Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has introduced a more affordable version of its Yuan Up compact electric SUV, cutting prices by 25% as it aims to reach a broader segment of the market.
The new variant, priced at RMB 74,800 ($10,400), undercuts the previous base model by RMB 25,000. It comes with a smaller 32-kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC-rated driving range of 301 kilometers, compared to the 401-kilometer range of the higher-tier models, which are equipped with a 45.12-kWh battery.
In addition to the reduced battery capacity, the latest version excludes BYD’s “God’s Eye C” smart driving system, a driver-assistance suite based on the DiPilot 100 platform. The system remains standard on the other three Yuan Up variants.
Earlier this year, BYD reaffirmed its focus on intelligent driving technologies, announcing in February the launch of 21 models with driver-assist features. At that time, Chairman and President Wang Chuanfu said advanced smart driving capabilities would become “as essential a vehicle feature as seat belts and airbags” within the next two to three years.
The omission of intelligent driving functions from the new Yuan Up model could signal a recalibration of that strategy. Analysts suggest the move reflects BYD’s attempt to appeal to price-sensitive buyers who may not prioritize advanced driver-assist features.
