Second-Gen BYD e6: Going Farther

BYD (Build Your Dreams) has become a known name in Nepal. They were here before the Nepalese auto market began its rapid shift from internal combustion engines to battery-powered motors. While BYD has its entire lineup consisting of vans, minivans, and buses, it's their one particular SUV that has been the crowd favorite and becomes the model BYD is most known for.Yes, we're talking about the e6, long before the market was getting saturated with EVs, the BYD e6 SUVs were one of the few EVs that boasted a range of 400 kms. The first generation e6 SUV really struck a chord with consumers and instantly became one of the most shortlisted EVs even at the time when Chinese manufacturers were still looked upon with an eye of skepticism, and unreliability.But the BYD e6 proved that wrong with good reliability and robust aftersales service. Now BYD seeks to replicate that similar success with the second generation of the e6 SUV. Let's see if this new generation can replicate the success of its predecessor.ExteriorLooking at the new BYD e6, there is no mistaking that this SUV has improved in every way compared to its predecessor. BYD has given the new e6 some nice design touches like the unique nose styling with small hexagonal cut-outs in place of a traditional grille – which the brand says uses its ‘Dragon Face’ design language – the slick, swept-back headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, and the neatly styled LED tail-lights.The car also makes generous use of blacked-out elements here and there. For starters, its rearview mirrors, as well as bumpers and pillars, all come dipped in black. Come to the rear and you'll find the design almost complementing the entire look. The taillights are connected with a slim chrome bar that adds a touch of premium-ness and the spoiler sitting above the tailgate again comes in black.[nd_gallery images="32771,32772,32773"]On the whole, BYD has kept the styling fairly contemporary and minimalist with only the strong shoulder line and kink in the rear window line giving it some personality. The dual five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheel design is a bit simple but good-looking nonetheless.InteriorStep inside and you’ll be greeted by a neatly laid out dashboard finished in black. You get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage. The touchscreen brings an Android-based operating system and onboard Wi-Fi and an app store. Unfortunately, this touchscreen does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support, which is acceptable given the apps it does support. What this screen does have is a pretty neat party trick – it can be rotated 90 degrees to make it a portrait-oriented screen. In portrait mode, the screen can display more information in apps like Google Maps and is more intuitive to navigate for smartphone users.The cabin is largely devoid of any physical buttons as all the climate controls are incorporated into the touchscreen. The only physical buttons are positioned on the centre console. Other features include an informative 5.0-inch coloured MID, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, steering-mounted media controls, keyless entry and go, tyre pressure monitoring system (TMPS), CN95 medical-grade air filtration system, and rear parking camera.[nd_gallery images="32777,32778,32779,32780,32781"]Seating in the e6 is comfortable, the driver seat comes with loads of adjustment even though they’re manual. Visibility is spectacular thanks to the high seating position of the SUV and large windows all around. The rear seats are quite comfortable, with soft cushioning on the seats, a large amount of knee room and headroom. The passenger space is so large that you can lounge on the back seat with one leg over the other without bothering the passenger next to you.The BYD e6 also comes with a proper boot fit for an SUV. The e6 has managed to eke out a cavernous 580 litres of space. According to the carmaker, this is enough for four large and one small cabin bag size suitcase. Additionally, given the flat floor and squarish shape, the space available is very usable, and there is even enough space below the boot floor for a space-saver spare wheel and basic tools.PerformanceThe e6 is powered by a 71.7kWh battery pack that powers a single electric motor developing 95hp and 180Nm. On a full charge, the e6 has a claimed range of 522 km. While this number is great on paper, what’s more, impressive is that in the real world, the range we got was actually remarkably close to the claimed one.We drove the e6 from the BYD showroom at Naxal to Himalayan Horizon Hotel at Dhulikhel. The e6 was at 39% battery when the drive began, which is already an anxiety triggering figure to many. We reached the hotel, which is exactly 30 km away spending only 8% battery. This equates to 3.75 km for every percent of battery. Mind you that the road was uphill traffic.[nd_gallery images="32768,32767,32770"]Then on the drive back we did the same road back to the showroom with mostly downhill this time and the e6 SUV took only 5% battery to cover 30 km this time. That equates to 6 km for every percent of battery. Averaging the two instances the BYD e6 SUV on our test drive gave an average range of 4.875 km for 1 % of the battery. Which equates to 487 km of range on a full charge. Which means… You don’t need to worry.In terms of charging, the BYD e6 can use a 60kW DC fast charger that takes just 90min to give a full charge, a 40kW AC wall-mounted fast charger that can give a full charge in two hours, and a 6.6kW AC slow charger that will take roughly 12 hours for a full charge.BYD has not skipped on safety either and the emphasis on keeping the in car occupants safe, starts from the battery. The e6 has used BYD's in-house developed Blade battery technology, which it claims is one of the safest batteries on the market. BYD’s confidence in the Blade battery’s safety standard is not unfounded, as it comfortably passed its internal safety tests, which includes the nail penetration test, with no signs of fires or explosions after impact, the overcharging to 260 percent test, the extreme heat test (battery heated up to 300°C), as well as the crush test and bend testVerdictOverall the BYD e6 SUV comes as a complete package for a family that has been looking for a car that looks great, feels great, and has all the necessary bells and whistles you’d look for in a car. Moreover, it is kinder to the environment, drives quickly and efficiently, which means you can get around town with a clearer conscience.Considering that the range provided by the BYD e6 is as good as it gets, the EV is one of the most sensible purchases when you put “range anxiety” (or lack thereof), into the equation. And the cherry on top? It comes in at a reasonable price tag of NPR 57.5 Lakh which makes it worthy of being on your list of choices.Cimex, the authorised distributor of BYD in Nepal, has been offering electric vehicles and promoting e-mobility in Nepal through various consumer and public efforts. With an aim to spearhead a green revolution in the Nepalese automobile sector, the company offers a diverse range of electric vehicles like electric cars, vans, buses, etc.  Here's a look at the latest pricing of BYD electric cars and vans in Nepal.[table id=90 /]