BYD Yuan Plus: review of an electric crossover for the city and the highway

Chinese electric cars have long ceased to be a novelty in Ukraine. But some of them can still pleasantly surprise even an experienced driver. BYD Yuan Plus is one of them. This is not just another electric crossover, but a model that tries to combine practicality, design, modern technology, and a price that does not break out in a cold sweat. In this review, we'll find out what makes the Yuan Plus tick, what it offers, and who it's for.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

Design that doesn't hide among the rest

Yuan Plus has a clear emphasis on identity. The front end is aggressive and futuristic, with narrow LED optics that resemble sharp blades. There's no radiator grille - instead, there's a glossy black streamlined bumper with decorative elements that visually resemble air intakes.

The body has a distinctive profile with flowing lines and sporty accents. The rear end looks striking thanks to a one-piece light bar that creates a very recognisable silhouette in the dark. Add a spoiler and embossed metallic inserts and you have a crossover that looks more expensive than it costs.

Model dimensions:

• Length: 4455 mm
• Width: 1875 mm
• Height: 1615 mm
• Ground clearance: 170 mm
• Wheelbase: 2720 mm

There is a lot of space in the cabin - even tall passengers will not rest their knees on the front seats.

Tasteful interior

BYD took a non-standard approach to interior design. Everything here is different from what is usual in the budget segment: an interior that combines youthful eccentricity with premium elements. Door pockets with cords resembling guitar strings, a panel with a wavy texture, handles with speakers inside - everything looks unconventional, sometimes even provocative.

The centrepiece is a 12.8-inch multimedia display that can be rotated from horizontal to vertical. All of this is part of the proprietary DiLink 4.0 system, which includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, navigation and even voice control.

The finish is pleasing: soft plastic, two-tone eco-leather with perforations, minimal gloss. Everything looks put together, without the effect of a "cheap showroom".

Ergonomics and comfort for everyday driving

The front seats are sporty and electrically adjustable (for the driver), allowing you to adjust to any height. The steering wheel is adjustable in height and reach, albeit mechanically. Rear passengers do not have the option of changing the backrest angle, but sitting in the standard position is comfortable. The floor is absolutely flat, which will be especially appreciated by passengers in the centre.

Convenient little things in the cabin:

• Wireless charging under the centre console
• USB ports, microSD, 12V socket
• Armrest between the front seats
• Three additional pockets on the backs of the front seats
• Ventilation deflectors for the second row

But there are also disadvantages: there are no heated seats and steering wheel - even in the top trims. For Ukraine, this is a significant drawback, given our winters.

Boot space and conversion options

As standard, the boot has around 500 litres of space. The rear seat backrests fold down to allow you to carry longer items. There is an organiser with a repair kit, a charger and mesh niches for small items under the raised floor.

There are two options for shelf positioning:

• High - for easy access and even loading
• Low - to accommodate something larger

There is no compact "spare" - only a repair kit.

Performance, battery types and charging options

BYD Yuan Plus does not try to impress with speed at the level of sports electric vehicles, but it shows quite pleasant dynamics for its class. Under the hood is a synchronous electric motor with a capacity of 203 hp (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 7.3 seconds. This is more than enough for a crossover with no pretensions to sport - the car starts confidently from traffic lights, quickly gains speed in the city and does not lag behind on the highway.

The top speed is limited to 160 km/h, which is suitable for both daily commuting and comfortable driving on motorways or expressways.

Battery selection

Yuan Plus is available with two traction battery options:

• 50 kWhA more affordable version with an estimated range of up to 430 km based on the outdated but popular NEDC cycle in China. In real-world conditions, this is approximately 350-370 km, depending on driving style, temperature and road terrain.
• 60 kWhThe older battery allows you to cover up to 510 km on a single charge on the NEDC. In real life, this is approximately 400-420 km.

In each case, the Blade Battery is used, a BYD proprietary design known for its enhanced safety and durability. This is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that can withstand more than 3000 charging and discharging cycles without significant capacity loss. Such batteries are now considered one of the most reliable for electric vehicles that are actively used on a daily basis.

How to charge BYD Yuan Plus

The car supports two main types of charging - slow alternating current (AC) and fast direct current (DC).

Fast charging (DC):

• The 80% can be recharged in 30 minutes - enough time to hit the road after a quick coffee or snack.
• Suitable for charging stations with a capacity of 80 to 150 kW.

Slow charging (AC):

• A full charge takes about 8-9 hours via a home station or public AC terminal.
• Ideal for overnight charging at home - put it on charge in the evening, and the car is completely ready in the morning.

A heat pump is a useful addition.

This component comes as standard and can significantly reduce heating energy consumption in winter. During the cold season, it can save up to 20% of energy compared to conventional electric heaters.

