Photo Credit: BYDChina's EV market has another aggressively priced new sedan from BYD.Here's what to knowAccording to Electrek, BYD officially launched the Qin Max in China on August 14, offering both a fully electric version and a plug-in hybrid variant.The Qin Max EV falls into roughly the same size class as a Tesla Model 3 but starts at about half the price.The EV version starts at 109,900 yuan, or about $16,500, while the Qin Max DM-i plug-in hybrid starts at 99,900 yuan, or about $15,000.AdvertisementAdvertisementBYD says the Qin Max EV uses its Blade Battery 2.0 and Flash Charging system, which can charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes.The sedan is 191.6 inches (4,866 millimeters) long with a 111-inch (2,820-millimeter) wheelbase, making it slightly longer than a Tesla Model 3.Available configurations offer up to 330 miles or 391 miles of range under the CLTC test cycle. For comparison, the lowest-priced rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 in China starts at 235,500 yuan, or about $35,000, and is rated for up to 394 miles of CLTC range.More backgroundEven at this price point, BYD is packing the car with notable technology.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the sedan includes a 15.6-inch central infotainment display, an 8.8-inch driver screen, and BYD's God's Eye B advanced driver-assistance system.BYD also introduced the similarly sized Seal 06 at the same starting price, and the two sedans are essentially the same vehicle sold under different BYD lineups.On the Qin Max, that tech package includes a roof-mounted LiDAR setup for assisted driving features such as Navigation on Autopilot in cities and on highways, functions more often tied to more expensive vehicles.Fully electric vehicles can save drivers money on fuel and often reduce routine maintenance costs because they do not require oil changes and have fewer parts that wear down than gas-powered cars.What's being done?BYD's launch targets mainstream buyers, not just luxury shoppers. For drivers considering buying an electric vehicle, this kind of competition can help push prices lower while also improving battery range, charging speed, and onboard technology.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere can be savings after purchase as well. Charging an EV at home often costs half as much as using public chargers, but basic Level 1 charging is usually slow.Qmerit provides free, instant installation estimates for faster Level 2 home charger installations.The fully electric Qin Max also produces no tailpipe pollution while driving. That can help improve local air quality, particularly in dense urban areas, where more affordable, longer-range EVs may encourage more drivers to switch from gasoline-powered vehicles.The company's own marketing shows who it wants to reach. As price competition intensifies in China's EV market, BYD appears to be focusing on younger drivers and budget-conscious shoppers, describing the Qin Max as the "top choice for young people in the B-segment sedan category."AdvertisementAdvertisementGet TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.