with a battery weight of 444.1 kg and a vehicle empty weight of 1,795 kg.

Meanwhile, the Seal 06 EV 530 km is powered by a 52.868 kWh battery with a weight of 383.6 kg, and a curb weight of 1,670 kg. The traction battery energy density is recorded at 144 Wh/kg, while the estimated cell-level energy density is said to exceed 200 Wh/kg, in line with the latest BYD Blade battery characteristics.

On the other hand, the Seal 06 DM-i hybrid variant has also been updated. This model uses a 175 kW motor and comes in two options for pure electric cruising ability.

The first variant offers a range of 150 km with a consumption of 15.2 kWh/100 km, while the second variant has a range of 155 km with a consumption of 14.7 kWh/100 km. These figures show a gradual increase from the previous Seal 06 DM-i hybrid model, especially in terms of efficiency.

The refresh also targets the Seal 06 GT, a performance-oriented hatchback model. For the long-distance GT EV version, BYD has mounted a 200 kW motor with a 57.545 kWh battery and an energy consumption of 12.3 kWh/100 km.

The GT EV variant brings a 240 kW motor with a larger battery, 69.07 kWh, a consumption of 12.5 kWh/100 km, and a CLTC range of 620 km. Overall, the Seal 06 series update confirms BYD's strategy, namely increasing the range and motor power, while keeping energy consumption efficient.

The combination of the new Blade battery, high-efficiency motor, and smart electric control is the main foundation of this improvement. Although the specifications have appeared in the energy label data, BYD has not announced the official price for the Seal 06 EV, Seal 06 GT, and Seal 06 DM-i hybrid variants that have been refreshed.

However, when referring to the price patterns of other BYD models such as Qin L, Qin Plus, and Song Pro, the increase in mileage will likely come with a minimum price increase, or even remain in order to maintain competitiveness. A number of analysts predict that BYD will take a mileage approach without higher prices in order to remain competitive in the Chinese electric vehicle market.