BYD reveals new Seal 06 EV images ahead of launch

BYD has shown the first images of its upgraded Seal 06 electric sedan, an update to the model it launched last June. No launch date is confirmed yet, but the car is bigger, with a longer wheelbase, and adds a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, a laser-based system used for advanced driver-assist features. The current Seal 06 relies on cameras instead, so this would be a step up in its self-driving tech, though it's not yet clear if LiDAR will come standard or as an extra-cost option.

Regulatory filings point to real gains on paper: driving range rises to as much as 391 miles on the Chinese CLTC test cycle, up from 339 miles, and the car gets more powerful motor options, up to 240 kW versus the current top option of 160 kW. Final pricing and battery details haven't been released.

This is a China-market car, not something U.S. buyers can walk into a dealership and buy, but it's worth knowing about because of the price gap it highlights. The current Seal 06 starts at roughly $16,200 in China, about half the cost of a comparably sized Tesla Model 3, which starts around $34,800 there. That kind of price difference is part of why Chinese EV makers like BYD are drawing attention globally, even in markets where their cars aren't yet sold. For a homeowner thinking about an EV alongside home charging or solar plans, it's a sign that EV prices and range keep improving quickly, even if this particular model won't be available in the U.S.