On Wednesday, The Nikkei reported that BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially launched its electric SUV, the Sea Lion 7, in the Japanese market.
The starting price is set at 4.95 million JPY (about 33,165 USD). This new model is strategically positioned to compete with Tesla’s Model Y—which was the world’s best-selling car in 2023—by offering a more competitive price point.
BYD aims to expand its market share in Japan by diversifying its lineup, and the Sea Lion 7 is BYD’s fourth model introduced to the Japanese market. By pricing it below the Model Y’s 5 million JPY (about 33,500 USD) range, BYD aims to make its vehicle more accessible to consumers.
With a driving range of 590 km, the Sea Lion 7 supports Japan’s CHAdeMO rapid charging standard, enhancing its practicality. The vehicle also features advanced safety technology, including a new system that detects driver drowsiness or inattention and issues warnings.
BYD’s sales in Japan for 2024 were limited to 2,221 units. In response, the company reduced prices on its flagship models on April 1 and introduced a new entry-level model, the Dolphin Baseline, priced at around 2 million JPY (about 13,400 USD).
Looking ahead, BYD plans to launch a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) by the end of 2025. The company is set to accelerate its Japanese market strategy with a diverse range of models at various price points.
