Last year BYD overtook Tesla as the world’s biggest seller of electric vehicles. The Chinese company does not sell cars in the US — and seemingly has no plans to do so.
That may have more to do with the tariffs imposed on Chinese imports than a lack of desire to enter the world’s second-biggest auto market — even if it is half the size of China (where about 30 million vehicles were sold in 2023).
However, three BYD models are available in the UK. The smallest is the Dolphin, a similar size to the Volkswagen I-3. It’s followed by the Atto 3, a compact SUV; and finally the Seal, a striking four-door sedan that’s the most expensive of the trio at about £45,700, or $57,500.
I borrowed a BYD Seal in Excellence trim, which also boasts all-wheel drive, for a week. I managed to get out of London on a rainy Sunday to put the car through its paces.