BYD is also currently seeking to have around 8 models in its lineup over there by around 2027.
BYD has recently announced plans to introduce its first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in Japan within the year, reports Reuters. This comes amid the Chinese automaker’s wider aim to broaden its presence in the country by expanding its lineup to seven or eight full EV and PHEV models by around 2027.
The Shenzhen-based automaker further confirmed that it will start selling its fourth EV, the Sealion 7 SUV, in the land of the rising sun from April, as it seeks to further expand its offerings and dealer network in the country. BYD has managed to sell just over 2,200 vehicles in Japan last year, up by more than 50% from nearly 1,500 units in 2023.
There is thus far no official news yet on which PHEV BYD is currently intending to bring into Japan, but the only current right-hand drive options bearing the BYD badge available worldwide are to be the Sealion 6 (aka Seal U) SUV and the Shark pickup. Another likely candidate though for an eventual Japanese debut could be its subsidiary Fang Cheng Bao’s Bao 5 boxy off-roader, as it is already reportedly soon set to already be launch down under as a Denza.
Regardless of which PHEV model is soon set to enter the Japanese market however, under their hood will nevertheless likely lie a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that is paired to either one or two electric drive motors. The dual-motor configuration of this electrified powertrain in the Sealion 6 at least sees for the SUV to output a combined 324 PS and 550 Nm of torque, with those figures then capable of jumping to a whopping 687 PS and 760 Nm in its current highest state of tune for the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5.
What is also somewhat unique among PHEVs with BYD’s plug-in powertrain is for it to be capable of accepting DC fast charging, with it also to have a rather high maximum rate of 100 kW too. It is worth pointing out though that this is only to be true for the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5, with the Sealion 6 and Shark pickup instead limited to only 18 kW and 55 kW respectively.
Further concrete information regarding the exact date at which the model will be available in Japan is to apparently come at a later date, with it largely depending on how quickly BYD could obtain the necessary local sale certification. The Chinese automaker currently has 3 models in its lineup over there: the Dolphin hatchback, Atto 3 compact crossover and Seal sedan.