Efficiency in real-world conditions

It is important to understand that the declared NEDC range is not the same as the WLTP or in real Ukrainian conditions. If you turn on the heating, air conditioning, use mountainous or difficult roads in winter, you can expect about 75-80% of the theoretical maximum. And even so, Yuan Plus remains competitive: with a real range of 350-420 km, it is quite suitable for both the city and for trips of 200-300 km one way without an additional stop.

Level of equipment by configuration

Yuan Plus is available in five configurations. The difference is not only in the battery, but also in the level of "stuffing".

Already in the database:

• Cruise control
• Rear view camera
• Keyless access and start-up
• Electric folding mirrors

In medium and older versions:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Recognising road signs
• In-lane containment systems
• Panoramic roof
• 360° camera, parking sensors
• Dirac audio system
• Reversing assistance
• Automatic parking
• Electric tailgate

Security systems

The car received 5 stars in the Euro NCAP and ANCAP crash tests. The cabin has 7 airbags, including side and driver's knee airbags.

Basic electronic assistants:

• Automatic braking
• Collision warning
• Control of blind spots
• Reversing assistance system
• In-lane containment system
• Stop-and-Go adaptive cruise control
• Tyre pressure monitoring

General pros and cons

As with any car, the BYD Yuan Plus has its strengths and moments that could be better. It's not a perfect electric car, but it has a lot of pleasant surprises, especially when you consider its price and positioning. Here's what's really worth highlighting.

What I liked:

• Very spacious interior
• Unique, recognisable design
• Decent dynamics
• A complete set of electronics already from the base
• Good power reserve even in the "younger" version

Which was disappointing:

• No heated seats and steering wheel
• Lack of a spare wheel
• Interior design is for amateurs

Overall, the BYD Yuan Plus gives the impression of a balanced car with a nice set of features. If you can put up with the shortcomings, everything else is on par.

Who is this car for?

The Yuan Plus is the choice for those who want an electric crossover with character, but aren't ready to overpay for a European badge. It's great for the city, can withstand a country trip, and knows how to keep up with the flow. Yes, some things in it are "out of the canon", but that's the point: this is a car for those who are tired of the same solutions and want something fresh and informal.

Charging infrastructure for BYD Yuan Plus from ECOFACTOR 

At ECOFACTOR, we work to make driving an electric car in Ukraine convenient and predictable. And if you are already looking at a BYD Yuan Plus or a similar electric crossover, you are most likely thinking not only about the range, but also about where and how to charge it. We have created a comprehensive ecosystem of charging infrastructure to meet these needs.

Our charging stations: selection, production and service

Here you will find charging stations AC and DC power systems of various capacities - from mobile solutions for homes to powerful DC stations up to 420 kW for business or public use. We design, develop and manufacture equipment in-house in accordance with industry technical standards. And for commercial customers, we offer a full range of services: from installation and maintenance to technical support.

Each station is compatible with electric vehicles such as Yuan Plus, supports standard connectors and ensures stable operation in Ukrainian conditions. 

Mobile application and map of charging stations

To make it easy for drivers to plan their charging, we have created the ECOFACTOR EV Charging mobile app. It allows you to find the nearest charging points on an interactive map, track the status of the charging session, see the level of station occupancy, and even pay for the charge in a few clicks. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Map of charging stations is updated in real time, and its functionality is convenient both for daily trips around the city and for long-distance routes - for example, if you plan to ride Yuan Plus outside the region.

Everything for charging - in our online store

In addition to charging stationsWe also offer a wide range of related equipment in our online store. In the catalogue you can find cables and adapters for different standards, holders, adapters, RFID cards and other accessories that make it easier to use an electric vehicle on a daily basis. Everything is available online, with delivery across Ukraine.

For the BYD Yuan Plus, which supports the Type 2 standard, we have all the necessary cables for home or public charging, as well as adapters for connecting to non-standard power sources.

Platform for operators: for those who want more

If you are a business planning to deploy a network of charging stations, we have a separate solution. Our SaaS platform allows you to manage your charging network: set tariffs, monitor energy consumption, add new stations and generate reports. We already cooperate with more than 500 operators in Ukraine and abroad, and our platform is available in 11 countries in Europe and Central Asia.

Conclusions.

The BYD Yuan Plus gives the impression of a well-thought-out, recognisable and quite practical electric vehicle that doesn't just try to fit in with the trend, but actually offers something of its own. It's not perfect, but it's definitely not boring. A spacious interior, decent dynamics, a real range and an adequate level of equipment make the Yuan Plus an attractive option for those looking for their first electric car or simply wanting to "jump on the bandwagon".

Yes, there are nuances: there are no heated seats, the spare tires and the interior are a bit for amateurs. But in general, the car has more advantages than disadvantages. And if you combine it with a well-thought-out charging infrastructure, such as the one we have at ECOFACTOR, it is no longer just a car, but a part of a working everyday mobility scenario.

Frequently asked questions