BYD 2026 electric range: models, prices and ranges | Electra
Jan 23, 2026
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BYD Electric Range: Our Guide to Models, Prices and Technologies in 2026
The BYD electric range is set to become a benchmark on the French market in 2026. From the Dolphin Surf city car at €19,990 to the premium 7-seater Tang SUV, the Chinese manufacturer offers vehicles equipped with the revolutionary Blade Battery and consistently achieving 5 stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. With ranges from 310 to 570 km WLTP and competitive prices compared to European manufacturers, BYD meets the expectations of demanding drivers looking for performance, safety, and reliability.
BYD: an energy giant turned car manufacturer
Founded in 1995 in Shenzhen by engineer Wang Chuanfu, BYD (Build Your Dreams) first established itself as a world leader in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries. This expertise of more than 30 years in energy storage is a major advantage over traditional car manufacturers. Since diversifying into the automotive industry in 2003, BYD has become the world's leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, surpassing Tesla in sales volume since 2024.
BYD's vertical integration strategy is unique in the automotive industry. The manufacturer controls the entire production chain, from battery cell design to final vehicle assembly. This approach allows for optimal quality control and reduced production costs, which are reflected in the final price offered to European customers. In France, BYD now has a network of more than 100 sales outlets, guaranteeing local after-sales service.
The Blade Battery: the technology that changes everything
The Blade Battery is the major innovation that sets BYD apart from its competitors. Launched in 2020, this lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is revolutionizing safety standards in the electric vehicle industry. Unlike traditional NMC batteries that use nickel and cobalt, LFP chemistry offers exceptional thermal stability and eliminates any risk of thermal runaway.
The nail penetration test, considered the Everest of battery safety tests, demonstrates the superiority of the Blade Battery. In this test, which simulates the consequences of a serious accident, the surface temperature of the Blade Battery remains between 30 and 60°C, with no smoke or flames. In comparison, NMC batteries exceed 500°C and ignite violently, while traditional LFP batteries reach 200 to 400°C.
The blade design of the cells allows for 50% more space utilization compared to conventional batteries. This increased energy density translates into competitive WLTP ranges despite the use of LFP chemistry, which is known to be less energy-dense than NMC. The Cell-to-Pack (CTP) structure integrates the cells directly into the battery pack, eliminating the intermediate modular stage and reinforcing the structural rigidity of the vehicle.
BYD announces a service life of more than 3,000 charge cycles, or more than 1.2 million kilometers. This exceptional longevity justifies the manufacturer's warranty of 8 years or 250,000 km (with a minimum of 70% capacity retained), which applies retroactively to the entire range. This extended coverage reassures buyers about the resale value and total cost of ownership of their vehicle.
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A complete range for all uses
Dolphin Surf: the affordable city car
The Dolphin Surf is the entry-level model in the BYD range, starting at €19,990. This compact city car, with a design inspired by ice crystals, features a continuous arched profile that optimizes interior space. Available in three trim levels (Active, Boost, Comfort), it offers up to 322 km of WLTP range with the 43.2 kWh battery. Its 10.1-inch rotating screen and six standard airbags prove that affordability does not mean compromising on equipment.
DC fast charging reaches 85 kW, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The 11 kW AC charger ensures a full recharge in 3 to 5 hours depending on battery capacity. Produced in Hungary since 2025, the Dolphin Surf benefits from the French eco-bonus, strengthening its position against the Renault 5 E-Tech, Citroën ë-C3, and Fiat Grande Panda.
Dolphin: the versatile compact car
The BYD Dolphin is aimed at drivers looking for more range without sacrificing compact size. Starting at €34,990, this compact sedan features a 60.4 kWh Blade battery with a WLTP range of 427 km. Its elegant, dolphin-inspired design combines futurism and simplicity. Advanced driver assistance systems and an infotainment system with a rotating screen round out the generous standard equipment package.
Atto 3: the compact family SUV
The BYD Atto 3 is the flagship of the SUV range. Starting at $36,990 for the Comfort trim and $39,990 for the Design trim, this 4.46 m compact SUV offers a WLTP range of 420 km thanks to its 60.4 kWh battery. Its 150 kW (204 hp) motor delivers 310 Nm of torque and propels the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. The 2025 update has increased DC charging power to 110 kW, reducing fast charging time from 10 to 80% to 35 minutes.
