BYD Hits Homologation Hurdes – Seal, Atto 3 Launch Delayed

BYD Seal Launch Delayed

BYD showcased the Seal electric sedan at the Auto Expo 2023. The Seal is based on BYD’s dedicated EV platform called the e-Platform 3.0 and it offers a claimed range of up to 700km depending on the battery pack. The Seal is powered by BYD’s Blade Battery technology, which integrates the battery into the body of the vehicle to improve safety, stability, handling and performance. You can learn more about the Seal by clicking the link below.

The Seal was scheduled to launch in 2023. However, reports suggest that the $9 million fine imposed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence for underpaying taxes could have resulted in the launch delay. The carmaker has paid the fine and lowered their sales target for 2024.

BYD Atto 3 Localised Variant Faces Homologation Hurdles

Currently, BYD’s offerings – the E6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV – are offered in India via the semi-knocked down (SKD) route. The carmaker was hoping to locally assemble the Atto 3 SUV at its plant in Chennai to lower its price and make it more competitive. For reference, the BYD Atto 3 is currently priced at Rs. 34.0 lakh (ex-showroom) while its closest rival, the Hyundai Kona EV, is priced between Rs. 23.84 lakh - Rs. 24.03 lakh. However, BYD are currently facing homologation hurdles and hope to get the Atto 3 homologated by November 2023. This has resulted in a delay in the launch of the localised Atto 3 to 2024.

The steep fine imposed by the government has also led to a slowdown in BYD’s expansion plans in the country. Back in 2022, the carmaker announced its plans to set up 53 showrooms across India by December 2023. However, as of October 2023, BYD are short of that figure, with just 28 showrooms in the country. But despite all the hurdles, BYD are still the leader in the Rs. 30 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh segment, ranking above Hyundai and Kia that offer the Kona EV, Ioniq 5 and EV6, respectively.