BYD Heads BEV Price War With Budget Entry-Level Model

Chinese automaker giant BYD is ramping up the battery-electric price war in the world’s second-biggest economy with the launch of a new, less-expensive version of its compact hatchback.

China-focused website CNEV Post reports the new version of BYD's e2 will be nearly 13% cheaper than the existing model. Its entry-level Glory Edition will sell in the domestic market from just RMB 89,800 ($12,500).

The vehicle is underpinned by BYD's e-Platform 3.0 and claims a range of 251 miles (404 km). It is powered by a single electric motor with a peak power of 70 kW (94 hp) and peak torque of 133 lb.-ft. (180 Nm).

So far, BYD has also updated the Dolphin, Han, Tang, Song Plus, Yuan Plus, Seal DM-i, Song Pro DM-i and Seagull and all have had their sticker prices cut.