BYD Seal Takes on Ireland: Real-World Range Tested

The rise of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) is undeniable, with brands like BYD challenging established players like Tesla. But how do these Chinese EVs perform in real-world conditions?

A recent test by the YouTube channel “Neo EV Review Ireland” sheds light on the capabilities of the BYD Seal, a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3.

BYD Seal vs. Tesla Model 3: Specs on Paper

The BYD Seal boasts an impressive spec sheet:

• WLTP Range: 323 miles (519 km) with the 82.5 kWh battery
• Power: 530 horsepower (combined)
• Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 3.8 seconds
• Price: Around €50,000 ($54,400)

On paper, the Seal seems like a worthy adversary to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor, which offers:

• WLTP Range: 390 miles (628 km)
• Price: Similar to the Seal

BYD Seal’s Real-World Range Tested

The Neo EV Review Ireland team took the Seal on a 199-mile (319 km) coast-to-coast trip across Ireland, encountering highways, country roads, city traffic, and temperatures ranging from 64°F to 73°F.

The Results:

• The Seal completed the trip without needing to recharge.
• Starting with a 99% state of charge and a displayed range of 322 miles, the car finished with 28% remaining and a displayed range of 90 miles.
• While the average energy consumption for the entire trip wasn’t shown, the car achieved 17 kWh/100 km (3.6 miles/kWh) during the final city driving segment. This is considered good efficiency.
• Another reading revealed the car’s average consumption over the past 3,658 miles was 3 miles/kWh.

The Verdict

The BYD Seal successfully completed the real-world range test, demonstrating its capability for long journeys. However, some points to consider:

• The car’s actual range fell about 34 miles short of the initial displayed figure.
• The Tesla Model 3 Long Range boasts a higher WLTP range on paper.
• WLTP ratings tend to be more optimistic than real-world results.

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Overall, the BYD Seal proves to be a compelling competitor to the Tesla Model 3. While its real-world range may not quite match the official figures, its performance and efficiency are impressive. This test serves as valuable data for potential buyers considering either electric vehicle.