BYD one-ups Tesla with 500-mile range and 9-minute charging in $35,000 Da Han sedan

BYD has launched the Da Han EV in China, and it's aiming squarely at Tesla's home turf. The big sedan sits above the regular Han and starts at 235,900 yuan (US$35,050). For comparison, the cheapest RWD Tesla Model 3 starts from 235,500 yuan in China and has nothing on BYD's latest premium sedan.

BYD Da Han range and specs

The Da Han measures 5,256 mm in length and rides on a 3,130 mm wheelbase, so it is a far larger car than the Model 3, which stretches to 4,720 mm. The drag coefficient is a rather slippery 0.197, too, and all of its three trims use a 102.3 kWh Blade Battery 2. The two RWD versions manage 1,008 km on the CLTC cycle, while the AWD model is rated at 880 km. The CLTC standard is more generous than the EPA tests in the US, but this would still translate to an EV with a 500-mile range, something Tesla doesn't offer.

The RWD Da Han trims offer a 370 kW (496 hp) motor and can hit 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The AWD flagship adds a 200 kW front motor for 570 kW combined output and a 3.3-second sprint, which is pretty crazy for a large premium sedan at this price point.

Charging is where BYD really swings, however, thanks to its 1000V architecture that lets it take advantage of BYD's 1.5 MW flash charging network that kids use as swings in China. The company claims 10%-97%, or a near-full charge in just nine minutes, with three extra minutes needed at minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Again for comparison, the base Tesla Model 3 RWD in China costs 235,500 yuan for 634 km CLTC, almost identical to the Da Han's entry price. The Long Range AWD is at 285,500 yuan with 753 km and a 3.8-second 0 to 100 km/h time. A Long Range RWD variant adds 830 km for 269,500 yuan, and the Performance trim that goes 0-60 mph for 3.1 seconds goes for 339,500 yuan.

The BYD Da Han AWD at 275,900 yuan offers 127 km more range, a much larger body, and 570 kW output. At the same time, the Da Han feels more premium as it combines rear wheel steering, air suspension, a LiDAR driver assistance suite, Nappa leather, and a 31-speaker Devialet audio system, all comforts that come as standard at this price. BYD also sweetens the deal with a year of free flash charging and trade in subsidies of 6,000 to 10,000 yuan.