BYD unveils new electric MPV in India

Chinese carmaker BYD, while launching a new electric multipurpose vehicle (MPV) in New Delhi, has decided to continue to import the completely built unit car, or CBU, from China for the next few quarters because of the "current business case" in India, though it wants to make cars in the populous country, a senior BYD official said on Tuesday.

"There has to be a business case for putting up an assembly line. The volume that we see at the moment in India for electric cars and what BYD can achieve, in terms of penetration levels, the business case does not allow us to take a firm decision in this regard," Rajeev Chauhan, head of electric passenger vehicles at BYD India, told this correspondent on Tuesday.

BYD India will continue to import cars from China for next few quarters. Earlier it had planned to assemble its electric car portfolio in the country, said Chauhan.

"Overall, the business atmosphere is gentle, the atmosphere is conducive, and the environment is positive. India is a big market and nobody can miss it," he said, adding that having a manufacturing plant gives some advantages.

BYD's subsidiary in India launched on Tuesday its fourth product, the eMAX 7, in the Indian market in New Delhi, aiming to lead the Indian EV market.

The new MPV is offered in two trim levels - premium and superior. Both the variants get the option for six or seven seater layout.

This new model serves as a successor to the BYD e6, boasting significant upgrades in design, features, and improved performance to the electric MPV segment.

The eMax 7 is the face-lifted version of the e6 electric MPV, which was first launched in 2021.

Safety features include six airbags, TPMS, a 360-degree parking camera, ISOFIX, ESC, traction control, and hill-hold assist. It also comes with ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance assist, and emergency lane keep assist.

The BYD eMAX 7 is available with 4 exterior color options – Quartz Blue, Cosmos Black, Crystal White, and Harbour Grey.

The entry-level Premium variant is equipped with a 55.4 kWh battery, producing 161 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, offering a claimed range of 420 km. The Superior variant features a larger 71.8 kWh battery, delivering 201 bhp and 310 Nm of torque with an extended range of 530 km.

BYD offers an 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the battery and an 8-year/150,000 km warranty on the motor. The eMax 7 can be booked with a token amount, and deliveries are expected to begin soon.

"The launch of the BYD eMAX 7 is testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability. With its cutting-edge technology, exceptional comfort, and eco-friendly performance, the BYD eMAX 7 is set to raise the bar in the Indian electric vehicle market," Chauhan said in a statement.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.