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

BYD’s new flagship sedan Han L has been officially unveiled in its homecountry China, alongside its sister model, the Tang L. Equipped with a new e-motor both models share their technology and aim at top performances with 1,086 hp on tap and a 0-100 km/h sprint to rival the plaid versions of the Model S and Model X. The charging experience sets new benchmarks due to the opportunity of dual gun charging.

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 of 1,086 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.

BYD Tang L.

Not one but two charging ports

BYD also promises a revolutionary way of charging, according to media outlet CarnewsChina. Equipped with dual charging (one port on each side of the car), the battery can be refilled by simultaneously connecting two DC-guns. This reduces a 16%-80% charging time to ten minutes. A full charge is over in 24 minutes.

The technology is not new to BYD, as introduced on the MPV Denza D9. While the speeds are impressive, the practical use remains somewhat limited, as you need two guns from two stations, putting extra strain on the availability of charging stations. It’s not clear either whether charging passes in Europe can handle two simultaneous charging sessions.

BYD Tang L interior.

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 drivelines and lineup of both models are interchangeable.

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 its predecessor and its main rival, the Tesla Model S. A dynamic front end, upgraded with a lighting signature called ‘Dragon Moustache’, and a streamlined roofline give the sedan a modern and sporty appearance.

The BYD Tang L has also grown. It is 170 mm longer, 46 mm wider, and 35 mm taller and features a seven-seat configuration in a 2+3+2 layout. Trunk capacity has been increased by 440 liters over its predecessor.

Three times cheaper than Tesla

New roof-mounted LIDAR sensors and BYD’s latest intelligent driving system elevate the technological sophistication of these flagship models. 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.

Both L models carry a price tag of around RMB 300,000 (€40,100) in thier 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. Expectations are that the successors will be offered to Belgian customers as part if he brand’s international expansion.

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