The BYD SEAL which was launched in February is characteristic of the change that Electric Vehicle (EV) technology is stamping on combustion car design.
Video source by BYD Global
Chassis design is evolving from heavy combustion engines in the front of the car to a heavy battery pack in the floor of the middle part of the car.
The SEAL is BYD’s first model to use what is called a cell-to-body technology where the battery housing is a load carrying module of the monocoque chassis.
Another new revolution of EVs is how torque allocation is achieved. EV’s use electric motors which are essentially coils of copper. Electrical motors have instant torque and ability to spin up to 15,000 rpm, they are the ideal gearbox and eliminate the need for mechanical gearboxes.
It used to be that because of the high extra costs of differentials to limit the slip on front and rear axles, only premium high-end performance cars would feature LSD gearboxes.
Not so with EVs. Any EV should have torque sensing of wheels as a normal feature.
BYD calls its EV torque sensing system as iTAC technology, standing for Intelligent Torque Allocation Control. This is complemented with a 50:50 front and rear load distribution that every chassis designer yearns to achieve.
It is a proprietary technology developed by BYD (Build Your Dreams officially, and historically “Bring Your Dollar” in those days when BYD only made handphone and laptop batteries) for electric vehicles to optimize driving dynamics and improve overall performance.
The principle behind torque allocation control is to effectively distribute torque to individual wheels based on various factors such as driving conditions, vehicle dynamics, battery status, and road surface conditions.
The iTAC system uses torque sensing technology to improve vehicle stability; traction control systems to monitor wheel speed, acceleration, and other parameters to adjust torque distribution to the wheels for optimal driving performance and safety.
This type of technology helps improve traction, handling, stability, and overall driving dynamics of EVs.
BYD SEAL’s e-Platform 3.0 is said to be the first mass-produced 8-in-1 electric powertrain system which optimises space utilisation and energy efficiency, while the heat pump system enhances thermal efficiency and reduces energy loss across a wide temperature range.
The BYD SEAL stands as the first model to embrace a rear-wheel-drive architecture, symbolising its commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in EV engineering for more precise handling.
For insights into the SEAL design, look no further than BYD’s Global Chief Designer, Wolfgang Egger:
- Audi: Egger served as the Head of Audi Group Design from 2007 to 2013.
- Alfa Romeo: Egger also worked as the Head of Design at Alfa Romeo, where he contributed to the design of Alfa Romeo vehicles, including the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta.
- Giugiaro: Before his roles at Audi and Alfa Romeo, Egger worked with renowned automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign Giugiaro, where he gained valuable experience and insights into automotive design.
Throughout his career, Wolfgang Egger has collaborated with talented designers, engineers, and industry professionals, contributing to the
The latest model, inspired by the “X” concept, combines style and performance with
its aerodynamic, coupe-like design, boosting both appeal and efficiency.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, so check out the SEAL yourself in life at BYD showrooms or hopefully at the Malaysia Motor Expo 8-9 June at KLCC.
For safety, the BYD SEAL received a five-star safety rating from ANCAP’s latest 2023-25 testing criteria.
The BYD SEAL is available in RWD Premium and Performance AWD variants, with
prices starting from RM179,800 and RM199,800.
The Tesla Model 3 Standard range starts from RM199,000. Is this a price category or not? Let’s see who gets to be voted the EV of the Year in the Malaysia Car of the Year contest in November 2024.
The warranty package is impressive. It includes a 6-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, an 8-
year or 160,000km battery warranty, an 8-year or 150,000km
warranty on its drive unit.
For more information, browse at http://byd.simedarbymotors.my/ or follow
www.facebook.com/BYDCarsMalaysia or www.instagram.com/bydcarsmalaysia/.
For enquiries, contact the Customer Care number at 1300-38-1888.
