This is BYD's latest move to further expand its market share by launching revamped models to make prices lower, following the launch of the 2023 Han EV, as well as the 2023 Seal.
(Image credit: BYD)
BYD (OTCMKTS: BYDDY) has released revamped models of the plug-in hybrid version of its flagship Han sedan to make it more affordable, similar to what it has done so far this year to expand its market share.
The new energy vehicle (NEV) giant today officially made the 2023 Han DM-i Champion and 2023 Han DM-p Warrior editions available in China, starting at lower prices while allowing for upgraded specifications.
The 2023 Han DM-i is available in six versions with starting prices of RMB 189,800 ($27,000), RMB 199,800, RMB 209,800, RMB 219,800, RMB 239,800 and RMB 249,800 respectively.
The previously available Han DM-i has 4 versions with starting prices of RMB 217,800, 227,800, 237,800 and 291,800 respectively.
This means that the starting price of the 2023 Han DM-i is reduced by RMB 28,000.
BYD's 2023 Han DM-p is only available in one version with a starting price of RMB 289,800.
The 2022 Han DM-p is also available in one version at a starting price of RMB 321,800. The price for the 2023 model was reduced by RMB 32,000.
Several BYD models are available in both pure electric and plug-in hybrid versions, with the latter sometimes include a DM-i version that focuses more on fuel economy and a DM-p version that focuses more on performance.
On March 16, BYD made the 2023 Han EV available for a starting price of RMB 209,800, down from RMB 219,800 for the model's 2022 version.
The BYD Han has a length, width and height of 4,975 mm, 1,910 mm and 1,495 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,920 mm.
The entry version of the 2023 Han DM-i can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and the 2023 Han DM-p in 3.7 seconds.
The 2023 Han DM-i has two options for pure electric range, with an NEDC range of 121 km and 200 km. The model has a combined range of 1,260 km on full fuel and full charge.
The Han DM-p has an NEDC range of 200 km and a combined range of 1,120 km on a full fuel and charge.
Chinese NEV companies have generally faced weaker consumer demand so far this year, with the withdrawal of state purchase subsidies at the end of last year.
Many NEV makers have chosen to stimulate sales by cutting prices, and BYD has previously offered discounts for some of its models.
Unlike other peers, BYD's larger model matrix and vertical integration of its supply chain has allowed it to get prices lower by quickly rolling out facelifts.
On May 10, BYD made a revamped version of its all-electric Seal sedan available for sale, starting at RMB 23,000 less than the previously available model.
BYD sold 210,295 NEVs in April, up 98.31 percent from 106,042 units a year earlier and up 1.55 percent from 207,080 units in March, figures released by the company earlier this month showed.
The BYD Han family sold 14,329 units in April, up 6.77 percent year-on-year and 5.75 percent from March.
BYD Seal sold 6,212 units in April, up 3.53 percent from 6,000 units in March.
BYD aims to sell at least 3 million vehicles this year and strives to reach 3.6 million, the company's chairman and president Wang Chuanfu said at a March 29 investor conference.
($1 = RMB 7.0342)
