Chinese automaker BYD has decided to enhance its Tang electric SUV for European consumers, making strategic changes less than a year after entering the European market. With the goal of competing with the popular Tesla Model Y, BYD is equipping the Tang with a more powerful battery.
The Tang EV, initially introduced in Norway in 2020, expanded its presence to Germany, the Netherlands, and other European markets within the past year. Despite announcing pre-sale prices at €72,000, positioning itself as a formidable player in the electric SUV segment, the Tang faces a significant pricing challenge against the Tesla Model Y, which starts at €42,990 in Germany.
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In terms of dimensions, the Tang EV measures 4,870 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,725 mm in height. While the Model Y is 120 mm shorter, even the 534 hp Performance version starts at €55,990, making the Tang appear comparatively expensive.
Tesla’s Model Y achieved historic success as the best-selling car in Europe and globally in the previous year. However, in the last quarter of 2023, BYD surpassed Tesla as the leading global electric vehicle manufacturer, setting the stage for increased competition.
A pivotal upgrade for the Tang EV involves a larger battery, expanding its capacity from 86 kWh to an impressive 108 kWh. This upgrade results in an additional 130 km of range on the WLTP cycle, boosting the Tang’s range to 530 km on a single charge, according to BYD.
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The battery overhaul includes a notable increase in AC charging capacity, from 7 kW to 11 kW, and a fast-charging option of up to 190 kW DC. While the powertrain remains unchanged at 517 hp, the suspension receives improvements with new active dampers, promising a more composed and controllable behavior.
Despite the enlarged battery, the Tang’s range falls slightly short of the Model Y’s 565 km (WLTP), yet it matches the performance of the Long Range version of Tesla’s SUV. Although BYD has not officially disclosed any pricing adjustments, the company intriguingly hinted at a possible surprise in this regard.
BYD aims to challenge Tesla’s dominance with the upgraded Tang electric SUV, featuring a larger battery, extended range, improved charging capabilities, and commendable performance. The success of this endeavor may hinge on competitive pricing.
