Officially arriving in Europe last year, BYD is now well-established in the region, offering a wide range of electric cars, from the Dolphin to the Seal, as well as the Han and the Atto 3, among others. However, the Shenzhen-based manufacturer has no intention of stopping there.
A brand-new 100% electric utility vehicle.
Indeed, while the company is also preparing to bring its premium subsidiary Denza, which recently split from Mercedes, to Europe, it aims to invest in another segment. This time, it’s the utility vehicle market, which has seen a growing electric offering over the years. In fact, BYD already sells this type of vehicle in its home country, but now it has unveiled a model custom-designed for the European market.
This new vehicle made its public debut at the IAA Transportation Show, currently taking place in Hanover, Germany. Named the E-Vali, it is actually the second utility vehicle of its kind to arrive on the European market, joining the smaller ETP3, which is already available for purchase here. However, the two models are quite different, especially in terms of design, with the latest addition from the Chinese brand representing a significant leap forward.
And for good reason—the lines are very straight and almost a bit futuristic, especially on the front, which has a steeply sloping design. It’s complemented by horizontal LED headlights that incorporate the brand’s logo in the center. Naturally, being an electric vehicle, it features a full grille, while the windshield is particularly large. From the side, the unique body protection stands out, and the rear remains quite conventional, with 180-degree swing doors for easier loading.
According to *Car News China*, the vehicle is available in two different lengths, 6 or 7 meters, with respective wheelbases of 3.87 and 4.55 meters. The usable volume ranges from 13.9 m³ to 17.9 m³, and the payload capacity varies between 700 and 1,450 kilograms. The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is listed at 3.5 and 4.25 tons, respectively, meaning you’ll need a C or C1 license to drive the longer version.
Arriving on European roads in 2025
Inside the new BYD E-Vali, the design is conventional but very modern, featuring a large floating touchscreen with 4G connectivity and support for over-the-air (OTA) updates. This is paired with a digital instrument cluster, and the driving position includes an induction smartphone charger. There appears to be plenty of storage, with a refrigerated compartment and a removable tablet located in the center of the cabin.
