BYD Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV spotted range-testing in India

UPDATE - follow-up to 'BYD Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV spotted range-testing in India': The BYD Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV has been spotted range-testing on Indian roads ahead of its launch this year, marking the second sighting of the vehicle in India. This is the second time the Seal U has been spotted in India, with the previous sighting taking place in May. The Seal U is BYD's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the country, and it will expand the carmaker's lineup beyond electric vehicles. The Seal U is a 5-seater vehicle, with a size similar to the Mahindra XEV 9e. In international markets, the Seal U is offered in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layout options. The vehicle's combined output can reach up to 323hp and 550Nm. BYD claims an electric-only range of up to 126km using an 18.3kWh battery pack, which can be charged from 30 to 80 percent in 35 minutes with an 18kW DC charger. The hybrid system's combined range is up to 1,080km. However, BYD's engineers are working on making improvements to the powertrain, which are likely to be rolled out to global models soon. These improvements may result in different maximum outputs and range figures for the India-bound Seal U. The Seal U's powertrain is powered by a 1.5-litre direct injection, turbo-petrol engine, an electric motor, a starter-generator, and a battery pack. The vehicle's petrol engine acts as a generator to keep the battery charged, and only kicks in during high power loads. The hybrid system automatically shuffles between pure EV and hybrid modes. BYD expects to price the Seal U PHEV around Rs 45-50 lakh, ex-showroom. The vehicle may face competition from JSW Motors' upcoming Jetour T2-based PHEV, which is expected to debut around Diwali this year.