The interior of the Atto 3 stands out for its originality. The 15.6-inch rotating center screen, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, sits atop a dashboard that retains physical controls for essential functions. The door storage compartments feature guitar-style strings, a playful detail characteristic of the brand. The 440-liter trunk, which can be expanded to 1,338 liters with the rear seats folded down, meets the needs of families. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function transforms the vehicle into a mobile power source for electrical devices.
Seal: the sporty sedan
The BYD Seal represents the Chinese manufacturer's premium offensive. This sleek and stylish sedan starts at €46,990 for the Design version. CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology integrates the 82.5 kWh Blade Battery directly into the chassis structure, creating a torsional rigidity of 40,500 Nm/degree comparable to German luxury sedans. The WLTP range reaches 570 km, positioning the Seal among the benchmarks in its segment.
The Excellence version with all-wheel drive develops 530 hp (390 kW) and goes from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds. The iTAC (Intelligent Torque Adaptation Control) system optimizes torque distribution between the two motors for impeccable handling. Fast charging at 150 kW allows the battery to be recharged from 30% to 80% in 26 minutes. The premium interior features full sports seats, a 12-speaker Dynaudio audio system, and a double trunk (402 liters in the rear + 53 liters in the front).
Seal U and Sealion 7: family SUVs
The Seal U is BYD's flagship family SUV. Its 87 kWh Blade battery provides up to 500 km of WLTP range. Also available in a DM-i plug-in hybrid version, it offers flexibility that is appreciated by drivers who are still hesitant to switch to all-electric. The Sealion 7, launched at the end of 2024, takes performance even further with a sporty coupe design and the world's fastest mass-produced electric motor (23,000 rpm). Its Euro NCAP score of 93% for child protection is the best result in this category in the last nine years.
Tang: the premium 7-seater SUV
The BYD Tang tops the range with its 7-seater SUV format, priced at €72,000. This premium vehicle combines generous family space with high-end features. The leather-trimmed interior comfortably seats seven passengers while retaining a generous cargo volume. The 25 safety features, including a 360° HD camera and 11 external radars, justify the 5-star Euro NCAP rating. The all-wheel drive and 380 kW (517 hp) engine deliver performance worthy of the premium segment.
Comparison table for the BYD electric range
Model | Price | WLTP range | Battery | Power | Euro NCAP |
Dolphin Surf | $19,990 | 310-322 km | 38.4-43.2 kWh | 115-156 hp | 5 stars |
Dolphin | €34,990 | 427 km | 60.4 kWh | 204 hp | 5 stars |
Atto 3 | $36,990 | 420 km | 60.4 kWh | 204 hp | 5 stars |
Seal | $46,990 | 570 km | 82.5 kWh | 313-530 hp | 5 stars |
Seal U | $42,990 | 500 km | 87 kWh | 204-313 hp | 5 stars |
Sealion 7 | $48,990 | 502 km | 82.5-92.3 kWh | 313-530 hp | 5 stars |
Tang | €72,000 | 400 km | 86.4 kWh | 517 hp | 5 stars |
Safety: exemplary Euro NCAP results
The entire BYD range has achieved the maximum 5-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, a remarkable performance for a manufacturer that has only recently entered the European market. The Seal U has the highest score for adult protection (90%), while the Sealion 7 scores 93% for child protection, equaling the record for the last nine years in this category. The Atto 3, tested according to the 2022 protocol, scores 91% for adult protection and 89% for child protection.
These performances can be attributed to the e-Platform 3.0 developed exclusively for electric vehicles. The multi-load path structure controls energy dissipation in the event of a collision, minimizing intrusion into the passenger compartment. The Seal's CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology transforms the Blade Battery into a structural element, reinforcing the overall rigidity of the chassis. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems receive excellent ratings, particularly for the detection of motorcyclists and cyclists.
Safety equipment includes six standard airbags on all models, an automatic emergency call system (e-Call), 360° cameras with peripheral radars, adaptive cruise control (ACC), automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKA), lane departure warning, and child presence detection. These features, often offered as options by competitors, are included as standard on BYD's entry-level models.
