Specifications
The BYD e6 is a unique vehicle, designed to a specification unlike any other electric car of its era. Rather than targeting the consumer market, BYD engineered the e6 from the ground up for commercial taxi operation: a vehicle capable of covering up to 100,000 km per year, fast-charged daily, and operating continuously in demanding conditions. The result was an oversized lithium iron phosphate battery, a robust drivetrain, and a thermal management system built for longevity rather than peak performance. Understanding this origin explains much about how the e6 behaves and what it needs to stay in good health.
The following specifications cover the Generation 1 BYD e6 as sold in New Zealand and Australia (2014–2020 model years). Where specifications differ between variants, notes are provided. The vehicles in this region are predominantly the Singapore HDT specification.
| Specification | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | ||
| Motor type | Three-phase AC permanent magnet | All variants |
| Peak power | ~90 kW | All variants |
| Peak torque | 450 Nm | All variants; available from 0 rpm |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | All variants; motor mounted at front axle |
| Transmission | Single-speed fixed reduction | All variants; no gearbox |
| Battery | ||
| Chemistry | Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) | All variants; known for thermal stability, long cycle life, and inherent safety |
| Capacity | 61 kWh | 2014–2015 models only |
| Capacity | 82 kWh | 2016–2020 models; the larger pack used in the majority of NZ and Australian cars |
| Cell count | 96 cells | All variants; arranged across 10 modules |
| Module count | 10 modules | All variants; modules vary in cell configuration: 4S, 6S, 8S, and 12S arrangements |
| BMS architecture | Distributed BMS | BYD proprietary system; each module has its own Battery Interface Controller (BIC) for module-level monitoring and balancing, managed by a central BMS unit located in the boot |
| Cell voltage | 3.0 V nominal | All variants; 2.5 V fully discharged, 3.5 V fully charged |
| Pack voltage | 300 V nominal | All variants; 96 cells × 3.0 V |
| Thermal management | Air-cooled | All vehicles produced to December 2016 |
| Thermal management | Liquid-cooled | Vehicles produced from January 2017 onwards; improved performance and longevity in demanding conditions |
| Range & Performance | ||
| Range | ~300 km | 61 kWh models (2014–2015); real-world range varies with speed, load, and climate |
| Range | ~400 km | 82 kWh models (2016–2020); real-world range varies with speed, load, and climate |
| Charging | ||
| AC charging | Up to 43 kW | All variants; three-phase AC charging via onboard charger |
| AC connector | Type 2 (Mennekes) | NZ and Australian vehicles (Singapore HDT spec); compatible with most public chargers in NZ and Australia |
| DC charging | Not fitted | NZ and Australian vehicles are AC charging only; no DC fast-charge capability |
| China-market DC | Up to 50 kW (GB/T) | China-specification vehicles only; fitted with GB/T DC port in addition to AC charging. Not present on Singapore HDT variants. |
| Vehicle to Load (V2L) | 4.5 kW single-phase | Allows the vehicle to power external devices and appliances |
| Vehicle to Load (V2L) | Three-phase | Three-phase V2L output capacity not confirmed |
| Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) | Capable | Output capacity not confirmed |
| Safety | ||
| Stability control | Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Bosch system; all variants |
| Braking | ABS | Bosch system; all variants |
| General | ||
| Body style | 5-door MPV / hatchback | All variants |
| Seating | 5 | All variants |
| Steering | Right-hand drive | All NZ and Australian vehicles are RHD (Singapore HDT specification). Approximately 2,000 RHD e6s were ever produced. |
| Power steering | Electro-hydraulic (EHPS) | All variants |
| Model years | 2014–2020 | Generation 1; covered by this site |