BYD Co., the Chinese carmaker, unveiled its latest electric utility vehicle, the Sealion 7, in India at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 held in New Delhi. As part of its strategy to grow its market share in the emerging electric vehicle segment in India, BYD commenced accepting bookings for the Sealion 7, with deliveries set to commence in March.
Shrirang Joshi, the national sales head of electric passenger vehicles at BYD India, revealed that the Sealion 7 will offer two variants to cater to diverse customer preferences. One of the standout features of the model is its remarkable range of 1,092 km on a full charge and tank, making it a compelling option for environmentally conscious consumers.
Rajeev Chauhan, the head of the electric passenger vehicle business at BYD India, highlighted the company's ambitious plans to establish 40 dealerships across India by the end of the month. Currently, BYD's product portfolio in India includes the E Max 7, Seal, and two variants of Atto3. By expanding its presence and product offerings, BYD aims to compete with established players like Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., Tata Motors Ltd., and SAIC Motor Corp Ltd.'s India joint venture.
The shift towards electric vehicles in India aligns with the country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards a cleaner economy. As BYD enters this competitive market, it faces challenges such as sourcing skilled staff and specialized equipment, with China tightening restrictions on the transfer of advanced EV manufacturing technology.
Since establishing its presence in India in 2007, BYD has grown to employ over 3,000 employees in the country. The launch of the Sealion 7 underscores BYD's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the electric vehicle space, signaling its intention to contribute to the ongoing decarbonization efforts in India and Southeast Asia.