As a compact, family-sized vehicle, the BYD Seal is clearly aimed at competing with the Tesla Model 3. That said, it is larger than the American car in every dimension, most notably in both lengths. (4,800 mm vs. 4,694 mm for Model 3) and wheelbase (2,920 mm vs. 2,875 mm). The result is a more spacious vehicle with interior space similar to vehicles in the class above.
Sleek and with the Model 3's superior drag coefficient of just 0.219 Cd, the Seal is the production version of the Ocean-X concept from 2021. That idea is where BYD revealed the 3.0 electronics platform that underpins all of its current cars.
Better tongue
As we wrote in BYD Atto 3 review, the company’s patented “blade battery” package design aims to differentiate itself from other manufacturers. It is the main component in Seal's platform and arranges lithium iron-phosphate (LFP) cells in a propeller-like design.
BYD claims the use of LFP as the cathode material results in a safer battery than conventional lithium-ion alternatives. It also boasts improved thermal stability and higher power density compared to its competitors. BYD says the Blade's design also means that puncturing the battery pack on impact is less likely to cause thermal runaway and the risk of fire.
Additionally, the Seal has what BYD claims is the world's first 8-in-1 electric powertrain, with an overall efficiency of 89%. This combines the drive motor, inverter, gearbox, onboard charger, AC/DC, power distribution unit, vehicle controller and battery management system. The platform is also capable of 800-volt charging (like the Kia and Hyundai), but while in other electric vehicles this typically means ultra-fast DC charging, the Seal is limited to an average of 150 kW.
There is also direct heating and cooling for the battery, which increases thermal efficiency by up to 20%. BYD also says improved thermal efficiency can also mean a 20% improvement in cold weather performance.
Interestingly, Seal's blade battery forms an integral part of Seal's eplatform 3.0 architecture and allows cell to body (CTB) construction, in which the battery pack is integrated into the vehicle structure, improving rigidity.
CTB means the battery is no longer a dead weight in the car and now becomes part of the load-bearing structure, with the top of the battery pack actually being the car's floor. This means torsional stiffness can reach 40,500 Nm/degree, on par with a luxury car.
Exquisite trip
All this translates into good handling with a comfortable, somewhat refined ride at speed. Those fairly conventional but no less attractive looks are somewhat appealing, as there's a 50/50 weight distribution and double-wishbone suspension at the front for a sporty look.