Design and onboard technologies
BYD interiors stand out for their boldness. The brand's signature rotating center screen switches between portrait and landscape modes depending on the applications used. This console, which ranges from 10.1 to 15.6 inches depending on the model, integrates navigation, an Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-compatible multimedia system, and all vehicle settings. BYD retains physical controls for essential functions (air conditioning, driving modes), preserving ergonomics and safety of use.
4G connectivity enables over-the-air (OTA) updates, keeping the vehicle at the cutting edge of software technology without having to visit a dealership. The BYD app offers remote control of the air conditioning, vehicle unlocking, and charging session tracking. Keyless start via NFC card or smartphone simplifies access to the vehicle. Intelligent voice control facilitates interaction with the onboard systems while driving.
Premium materials are used in the upper trim levels: Nappa leather on the seats, aluminum or wood inserts depending on the model, and customizable ambient lighting. Heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable seats with memory settings ensure optimal comfort on long journeys. The panoramic roof, standard on several models, brings light and a feeling of space to the interior.
Charging your BYD with the Electra network
The entire BYD range uses the European CCS charging standard, ensuring full compatibility with the Electra fast charging station network. With more than 500 stations deployed in France and power ratings of up to 400 kW, BYD vehicle drivers benefit from an infrastructure that is perfectly suited to their long-distance mobility needs.
Charging times on the Electra network vary depending on the model: the Dolphin Surf recovers from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes with its 85 kW capacity, the Atto 3 reaches 80% in 35 minutes thanks to its 110 kW power, while the Seal takes full advantage of the 150 kW terminals to go from 30 to 80% in 26 minutes. The Sealion 7 and Tang, equipped with larger batteries, take advantage of ultra-fast charging stations to minimize stops on the highway.
The Electra+ subscription optimizes the charging cost for BYD drivers. At $1.99/month, the kWh drops to $0.39 compared to $0.49 without a subscription. The premium plan at $9.99/month offers kWh at $0.29, which is comparable to home charging while benefiting from the speed of ultra-fast charging stations. These no-commitment subscriptions also include access to the Atlante, Fastned, and Ionity partner networks at preferential rates. Consult the Electra station map to locate charging points on your routes.
BYD faces competition
BYD's pricing strategy is shaking up the French electric vehicle market. The Dolphin Surf, priced at €19,990, competes directly with the Dacia Spring and Citroën ë-C3, while offering superior equipment. The Atto 3 is positioned against the Peugeot e-3008 at €44,990 with a price tag nearly €8,000 lower, including comparable or even superior equipment. The Seal challenges the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.7 with a performance/price ratio unprecedented in the premium sedan segment.
The BYD manufacturer's warranty reassures potential buyers: 6 years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, 8 years or 250,000 km for the battery (with a minimum of 70% capacity retained), 8 years or 150,000 km for the powertrain, and 12 years of corrosion protection with no mileage limit. These conditions, which apply retroactively to all vehicles already sold, demonstrate the manufacturer's confidence in its technology.
For drivers hesitating between several brands, BYD's expertise in batteries and its consistently excellent Euro NCAP results are compelling arguments. The Blade Battery technology, which is safer and more durable than conventional batteries, alone justifies the interest in the Chinese manufacturer's range. Find our guide to choosing your electric car on the Electra blog.
Why choose BYD in 2026?
The BYD electric range meets the expectations of demanding French drivers. The manufacturer's unique expertise in batteries has resulted in Blade Battery technology that is unmatched on the market, guaranteeing safety, longevity, and performance on a daily basis. The exemplary Euro NCAP scores for all models reassure families that their loved ones are protected. Aggressive pricing, combined with generous standard equipment, makes electric vehicles accessible without compromising on quality.
From the urban Dolphin Surf to the family-friendly 7-seater Tang, BYD offers a solution for every need. The rapid expansion of the dealer network in France guarantees local after-sales service, addressing legitimate questions about the maintenance of a Chinese-brand vehicle. The 8-year battery warranty and 6-year vehicle warranty position BYD among the manufacturers offering the best coverage on the market.
The future of electric mobility depends on safe, durable, and high-performance batteries. With 30 years of expertise in energy storage, BYD is establishing itself as a key player in this transition. French drivers now have a credible alternative to traditional manufacturers, combining technological innovation, maximum safety, and competitive prices.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
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