China’s largest automaker, BYD, is intensifying its global electric vehicle (EV) presence with the introduction of the Seal electric sedan in North America. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model 3, the Seal is part of BYD’s Ocean series and recently made its debut in Mexico, expanding the brand’s footprint in the region.
The Seal joins BYD’s growing electric vehicle lineup in North America, which already includes the Dolphin, Han sedan, Tang SUV, and Yuan Plus, launched earlier this year. The electric sedan is available in two versions: a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant and a four-wheel-drive model.
Priced at 778,800 pesos ($44,600), the Seal RWD features a 150 kW rear motor and a 61.44 kWh LFP Blade battery, providing a range of up to 460 km (286 miles) based on WLTP standards. The four-wheel-drive version, priced at 888,800 pesos ($51,000), boasts a combined power of 390 kW and is equipped with an 82.56 kWh LFP Blade battery, offering a WLTP range of 520 km (323 miles).
BYD’s move to introduce the Seal in North America comes as the company is closing in on Tesla in global EV sales. Last month, BYD surpassed Nissan for the first time, selling over 170,000 fully electric vehicles. While Tesla, the EV industry leader, does not report monthly sales figures, it delivered 435,059 EVs in the third quarter. BYD closely followed, selling 431,603 vehicles, coming within 3,500 deliveries of potentially surpassing Tesla as the top-selling global EV maker.
BYD’s strong performance in recent months, with 335,655 EVs sold, indicates a robust end-of-year run for the company. As part of its strategy to conclude the year on a high note, BYD has introduced new promotions to further boost its competitive position in the EV market.
I dunno, seal, whale, manatee, not great car names.