"Plug-in Hybrids have relevance in Singapore due to high-rise living": Interview with Liu Xueliang, General Manager, BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division

BYD is moving at a blistering pace in the automotive market, so it is always helpful to have some time speaking to its top executives about what it has done for the past year, as well as what to look forward to in the near future.

Given the relative opacity of information that comes out of HQ and into our inboxes in the English speaking world, we journalists were laden with questions for the team. Here are the key takeaways.

About BYD’s 1000 kW fast charger

At about the same time as our press trip to China, BYD announced its headline-grabbing 1000 kW fast charger that can offer 400 km of range in just 5 minutes.

So it’s no surprise that it was one of the topics discussed at a roundtable interview with Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division.

Mr Liu confirmed that the fast charger was developed completely in-house - as with BYD’s other numerous patented technologies.

He explained that the charger actually comprises two 500 kW chargers that plug into a car - assuming that it can accept this amount of power. Currently, only BYD’s Tang L and Han L EV will have the capability to accept 1000 kW of charging. However, BYD expects this to be rolled out eventually to all of its models, at least in China. There is no confirmation yet on which export models will have this technology.

God’s Eye to be offered free-of-charge for all BYDs

BYD is keen to state that technology advancement is for the benefit of all, and not just those with the means to purchase them.

That is the key reason why God’s Eye will be offered free-of-charge for all BYDs. Among others, God’s Eye offers remote parking and self-driving abilities as well as advanced driver assistance systems. Something that Tesla currently charges for.

Plug-in hybrids are relevant - especially for high-rise living

Although initially denying that PHEVs would be bound for Singapore when asked in the early years, BYD has warmed up to the idea of late and says that it has relevance in our country due to the majority of the population staying in high-rise apartments. That is, access to a charging station might be a little more challenging than say, in countries where people primarily live in their own landed homes.

BYD is set to launch its first PHEV model in Singapore in mid-July.

Global attention on Singapore where BYD is #1

BYD’s meteoric rise in Singapore caught the attention of BYD’s global head honchos - even Singapore’s former Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, posted on social media about the brand.

BYD has been pivotal in Singapore’s transition to electric vehicles, but the government in turn has also been very supportive of its business since as far as a decade go, BYD says. It also credits Vantage Automotive and its dealers for being very supportive.

BYD cites its vertical integration model for its ability to compete in the market, allowing it economies of scale and to react fast to any market changes.

Denza range to expand in Singapore with the N9 and Z9 GT

At the event, we got the preview of the Z9 GT (unfortunately, we did not get to drive it), a slinky four-door coupe that looks like the Porsche Panamera. The flagship Denza N9 SUV, which had its global unveil just a few days before the event, was also shown to the media, although its doors were locked. Both models confirmed to arrive in Singapore.

The smaller Denza N7 SUV was also shown, but its arrival in Singapore is yet to be determined.

Auto parking functions to come

BYD vehicles are technologically advanced but one core feature that it lacks is auto parking. BYD confirmed that these functions are to come in its Singapore-bound cars, perhaps in an OTA update?

Di Space will be built in Singapore

The futuristic BYD facility, Di Space, more akin to a studio or a gallery was previewed on the trip, and BYD confirmed that it will be built in overseas locations, including Singapore. It’s currently looking for a site in Singapore.

Trade war? Technology shouldn’t have any boundaries

BYD broadly states that the USA is a big market and its consumers should also benefit from technological advancements from China. They do not believe in trade barriers or tariffs that curtails this as consumers should experience the best products available. However, they acknowledge that government policy may block this but BYD is already expanding fast to other regions like South America, Middle East and Europe.

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