BYD is gearing up to launch a new flagship electric sedan, the Han L EV, which was leaked in China on Friday and is shaping up to be a strong Tesla Model S Plaid competitor.
The Han L EV recently appeared in China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing, showcasing four variants: two EV and two PHEV models. The single-motor EV boasts an impressive 580 kW (777 hp), exceeding expectations for a flagship sedan. The dual-motor version adds a 230 kW (308 hp) front-mounted motor for even greater performance.
Notably, the Han L EV’s rear displays a “2.7S” badge, indicating a remarkable 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) acceleration time of just 2.7 seconds. This aligns with BYD’s goal of competing in the high-performance electric sedan segment, challenging established players like Tesla.
For context, the Tesla Model S Plaid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a lightning-fast 2.1 seconds. In China, it starts at RMB 814,900 (over $110,000). Meanwhile, Tesla has just introduced its refreshed Model Y “Juniper” in China, priced at a much more affordable RMB 263,500 ($36,000), targeting a broader audience in the EV market.
BYD currently offers the Han EV in China, starting at approximately RMB 200,000. However, its single front motor, delivering a peak power of 180 kW, falls short of the performance offered by the upcoming “L” model. The existing Han EV achieves a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds, a significant difference compared to the Han L’s anticipated capabilities.
The size of BYD’s new Han L is 5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,970 mm. It is nearly the size of Model Y 4,970 mm long, 1,964 mm wide, 1,445 mm tall with wheelbase of 2,960 mm.
The BYD Han L will feature a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supplied by BYD’s FinDreams unit. Beyond this, specific details about the battery have yet to be disclosed. Stay tuned for a comprehensive breakdown as more information becomes available.
