BYD expands its presence in Europe by launching operations in Switzerland

BYD has reason to celebrate, as the Chinese automotive giant has just launched operations in Switzerland, a market that promises to be key to its European expansion. The company is starting this new venture with three plug-in models initially: two battery electric vehicles and one plug-in hybrid. These are the Seal electric saloon, the Sealion 7 electric SUV and, finally, the Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV.

On its debut, BYD has a single sales outlet already operating in Zurich, but the Chinese manufacturer’s plans include opening fourteen more sales outlets in the country before the end of the year.

BYD’s strategy for the Swiss market is somewhat different from the one the company has pursued in other European countries. Instead of marketing models from its range such as the Atto 3, the Han or the Tang, the Chinese manufacturer has preferred to prioritise others such as the Seal electric saloon, offering two versions, Design and Excellence, both with a 82.5 kWh battery pack that allows them to travel up to 570 km on a single charge under the WLTP homologation cycle.

Meanwhile, the Sealion 7, an electric SUV that has only recently gone on sale in other European countries, arrives on the Swiss market with a 91.3 kWh battery pack and a WLTP range of 502 km. This model supports charging power of up to 230 kW and is available in three trim levels.

Finally, the trio is completed by the Seal U DM-i, a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines an electric motor with a combustion engine, standing out for its versatility and efficiency. This model is capable of covering up to 115 km in fully electric mode without consuming a single drop of petrol, thanks to the two driving modes it offers, pure electric and hybrid.

The start of a new adventure

BYD celebrated its arrival on the Swiss market at an event lasting two days, held at the Umwelt-Arena in the Swiss town of Spreitenbach. There, the Chinese manufacturer highlighted the technological level of its electric models based on the company’s e-platform 3.0, and placed particular emphasis on their reliability. For this reason, all of them are sold with a six-year or 150,000 km warranty, which extends to eight years for the battery and the electric motor or motors.

To distribute its vehicles, BYD will work with local partners. The first showroom, in partnership with Harmony Auto Zurich, has already opened its doors in the centre of Zurich, and more will soon open in several cities across the country, such as Zug, Lugano and Bellinzona.

“We are excited to expand in Switzerland. We want our sustainable technologies to reach more people, and each new market in Europe is a crucial step. We present vehicles with innovations such as the Blade battery, the Cell-to-Body structure in the Seal and Sealion 7, and our Super DM hybrid system in the Seal U DM-i.”