When you drive an electric car, you almost instinctively think about battery life. This is an important supply issue, but EUA does not yet have a large network of charging stations. It is impossible to own an electric car without a charger at home. But some models are already surprising with their robust battery life. This is the case of BYD Yuan Plus, which has a range of 458km. For example, the Yuan Plus costs $50,300 more than the Jeep Compass Trailhawk (list price $50,690) with a 170 horsepower 2.0 turbo diesel engine. Moreover, the price is much cheaper than the Compass 4xe plug-in hybrid, which costs R338,400. Among electric cars, the BYD’s price is 2,000 more than the Peugeot e-2008 (259,990 reais) and 20,000 reais more expensive than the JAC e-JS4 (239,990 reais). However, it has better autonomy than the Volvo XC40 Recharge ($ 65,950) BYD Yuan Plus
can travel 400 km without charging. An interesting detail is that the Yuan Plus has an electrical package in its front vault, just like an SUV with a flexible engine. However, the Chinese do not emit exhaust fumes and do not emit pollutants. The electric motor produces the equivalent of 204 horsepower and an immediate maximum torque of 31.6 mkgf. According to BYD, the electric SUV will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
Comparison: Compass Trailhawk processes the same shot in 10.7 seconds. Compass 4xe with 240 horsepower (1.3 turbo and electric motor) is more powerful and handles 0-100 km / h in 6.8 seconds. The Yuan Plus has similar performance to the Chevrolet Bolt ($65,000). The GM hatch has a maximum power output of 203 horsepower and 36.7 mkgf of torque, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in the same 7.3 seconds.
However, the highlight of the Yuan Plus is the performance of the blade battery. It’s no coincidence that Tesla and Toyota include BYD batteries in their cars. This component uses thin lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells that resemble blades. This SUV is equipped with a 60.5kWh battery under the floor and has a maximum range of 458km. After all, the Compass Trailhawk will travel 500 miles on the road on a full tank of diesel.
But for an electric SUV weighing 1,700kg, the Yuan Plus outperforms comparable competitors. For example, the total range of the JAC e-JS4 in the Chinese cycle is claimed to be 420 km. It has the same range as the Volvo XC40. The Chevrolet Volt can travel up to 416 km on a full charge, while the Peugeot e-2008 reaches 345 km on a full charge in its WLTP standard. How can I speed up my BYD Yuan Plus
? We were able to put the Yuan Plus’s battery life to the test. I received my electric SUV charged – 99% fully charged. The instrument panel showed power up to 453km. And we were almost there. After 5 days of driving and covering around 400 km, we returned to our headquarters and connected the SUV to its charger. This is possible because electric cars recover energy while driving. The battery lasts “longer” depending on how the driver accelerates and brakes. It is important to say that you drove the SUV economically. I mean without exaggeration when accelerating and restarting. In any case, the amount of yuan plus consumed inside and outside is different.
With an overall length of 4.45 meters, an overall width of 1.87 meters and a wheelbase of 2.72 meters, the Yuan Plus is slightly larger than a Jeep Compass and about the same size as a Toyota Corolla Cross. The exterior is elegant and reminiscent of other models from BYD in China, such as the Han EV sedan and Tan EV 7-seater SUV. The styling is inspired by dragons, with a thin carp mustache at the front and daytime running LEDs in the headlights and grille.
Batman’s tires are noticeable on the side – yes, you read that correctly! This electric SUV comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels and 215/55 Atlas Batman tires. Inside, the Yuan Plus is a car unto itself. Everything is different, such as the round door handles, the wavy panels reminiscent of the ocean or sandy beaches, and the soft-touch materials. Multimedia features a 12.8-inch rotating center screen that can be positioned horizontally or vertically. The images are great and the system is easy to use, but you still need your own WiFi and a better connection with your smartphone. BYD’s system lets you install apps like Spotify and Waze, but this depends on your phone’s connectivity. It also has Android Auto and Apple Carplay without mirroring.
Behind the wheel, the SUV is tech-laden and comfort-focused.
Behind the steering wheel, the BYD Yuan Plus is softer than the standard found in his SUVs of German and Japanese brands. Therefore, it operates quietly and has a low level of external noise. Comfort is a highlight on board, with a panoramic sunroof, large synthetic leather upholstery, and numerous USB-C ports. The vents on the front and back are reminiscent of CD holders from the 1990s. In fact, the front door has a decorative string that resembles a guitar, and it emits a real sound!
Among the installed technologies, Yuan Plus is perfect and has all the latest in his SUV in this price range. Examples include adaptive cruise control (ACC) that accelerates and brakes independently of the car in front of you, blind spot warning in the mirror, and automatic emergency braking that detects cyclists and pedestrians. The electric package gives him three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Eco, with the latter giving his SUV a range of 458 km.
The tested device did not have a socket to charge the battery. It is common for electric cars to include portable chargers. I’m glad I didn’t need it. You can charge it at any charging station in the country, at least with a Type 2 plug, which is the most common standard in EUA. Additionally, the Blade Battery delivered the autonomy promised in the steering column-mounted instrument panel’s 5-inch color display.