BYD Han L rivals Tesla Model S Plaid with benchmark electric motor

BYD’s new flagship sedan has leaked in regulatory filings from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The sedan aims at top performance with 1,100 hp on tap and a 0-100 km/h sprint to rival the Model S Plaid.

The latest in line with unofficial new releases by the Chinese MIIT is the Han L, BYD’s premium electric sedan poised to challenge higher-end electric cars. As MIIT publishes the information on the forehand, its groundbreaking performance metrics, advanced technology, and design clues have been made public as part of an approval period.

Setting a benchmark

These show that, in its electric version, the BYD Han L is available in single- and dual-motor configurations. The latter combines a 230 kW (308 hp) front motor with a staggering 580 kW (777 hp) rear motor, delivering a combined output exceeding 1,100 horsepower.

With a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) sprint time of just 2.7 seconds, the Han L closes in on the 2.1-second acceleration of Tesla’s Model S Plaid without matching it.

But the Han manages to pull off these credentials with one motor less, as the Plaid uses three in total. In fact, the 580 kW unit is much more potent than the motors in electric supercars like the Lotus Evija or the Rimac Nevera and sets a new benchmark. Only the Dark Matter e-motor in the Gemera from niche builder Koenigsegg tops it but by a small margin: 8 kW (588 kW).

The single-motor version also packs a punch, with a peak power of 500 kW (670 hp). Both versions are powered by BYD’s in-house lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade Battery technology, offering increased energy density, extended range, and faster charging.

The Han L EV is expected to achieve a pure electric range exceeding 1,000 km on a single charge, cementing its place among the longest-range EVs in the market – if the optimistic Chinese homologation cycle has the final word.

Two PHEV’s

In addition to the fully electric models, BYD will offer two plug-in hybrid (DM-i) variants of the Han L. Both feature a 1.5T hybrid-specific engine producing 115 kW (154 hp).

One hybrid model pairs this engine with a single electric motor generating 200 kW (268 hp), while the other includes dual motors for enhanced performance. The pure electric ranges these hybrids offer don’t disappoint either: 145 kilometers and 170 kilometers, boasting fuel consumption below 4 liters per 100 kilometers.

The Han L builds on the aesthetic of its predecessor with refined details that enhance its aerodynamics. Measuring 5,050 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, and 1,505 mm in height, with a 2,970 mm wheelbase, the Han L is slightly larger than the Tesla Model S. A dynamic front end with slim headlights and a streamlined roofline give the sedan a modern and sporty appearance.

The rear incorporates design cues reminiscent of the U7 sedan from Yangwang, BYD’s high-end brand, like the signature spanning taillight.

Three times cheaper than Model S

New roof-mounted LIDAR sensors and BYD’s latest intelligent driving system elevate the Han L’s technological sophistication. The first photos reveal a clean, minimalist cabin featuring the well-known rotating central display, premium leather trims, and a redesigned center console with generous storage.

The Han L is expected to be priced between RMB 200,000 and 300,000 (€26,730 to €40,100) in its home country. This is a compelling value against the aforementioned Tesla Model S Plaid, which costs nearly three times as much. In Belgium, BYD withdrew the Han from its offering in mid-2024. But as a halo model, the new version could make a tantalizing comeback.