BYD expands Ocean series in China with budget-friendly Sealion 05 EV

BYD has officially unveiled the Sealion 05 EV, a compact all-electric SUV aimed squarely at the mass market, strengthening its growing Ocean lineup and reinforcing its aggressive pricing strategy in the global EV race. Whether the model comes to Belgium remains a question mark.

Officially launched in China yesterday, the Sealion 05 EV starts at just RMB 117,800 (€15,029), positioning it well below rivals such as the Model Y Juniper, underscoring BYD’s ongoing push to democratize electric mobility. In contrast, rival Tesla has decided not to proceed on that path.

The vehicle joins the already extensive Sealion range in the carmaker’s home market, which comprises the 07 EV, the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6—known as the Seal U DM-i in Belgium—and the plug-in hybrid Sealion 05 DM-i.

LFP Blade Battery

Built atop the company’s latest e-Platform 3.0 Evo, the Sealion 05 EV can be regarded as the fully electric version of the latter, but it comes in a different package, as the coachwork has its own style.

Available in three variants, the Sealion 05 EV delivers a CLTC-rated range of up to 520 kilometers and fast-charging capability that can take the battery from 30 to 80 percent in 18 minutes.

The entry-level version comes with a 50.05-kWh LFP Blade battery, good for 430 kilometers, while the mid- and top-tier trims are equipped with a 60.9-kWh pack offering a more extended range.

All variants are powered by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, producing either 188 or 215 hp, depending on trim. The base model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/hour in 7.6 seconds, while the higher trims shave that down to 7.2 seconds. Peak torque is consistently rated at 330 Nm.

Measuring 4,520 mm long with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, the Sealion 05 EV is slightly more compact than a Tesla Model Y but more significant than the recently launched Atto 2 (4,310 mm).

The interior is spacious. The SUV boasts practicality, with a 600-liter rear trunk (expandable to 1,460 liters) and a 110-liter front trunk. There’s even a built-in refrigerator in the interior.

Toward 5.5 million units

One of the key highlights is the inclusion of BYD’s announced ‘God’s Eye’ intelligent driving system as standard across all trims. Based on a camera-only perception solution, the system includes semi-autonomous driving functionality beyond its price point, like adaptive cruise control, active safety features, and full-scenario smart parking.

The Sealion 05 EV’s debut is part of a broader product rollout by BYD. The company, which recently reported a peak revenue and profit from record sales in 2024, aims to shift 5.5 million units this year from last year’s 4.4 million units. According to local media reports, some 800,000 units are targeted for overseas markets. 

The Ocean series, including hybrids and fully electric vehicles, has already begun making inroads in markets like Europe. However, BYD has yet to confirm whether the Sealion 05 EV will reach showrooms in Belgium. The model would compete with the popular Atto 3, while the import tariffs are more benign toward the 05 DM-i than the EV.