BYD announces the e2, a compact hatchback EV

Chinese car manufacturer BYD is believed to be the world’s third largest EV producer. According to JATO, an analytics agency for the global automotive market, the corporation sold 95,000 all-electric vehicles in 2018 alone – although the vast majority of them were sold locally, rather than shipped abroad. The manufacturer already has a few battery-powered SUVs and sedans on the lineup, and it looks like a mini-hatchback will be joining them soon.

The BYD e2 comes with semi-independent rear suspension and a NiMH traction battery reportedly sufficient for 360 kilometers (224 miles) of NEDC driving range. This should translate to 200 – 220 km (124 – 137 mi) in real use conditions. The only electric motor sits on the front axle and produces 95 hp (71 kW).

In terms of dimensions, the BYD e2 is similar to the VW Golf. It measures 4,240 millimeters (13.91 ft.) long and 1,760 mm (5.77 ft.) wide with 2,610 mm (8.56 ft.) between the axles.

Like the other BYD vehicles, the e2 will ship with an in-house infotainment system equipped with a 10-inch screen that can rotate up to 90 degrees. The same display also serves as a climate control interface. Digital dashboard is also on the list, but specs and availability remain unknown.

The comparatively simple and cost-efficient architecture that the car is based upon should translate into attractive pricing, but we won’t learn the specific figures until closer to the launch, which is scheduled for late summer 2019.

Photos: autohome.com.cn