The Chinese manufacturer Build Your Dreams (BYD) has lifted a paper promising electric hatchback onto the stage of the Shanghai Motor Show. We are introduced to the EA1, a car that in addition to a new design language for the brand also introduces a new platform specially developed for EVs.
The BYD EA1 is an electric hatchback that was designed under the watchful eye of BYD’s design boss Wolfgang Egger, known for Audi and Italdesign, among others. The EA1 is the first in a wide range of BYD electric models. Underneath the relatively modestly designed hatchback hides a new platform, specifically developed for BYD electric models, called E-Platform 3.0.
BYD EA1
The E-Platform 3.0 can handle 800 volt charging structures, which means that the battery pack with high charging capacities can be pumped full of electricity. BYD already mentions impressive numbers. For example, cars on the new platform should be able to charge enough electricity for 150 electric kilometers in 5 minutes. BYD speaks of cars with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and the technology is capable of catapulting certain yet to be revealed cars to a speed of 100 km / h in less than 3 seconds. BYD indicates that it is also making its platform available to other car manufacturers. BYD has not yet reported specific information about the EA1, but this platform seems to make it at least a widely deployable EV. It is not yet known when any production version derived from the EA1 will be on the market.
BYD X Dream Concept
The EA1 is making its public debut alongside a new BYD study model: the X Dream. The X Dream looks forward to a new SUV from the brand and builds on the ‘Dragon Face’ design language of the Chinese manufacturer. The light signature on the back is particularly interesting, as BYD indicates that this will be a design element of all its future models.
Although BYD electric buses have been around at Schiphol for a while, the brand is not very well known in Europe yet. In time, however, the company will also come to our part of the world with passenger cars. It is not only bringing the electric SUV Tang to Europe, but also has plans to sell the Han EV, an almost 5-meter-long electric sedan, here.