How does it compare?
BYD Qin Plus EV squares off with a trio of brawny, sedan-sized rivals: the Hyundai Ioniq Electric, Nissan Leaf e+, and the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Let’s veer into this comparison with a keen eye on range, velocity, oomph, plugging in, and wallet damage.
Range
The BYD Qin Plus EV flexes its more-than-decent muscles with a 610 km (379 miles) range, which is no small feat in the land of electrons. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric lags, trailing at 311 km (193 miles), suitable for urban escapades but no cross-country gallivants. The Nissan Leaf e+ sits somewhere in the middle with a respectable 364 km (226 miles), although it’s still not quite up to the Qin’s marathon runner status. Bringing up the rear is the Chevrolet Bolt EV, offering a decent 416 km (259 miles) but again falling short of the Qin Pluss beefy long hauls.
Acceleration
Gliding from nought to 100 km/h in a nippy 7.9 seconds, the BYD Qin Plus EV sits snugly in the sweet spot of performance. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric feels more leisurely, delivering the same in around a poky 9.9 seconds. The Nissan Leaf e+ hurries up slightly at 7.3 seconds, and it almost feels sprightly compared to its compatriots. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Bolt EV shoots off the line in a brisk 6.5 seconds, winning the speedster award here.
Power
The BYD Qin Plus EV is propelled by 204 horsepower (150 kW), which stokes a lively jaunt. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric lags with a mundane 136 hp (100 kW), while the Nissan Leaf e+ packs more of a punch with its 214 hp (160 kW). The Chevrolet Bolt EV again flexes its muscles with 200 hp (149 kW), keeping it robust in this round.
Charging Time
The BYD Qin Plus EV’s 72 kWh battery, while generous, means you’ll need to twiddle your thumbs for a beat, clocking in around 1 hour for a fast charge to 80%. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric does slightly better, fast charging in around 54 minutes to 80%. The Nissan Leaf e+ takes a more pedestrian 90 minutes. The Chevrolet Bolt EV equals the Qin Plus EV here, taking a similarly swift 60 minutes to reach 80%.
Price
When it comes to parting with your hard-earned cash, the BYD Qin Plus EV presents a temptingly modest figure of $18,900 (£15,500, €17,000). The Hyundai Ioniq Electric demands a loftier sum, usually tipping scales around $33,500 (£27,600, €30,200). The Nissan Leaf e+ also pinches the purse strings at roughly $32,000 (£26,400, €28,800). The Chevrolet Bolt EV commands a sturdy $31,000 (£25,600, €27,900), sitting firmly in the more premium band of the budget spectrum.

