- BYD E6: Exterior design, Dimensions, Ground Clearance
- BYD E6: Interior design, Space, Boot space
- BYD E6: Electric motor, Power output, Range
- BYD E6: Drive feel, comfort on the go
- BYD E6: Driving range
The electric vehicle segment in India is witnessing rapid development. Electric two and three-wheelers have already witnessed an increasing demand. A steady stream of electric cars has also found way into India with home-grown players like Tata Motors launching the Tata Nexon and the Tata Tigor EVs. Hyundai too launched the Hyundai Kona EV, and then we have the MG ZS EV as well. On the upper scale, BMW recently launched the BMW iX and Mercedes too has its hands full of offering like the Mercedes-Benz EQC. Needless to say Audi too is joining the electric vehicle revolution. But Shenzhen based BYD Company Limited has different plans. Instead of attacking the highly competitive B2C segment, it is attacking the B2B segment. This means that you cannot buy the BYD E6 as a privately registered vehicle. It is for tour operators and those in the taxi trade who are being offered this vehicle. So can the BYD E6 make a difference in the segment?
BYD E6: Exterior design, Dimensions, Ground Clearance
The BYD E6 as mentioned before will be solely offered as a commercial vehicle. This means that it will cater to the premium cab segment which is dominated by the likes of the Toyota Innova Crysta. So it is very important that the vehicle looks premium and the E6 does. The front end comes with a sweeping bonnet and projector type headlights complete with LED DRLs. The front grille is a design element which is not needed in EVs. But it has been retained in the E6 to comply with the ‘Dragon face’ design element of BYD cars. In profile one can see that the E6 offers a smooth flowing design and also the fact that the vehicle is pretty large. The E6 is 4,695mm long and 1,810mm wide. It also sports a rather respectable wheelbase of 2,800mm. While the E6 is slightly shorter than the Innova Crysta, it sports a longer wheelbase. At the back too things are kept simple. The E6 also offers a generous ground clearance of 170mm and this should make it apt to tackle most Indian conditions. The only cause of concern then is the rather large overhangs which this MPV sports.
BYD E6: Interior design, Space, Boot space
The BYD E6 comes with a smooth flowing dash on which the company has mounted a rotatable 25.65cm touch screen infotainment system. The system is loaded with functions which include setting up the temperatures for the climate control system and more. The dash then is kept free of buttons which gives it a plush look. The instrument panel too is a simple affair complete with a battery charge indicator, power usage gauge and a speedo. The digital display in the middle sports a rich looking graphic too. There are controls on the steering for the audio system, but there is no cruise control function offered. This along with other features like a sunroof, ventilated seats etc have been negated looking at the clientele it will cater to. The centre console has a rotary dial for drive functions and a small switch cluster for few other functions. The front seats are comfortable and wide too and allow for good movement space. Once again these seats are not electrically adjustable. The E6 is being offered as a five-seater vehicle and the rear seat is a bench type. Thanks to the generous wheelbase, the rear seat of theE6 offers pot loads of room all around. Rear seat passengers do get a rear AC vent and twin charging ports. Good for a commercial vehicle. The E6 also comes with a generous 580 litre boot which is flat and intrusion free. Airport transfers will be dealt with ease then and this works a treat for the segment. The E6 also does not come with a full size spare and instead gets a space saver only.
BYD E6: Electric motor, Power output, Range
The BYD E6 as mentioned is a full-electric MPV which at first thought might not seem to be viable for the segment. But just don’t give up on it because it is electric and concerns of range. The E6 is powered by an electric motor which offers 70kW of power and 180Nm of torque. The motor sends power to the front wheels. Powering the motor is a 71.7kWh battery pack which is positioned on the floor. The battery used is a unique one and BYD refer to it as a ‘Blade battery’. It is made up of individual cells and incase needed individual cells can be replaced. But the company says that they are yet to hear about and battery failures. BYD also says that their unique Blade battery has passed the rather tough ‘Mt Everest’ Nail Penetration Test which makes it one of the safest in business. When it comes to range, the E6 has a claimed range of 520km and the company is also offering fast charging option with the vehicle. The E6 can be charged using 60kw DC fast charging, 40kw AC fast charging and by using a 6.6kw AC slow charging. Using a fast charger, the E6 batteries can be replenished to offer a range of 200km in just 35 minutes. It will be apt to mention here that the company is offering a rather comprehensive eight year or 5 lakh km warranty on the battery alone.
BYD E6: Drive feel, comfort on the go
The BYD E6 then is for those who will occupy the rear seats. We can say that on the go, being in the back seat of the E6 is rather comfortable. There is loads of space and the seats offer good comfort. The suspension tune up is also apt for India and the suspension soaks up most of the ruts with ease. Ride at the back then is very comfortable and will be well appreciated by the occupants.
Moving on to the drive feel where the E6 feels comfortable as well. The motor delivers a steady dose of power and this means acceleration is brisk. However, the power delivery is tuned not to be violent in any way. While the E6 sure does not feel under powered, but it takes a while to accelerate and this means that overtaking maneuvers are better kept at safe a level which is a good thing for the segment. No passenger would want their chauffeur to drive ballistic and the E6 will not allow for it as well. When it comes to the top speed, the E6 can go well past the 130kmph it has been limited to here in India. When it comes to handling, the E6 shows its weight, but it does not show alarming levels of body roll which is rather good. No passenger will want a wallowy feel when seat and the E6 then is tuned just right. The steering feels light and taking a U turn in this MPV will be easy. But the best bit about it is the fact that the E6 offers no noise and vibrations which show result in less fatigue for the driver.
BYD E6: Driving range
The BYD E6 was handed to us with a full charge and with 521km displayed as the range. We were driving from Channai to Mahabalipuram on the scenic East Coast Road. In the city we did encounter a bit of traffic and once on the ECR, speeds were high. Thanks to our odd shooting requirements, the car was subjected to a great degree of punishment. Sudden acceleration, braking and so on! Then the E6 was also kept ‘idling’ for a while during the static shoot regime. Inspite of all that, when we ended our drive, the E6 still had 81 per cent of the battery charge left and the trip showed nearly 175km. That sure is epic and should take care of range anxiety. Another aspect which works wonders is the regen technology which comes into play at speeds as low as 2kmph. So the systems are quite constantly recharging the batteries as well.
With such range, the E6 then is well-suited for the segment. Operators can do multiple runs within the city and at the same time even attempt at intercity travel as well as long as they have a dock to recharge the E6 at destination. To sum it up then, the BYD E6 is sure the future, and we expect more such vehicles to be offered in India very soon. Now the only thing BYD needs to do is to build the brand and awareness around it.
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Keyword: BYD E6 review: Can this full-electric MPV take on the Toyota Innova Crysta?