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How Much Does It Cost To Own A BYD In Singapore

Would you buy a BYD rather than a Tesla?

In Q4 of 2023, BYD overtook Tesla, becoming the world’s top electric vehicle manufacturer by 45,000 vehicles. BYD has also overtaken Tesla in electric vehicle sales in Q1 of 2023. What may come as a surprise to most people is that BYD has already been in Singapore for a decade. Recent government subsidies and increasing charging infrastructure has also led to greater adoption of electric vehicles. With a lineup of 4 models comprising of a MPV, SUV, sedan and hatchback, BYD cars are becoming more commonplace on our roads. This could be due to the low-cost nature of the cars, as compared to other options in the market. As such, here is how much one can expect to pay for a BYD in Singapore. The price of the cars depends on the packages chosen. The Base and Savers packages are cheaper, but they do not guarantee COE, which may mean a longer wait for your car. The $16,350 deposit is only refundable after 6 unsuccessful bids for the Base package, and 8 unsuccessful bids for Savers package. The Excite package guarantees COE within 6 bids. Buyers will get a rebate if the COE is below the stipulated sum for each of the following packages:   The midsized SUV comes in 2 models to qualify for different COE categories with the extended range being for category A and the normal ATTO 3 for category B. For both models, customers can select the $4,000 CarbonEdge option for which the car has a blackened front grille-bar, window-surround trims, roof and rear spoiler. In the interior there will be black seats with red stitching on them along with a front boot or trunk.   The BYD Seal is a sedan with 3 different variants, all of which are classified under Category B for COE. Each of the 3 models have different range and engine performance, which results in a different price for each model.   Featuring a range of 522km on a full charge, this MPV is able to get a full charge in 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are 2 variants for this model and both fall under category A COE.   The BYD Dolphin is a hatchback that is the most affordable out of all the other BYD vehicles. Being categorised in A1 under the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) also means a $25,000 rebate, further lowering the cost of this vehicle. Rebates differ for electric vehicles as compared to normal cars. For example, the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) awards a 45% rebate off the additional registration fee, capped at $15,000.   BYD offers relatively competitive pricing for their models, considering the features included with the car. For example, comparing the category A Atto 3 Extended Range to the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS and the Kia Niro, the range is significantly higher. For the category B COE, BYD has the Seal Performance to offer. Its competitors include the Tesla Model 3 Performance and Mercedes-Benz EQE, both of which are under Category B and have the VES A1 rebate of $25,000.   With an electric car, the main bulk of costs will be for charging the vehicle. All BYD models are compatible with both AC/DC charging, allowing for both home and charging points to be used. One-way owners can cut costs is to install a home charger and connect to a solar panel grid, effectively reducing driving costs. Additional unused energy can be sold back to the grid, further reducing costs. Maintenance is another big cost for electric cars due to natural battery degradation. Although less parts are involved as compared to an internal combustion car, the costs for replacing parts such as the electric motor and battery are higher. Taxes such as road tax and COE also differs depending on the power output and capacity of the car battery.