BYD India on October 8 launched the eMAX 7, which is available in two variants – Premium and Superior, with prices starting at Rs 26.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The bookings are already underway for a token amount of Rs 51,000. The new model, which replaces the e6 electric Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), will be available in six and seven-seater options.
Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, stated that just like the previous version. this model will cater to both the commercial and passenger market.
“The type of customers that we had for e6 were largely fleet customers. Around 65-70 percent of this model were fleet customers and the remaining ones were those who bought it for personal usage. We want to flip it to 70 percent personal use customers and the remaining 30 percent fleet buyers, said Chauhan
The new battery-powered Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) comes in two variants - Superior and Premium. While the Premium variant is offered with a 55.4 kWh battery pack with a range of 420 km, the Superior trim gets a larger 71.8 kWh unit that offers a range of 530 km per charge as per New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) tests.
“While we feel that a large portion of our eMAX 7 customers would be the personal use customers. However, fleet customers are also welcome with the same price, car, combination, etc. But that we feel that that should come as a bonus,” added Chuhan.
The Superior variant is capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds and the premium variant does the same in just 10.1 seconds. It also comes with a 7 kW AC charger. The e-MPV and supports fast charging up to 89 kW (Premium) and 115 kW (Superior) and has vehicle-to-load charging capability.
Without sharing any sales target for e MAX 7, Chauhan noted, “We sold 1,200 units of e6 last year and are expecting much more than that with this model. Whether it would be 2,400 units or 3,000 units, we are not sure.” He revealed that the company has already managed to book 400 units of this model.
The BYD eMax 7 get a larger 12.8-inch central touchscreen, a 3-spoke steering wheel, two wireless charging pads, 6 airbags, and a 360-degree camera. The Superior variant also gets Level 2 ADAS, a fixed panoramic glass roof, powered and ventilated front seats, frameless wipers, and roof rails.
Chauhan spoke if the company aims to take on other MPVs like Toyota Innova, Maruti Suzuki Invicto, Kia Carens, etc, Chauhan afformed that eMAX 7 will create its own segment.
He said: “There is no car in the market which is a six-seater as well as seven-seater, electric MPV. It is for customers to really choose from the other models and an electric option. It’s really about, not about how are we going take up the fight with the competition. It's about customers who have been given an electric option in the in full-size MPV segment.”
The e-MPV is available in four colour options: Quartz Blue, Harbour Grey, Crystal White and Cosmos Black and comes with an eight year / 1.6 lakh km battery warranty and an 8-year / 1.5 lakh motor warranty.
Meanwhile, BYD India is aiming to sell 3,500 units this calendar year. The Chinese carmaker, which also sells Atto3 e-SUV and Seal e-sedan, sold 2,500 units during 2023.
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