Chinese manufacturer, Build Your Dreams (BYD) has launched an entry level electric sedan with impressive range for the price of a used Toyota Camry. The all new BYD e7 promises impressive set of specification for a starting price of under 190,000 Ghana cedis ($15,000).
The e7 sedan follows the footsteps of its brand cousin, the Seagull, a car that we have raved about in a previous review. Whereas the Seagull is a hatchback, the e7 come in a more spacious and comfortable sedan body style. BYD hopes to target younger population on a lower income and taxi services with the e7. According to CarNewChina, the new e7 is officially in dealerships.
Specification and Range Figures
The BYD e7 is the second model in the lower – end of the manufacturer model line-up, the first of which was the e2. The e7 comes equipped with a front mounted synchronous electric motor with maximum power of 134 horsepower and 132 ib-ft of torque.
On face value, these numbers are not impressive by any means. However, with a the option of 48 kWh and 57.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate batteries, the e7 estimated range is 450 km and 520 km according to BYD.
The e7’s impressive range can be attributed to the cars weight, coming in at 1500 kg and 1566kg for the larger 57.6kWh battery. Although BYD hasn’t specified the 0-60 mph time, the e7 is expected to hit a top speed of 150 mph.
Simplicity Meets Elegance: The BYD e7’s Design Language
Much like other BYD models, the e7 embraces a simplistic yet elegant design that’s unmistakably BYD. Its front fascia features a modest lower grille, with the BYD emblem prominently centered on the bumper. Sharp end headlights frame the front, while a subtle arc spanning the width of the bumper creates a smiling expression, another indication that the vehicle is targeted at a younger generation.
Side profile of the e7 reveals traditional door handles and leading lines on the upper rear arches that connects to the rear duck-tail. The rear features a split design taillight with a thin black section connecting both lights. e7 bathing sits at the lower right corner of the trunk.
With the starting price of $14,400 to $16,000, the e7 is priced about what you will pay for a eight year old Toyota Camry.
