BYD’s new electric sedan is the size of a Tesla Model 3, but half the price

This is car news, not a home energy story, but here's what happened. BYD, the Chinese automaker, launched an updated electric sedan called the Seal 06 in China, roughly the same size as a Tesla Model 3. The electric version starts at about $16,500, and a plug-in hybrid version starts around $15,000. That's roughly half the price of a Model 3 in China, which starts near $35,000 there.

The new Seal 06 uses BYD's latest battery and fast-charging technology, letting it charge from 10 percent to 70 percent in about 5 minutes, or to nearly full in 9 minutes. Depending on configuration, the electric version gets an estimated range of 329 to 391 miles under China's testing standard, while the plug-in hybrid offers up to about 199 miles on electric power alone and over 1,400 miles combined with its gas engine. Higher-end versions also add driver-assist features, including a roof-mounted sensor for automated navigation and parking, plus larger interior screens.

None of this is available in the United States, and the news doesn't involve any home energy programs, rebates, or equipment. It's simply a look at how cheap and capable electric cars have become in China's competitive market, for readers who follow EVs alongside their home upgrades.