A Chinese YouTube channel called Wheelsboy is raving about the new BYD Yuan Up, a super affordable electric SUV priced at just $14,000. This is great news for budget-minded EV shoppers. While other car companies are still hesitating to offer cheap electric cars, BYD is already ahead of the game with several options.
The Yuan Up is their latest addition, fitting in the lineup between their two other budget-friendly EVs, the Dolphin and the Seagull.
Wheelsboy just released a video review of the Yuan Up and he, for sure, loves it.
Even though Wheelsboy’s host, Ethan Robertson, is already a BYD owner (he drives a Yuan Plus, known as the Atto 3 elsewhere), he’s impressed with the new, even more affordable Yuan Up. This electric SUV starts at an unbelievable $14,000!
The Yuan Up is slightly smaller than the Atto 3 and to keep costs down, BYD uses a simpler rear suspension system compared to the Atto 3. But, according to Robertson, this doesn’t affect the ride or performance. In fact, his mid-range Yuan Up test car with a 175-horsepower motor matches his Atto 3’s 0-100 kph acceleration time.
The ride quality seems similar as well.
The best part?
The base Yuan Up starts at under $14,000. His higher-end test model costs $17,400 and boasts a driving range of 249 miles (according to the Chinese CLTC cycle).
Despite the low price tag, the BYD Yuan Up packs some impressive features from its pricier siblings. It uses the same safe and innovative blade battery technology found in higher-end BYD models, with the battery itself integrated into the car’s structure for extra strength.
Of course with a lower price point, there are some trade-offs. The Yuan Up has a smaller battery pack compared to some other BYD options, which means a shorter driving range. Also the reviewer, Ethan Robertson, noted a few cost-saving measures in the interior.
The rearview camera has lower resolution, the infotainment system appears less sophisticated, and the overall design lacks the pizazz of BYD’s other models.
In Robertson’s words, “the interior has a distinct lack of whimsy.”
