The T3 pure electric commercial logistics minivan. BYD claims by using its cutting-edge EV tech, a single T3 MPV or T3 minivan can save the fuel consumption and emissions equivalent to 5 passenger car

The full-electric T3 MPV takes 90 minutes for a full charge using DC charging equipment but can also take standard AC chargers. Once fully charged, both MPV and Minivan models can travel up to 300km.

BYD (Build Your Dreams) India, a subsidiary of BYD Group, China, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker, has entered India’s pure electric van segment with the introduction of two new pure EVs – T3 pure electric passenger MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) and T3 pure electric commercial logistics minivan.

“In the past few years, with the support of the Indian government and our local partners, BYD has realised the local design, R&D, manufacturing of electric buses in India, and established battery manufacturing facilities here. We are also the first OEM in the country to export e-buses to overseas markets from India. Our pure electric buses have cemented their position as a market leader in the Indian e-bus segment,” said Liu Xueliang, Managing Director of BYD India.

“Seeing the huge potential of India’s EV market, BYD is responding to the Indian government’s call to promote the local market and make India a global hub for EVs, and so today we are proud to announce that BYD is moving toward its next step in India. We are delighted to launch the all-new pure electric T3 MPV and T3 minivan for the Indian market and are confident that our products will set a benchmark in India’s electric van segment. We always strive to bring the most advanced and cleanest technology into the Indian market and better serve our local customers,” he added.

“At this early stage, we are going to focus on creating a more efficient, more reliable B2B and electric public transportation sector,” said Ketsu Zhang, Executive Director of BYD India. “We will also gradually look at increasing investment and manufacturing electric vans locally, according to Indian market demand and government policies.”

Proprietory battery technology for both vehicles

The T3 MPV and T3 minivan models adopt BYD’s proprietary battery technology, whose safety, reliability and lifecycle are proven by the company’s 11-year track record of EV operation as well as its global EV footprint.

According to BYD, the vehicles offer the best configuration and features available in the market, including keyless entry, push-button start, a music system with Bluetooth connectivity, reverse parking camera and sensors, and well-designed space for cargo storage or passengers. The vehicles are equipped with automatic transmission, which makes them among the most easily operable vehicles.

Both models also come with advanced safety features like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electric Parking System (EPB), Brake Override System (BOS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and more. The regenerative braking system helps to improve range and save energy, while the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus communication system provides smart management and maintenance.

BYD claims that compared to a traditional fuel minivan, the T3 MPV and T3 minivan can effectively reduce the cost of urban logistics distribution. Adopting BYD’s cutting-edge technology, one single T3 MPV or T3 minivan can save the fuel consumption and emissions equivalent to 5 passenger cars. Both models require only an hour-and-a-half hours to fully charge using DC charging equipment, and both also support standard AC chargers. Once fully charged, both models can travel up to 300km.

In addition, BYD is now actively seeking local Indian partners for the the electric van product series.

BYD India was set up in March 2007 in Chennai and New Delhi. The Indian subsidiary has two factories, covering more than 140,000 square metres, with a cumulative investment of over US$150 million (Rs 1,080 crore). The business covers mobile components, solar panels, battery energy storage, electric buses, electric trucks, electric forklifts, chargers, rail transit, and more, also providing customers with product solutions and related after-sales services.

BYD’s India branch has gradually developed into the group's South Asia regional headquarters, realising the group's localisation strategy in South Asia. With local partners, the Indian branch has successfully piloted pure e-buses in Bangalore, Rajkot, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Cochin, Chandigarh, Vijayawada, Manali, Mumbai, Surat, and other cities. At present, BYD says it has a 52 percent market share of e-buses commercially operating in India.