BYD will introduce the Sealion 5 PHEV in South Africa.
This new arrival is the BYD Sealion 5, a sleek plug-in hybrid compact crossover SUV. Under the hood, it cleverly combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor, all managed by BYD's advanced DM-i 5.0 hybrid system (which powers the front wheels). Plus, it boasts the brand's innovative Blade LFP battery technology.
Globally, the Sealion 5 sits just below its sibling, the Sealion 6 PHEV. Drivers can expect a respectable electric-only range of about 75km from its 12.9 kWh battery, or an even more impressive 115km with the larger 18.3kWh extended-range battery (keep in mind these figures are based on CLTC/Chinese test cycles).
Inside, the Sealion 5 offers a modern and value-packed experience. You'll find a generous infotainment screen, a suite of BYD's connectivity features, and even support for vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology in certain regions – perfect for powering your gadgets on the go.
It's clear BYD is committed to both plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles. The Sealion 5 is a smart addition to the rapidly expanding PHEV market, catering to drivers who want the benefits of electric power for their daily commutes, with the peace of mind of a petrol engine backup. Marketed by BYD as a family-friendly SUV, the Sealion 5 comes loaded with desirable features like a panoramic sunroof, convenient keyless entry, wireless charging, and an intelligent voice control system, all complemented by that impressive large infotainment screen.
Eager to know more? BYD South Africa confirmed in a recent statement that all the juicy details, including full specifications and pricing for the Sealion 5, will be unveiled at an official media launch in November. Following this, you can expect to see it hit showrooms for consumer sales at BYD dealerships across the country.
**EV Charging Network**
While we're still waiting on local pricing, international market trends hint that the Sealion 5 will likely be positioned more affordably than the Sealion 6 line-up, which starts at R640,000 and boasts slightly larger batteries for an extended electric-only range.
This Sealion 5 launch follows closely on the heels of a significant visit by BYD Executive Vice President, Stella Li, just two weeks prior. During her visit, Li announced ambitious plans to establish a nationwide EV charging network in South Africa, aiming for 200-300 sites by the end of next year. These sites will even feature the company’s cutting-edge 1MW Flash chargers! The rollout will kick off with installations at BYD's growing network of South African dealerships, eventually expanding to key highway and urban locations. Stella Li confirmed in an interview with TechCentral that these charging stations will primarily draw power from the grid, with solar energy providing a crucial supplement in areas where grid capacity might be a challenge.
Although BYD isn't currently manufacturing vehicles locally, they've highlighted South Africa as their pivotal market in Africa. To accelerate EV adoption, the company is actively encouraging the government to consider reducing import taxes and introducing incentives.
