The BYD Seal is a compact family-sized car and is uncompromisingly aimed at taking on the Tesla Model 3. Nevertheless, it is larger than the American in all dimensions, especially in both lengths (4,800 millimeters compared to 4,694 millimeters for the Model 3). and wheelbase (2,920 millimeters versus 2,875 millimeters). The result is a more spacious car with an interior similar to that of a higher class vehicle.
Sleek and with a drag coefficient of just 0.219 cd, surpassing the Model 3, the Seal is the production version of the 2021 Ocean-X concept. With this concept, BYD introduced the E-Platform 3.0, which underpins all current vehicles .
Better blades
As we wrote in our BYD Atto 3 review, the company’s patented “Blade Battery” pack design aims to set it apart from other manufacturers. A key component of the Seal platform, it arranges lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in a blade-like design.
BYD claims that using LFP as a cathode material provides a safer battery than traditional lithium-ion alternatives. It also features improved thermal stability and higher energy density than its competitors. According to BYD, the blade design also means puncture damage to the battery in a collision is less likely to result in thermal runaway and the risk of fire.
Also included in the seal is what BYD says is the world’s first 8-in-1 electric drive system with an overall efficiency of 89 percent. It combines drive motor, inverter, transmission, on-board charger, AC/DC, power distributor, vehicle control unit and battery management system. The platform is also capable of charging at 800 volts (like Kia and Hyundai), but while this often means the possibility of ultra-fast DC charging on other electric vehicles, the Seal is limited to mid-150kW.
There’s also a direct heating and cooling system for the battery, which is said to increase thermal efficiency by up to 20 percent. BYD also says improved thermal efficiency can mean a 20 percent improvement in range, even in cold weather.
Interestingly, the Seal’s blade battery is an integral part of the Seal’s Eplatform 3.0 architecture, enabling cell-to-body (CTB) construction where the battery pack itself is integrated into the vehicle structure, improving rigidity.
CTB means that the batteries no longer represent dead weight in the car, but are part of the supporting structure, with the top of the battery pack effectively forming the bottom of the car. This means that the torsional rigidity can be 40,500 Nm/degree, which is about the same level as a luxury car.
Refined driving experience
All of this results in good handling and a comfortable, slightly more refined ride at high speeds. The more conventional but not unattractive look is a bit seductive, as the 50/50 weight distribution and double wishbone suspension at the front make for a sporty setup.