BYD Han
BYD
Photo: Alexander-93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
BYD Han: Flagship Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Sedan
The BYD Han is the brand's flagship full-size sedan, available as a pure electric or DM plug-in hybrid, and the model that introduced the Blade battery to the world in 2020.
The Han holds a special place in BYD's history as the vehicle that debuted the Blade battery when it launched in 2020. Named after one of China's great dynasties, the Han was conceived as a statement of BYD's technical ambitions and a direct competitor to the Tesla Model S in the Chinese premium sedan segment. Both fully electric EV and DM (Dual Mode) plug-in hybrid powertrain variants are offered, giving buyers flexibility in how they use the vehicle.
The electric Han uses a rear-wheel-drive or dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration with performance figures that match many established sports sedans. The plug-in hybrid DM variant pairs a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering strong combined output and substantial electric-only range that suits urban driving while eliminating range anxiety on longer trips. Both variants share the Han's sleek, low-drag body with a drag coefficient that was among the best in its class at launch.
Inside, the Han features a premium interior with a large rotating touchscreen, a panoramic glass roof, and a high-quality audio system. BYD has continued to update the Han over its production life with mid-cycle refreshes to the powertrain and infotainment software. While the Han is sold primarily in China, it is available in select export markets and serves as the technological flagship that showcases what BYD's platform can achieve at the top of the market.
Frequently asked questions about BYD Han
What makes the BYD Han historically significant?
The BYD Han was the first production vehicle to use BYD's Blade battery when it launched in 2020. The Blade battery's cell-to-pack design and lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry represented a major safety and density advance for the industry, and the Han proved the technology in a high-profile flagship model.
What does DM mean on the BYD Han?
DM stands for Dual Mode, which is BYD's branding for its plug-in hybrid powertrain system. The Han DM combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors and a battery pack that can be charged from an external source, providing both electric-only driving capability and extended range from the gasoline engine.
How does the BYD Han compare to the Tesla Model S?
Both are large, premium electric sedans with high performance and long range, but the Han is priced significantly below the Model S in China. The Han DM also offers a plug-in hybrid option with no direct Tesla equivalent. In terms of charging network and software ecosystem, Tesla holds an advantage in most markets.
Is the BYD Han sold outside China?
The BYD Han is sold primarily in China, where it competes in the premium sedan segment. It has been made available in select export markets in Europe and Southeast Asia, but volume outside China remains modest compared to models like the Atto 3 and Seal.
What electric range does the BYD Han EV offer?
The BYD Han EV offers substantial range in its class. Figures vary by variant and test cycle, but the long-range rear-wheel-drive version achieves ranges comparable to other premium electric sedans, generally estimated in the range of 350 to 400 miles on Chinese CLTC standards, with lower WLTP figures in European-spec versions.
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