The Great Tang eSUV from BYD provides a 10-minute charging time and a range of 590 miles, with a starting price of $40,000.

      Spectacular specifications, record-breaking preorders, and not a single unit heading to the United States.

      BYD has just introduced the Great Tang, a full-size electric SUV that boasts the range similar to that of a conventional gasoline vehicle and requires only a slightly extended time to recharge.

      The company’s premier eSUV starts at approximately $35,500, making it a strong competitor against most American electric SUVs.

      What exactly do buyers get for $35,500?

      The Great Tang is available in both all-electric and plug-in hybrid variants.

      The entry-level Premium EV trim is priced at 239,900 yuan (around $35,500), equipped with a 105.79 kWh battery, providing a CLTC range of 497 miles. For those seeking additional flexibility, the Flagship EV trim, costing 269,900 yuan ($40,000), includes a larger 130.15 kWh battery with a CLTC range of 590 miles.

      As previously mentioned, the Great Tang’s charging time is only marginally longer than that of refueling a traditional vehicle, thanks to BYD’s 1,000-volt Flash Charging system. This high voltage allows the system to charge from 10% to 70% in five minutes and up to 97% in nine minutes.

      Power output ranges from 496 hp in a single-motor configuration to 784 hp in a dual-motor setup. The Great Tang comes equipped with a roof-mounted LiDAR and BYD’s God’s Eye B driver-assistance system, which includes features like highway autopilot and smart remote parking.

      What additional features does the eSUV provide?

      Inside, the Great Tang’s cabin features three screens across the dashboard. A display lowered from the ceiling is available for rear passengers, while the zero-gravity captain seats in the front and second row include heating, ventilation, and massage functions for enhanced comfort.

      BYD has also added a built-in cooler and folding tray tables for extra convenience. To put things into perspective, the Tesla Model X AWD offers a maximum EPA-estimated range of 352 miles and starts at $79,990; the Great Tang surpasses it in range by nearly 240 miles while being approximately $40,000 less expensive.

      And even if you might feel envious, BYD's new electric SUV is not making its way to the United States.

      Since BYD opened preorders in April, it has accumulated a total of 150,000 preorders, setting a new record for a single BYD model. This highlights the demand for competitively priced, feature-rich EVs as opposed to the pricier options available in the U.S.

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      Porsche’s 2027 Taycan features virtual E-Shift gears with actual paddle shifters to address a key issue in EV hardware.

      Although electric performance vehicles have become remarkably fast, especially for straight-line driving, they still have difficulty delivering the engaging experience of a traditional sports car—missing are the gear changes and physical sensations that make a sports car exciting. Porsche aims to remedy this with software, and the 2027 Taycan update represents a significant effort in this direction, introducing a system called E-Shift, which provides eight virtual gears controlled through paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

      China is set to implement new EV safety regulations, and the U.S. should take note.

      These regulations will require automakers to ensure that their vehicles can fail safely, rather than merely providing warnings before issues occur. Starting July 1, 2026, two new national standards will mandate enhanced battery safety features and a straightforward method for cutting high-voltage power in emergencies. Key concerns include battery fires, crash damage, smoke exposure, and rescue access following serious incidents, which cannot be overlooked by drivers, firefighters, insurers, and regulators.