An electric car for less than 20,000 euros

The Chinese brand BYD aims to become the benchmark for affordable urban electric vehicles on the market with the commercial launch of the new Surf, an urban model with up to 156 hp of power and a range of up to 332 kilometers in the combined cycle approved WTLP with a price strategically positioned below 20,000 euros. The Surf aims to be more than just the eighth electric car that BYD has sold in Europe in the last three years, as this model aims to be the mainstay of the European commercial offensive and has its sights set on the Dacia Spring, the cheapest electric car on the market so far, and which has inferior performance and equipment to this new Chinese model.

The new BYD Surf has a base price for the entry-level model, called Active, of €19,990, which, if we take advantage of the various incentives, promotions, and institutional aid, can be as low as €11,780. However, this price is only possible by taking advantage of the promotional discounts of the MOVES III plan and commercial discounts subject to financing from the Chinese brand. Above this entry-level model, BYD will market a trim level called Boost, priced at €23,990 (€15,780 with discounts) and a higher trim level called Comfort, priced at €26,490 (€18,290 with discounts). But beyond the competitive prices, the Surf's great value is its decisive commitment to a car with good perceived quality, with the use of materials that are pleasant to the touch and a feeling of an aspirational car above its segment rivals.

The entry-level Active version offers 65 kW (88 hp conventional) and a 30 kWh battery capacity that allows a theoretical range of 220 kilometers in mixed use, rising to over 350 kilometers in urban use. This entry-level version already includes impressive equipment, including a digital instrument cluster, central touchscreen, lane change assist, rearview camera, and emergency braking system, for example.

The second trim level, called Boost, maintains the power of the base model but with a higher-capacity battery of 42.3 kWh, allowing a WLTP range of 322 kilometers in mixed use and more than 500 kilometers in urban use. It also includes details such as alloy wheels, rain sensors, and seats.

Finally, the Comfort version increases the electric motor's power to 115 kW (156 hp conventional) with the 42.3 kWh battery capacity, and promises acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, figures decent enough in the urban vehicle segment. It also features LED headlights, a 360° overhead camera, a wireless charger, and heated seats, among other features.