Before anything, it’s pronounced “chin.” It’s not “kyu-in.” It’s “chin,” as in the mighty Qin dynasty from China. A name like that is primed to conquer and it might just do that. The BYD Qin, China’s most popular electric hybrid made its way to the Philippines after a grand launch at the Manila International Auto Show 2015 last April 10. With the scarcity of electric vehicles in the country, it can make one wonder how BYD can even drive a hybrid into our showrooms. But BYD stands for “Build Your Dreams.” With the arrival of the Qin, BYD is going to take a crack at fulfilling the dream of an all-electric Philippines.
While in hybrid mode, the BYD Qin boasts a powerful 300hp, impressive for a hybrid vehicle. In this powerful mode, the Qin can go from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds. With horsepower like that, it can stand toe-to-toe with the heavy-hitter fuel consuming vehicles today. The 1.5-liter fuel engine itself only powers out a 152hp and 240Nm of torque. But the 148hp/250Nm permanent magnet synchronous electromotor causes that number to almost double when it works hand-in-hand with the fuel engine. Running on pure EV can reach a maximum 150kph. These two engines give drivers a total of three different modes to choose from: pure fuel, hybrid, or pure EV. Fuel consumption is also through the roof. Because of its hybrid capabilities, a liter can go for 50 km.
Besides the heavyweight drivetrain, the BYD Qin is equipped with standard disc front and rear brakes, MacPherson/torsion suspensions, and 205/50R-17 tires. Where the Qin also excels are the vast safety features and accessories it comes with. It’s equipped with ten airbags (front, front seat mounted, rear seat mounted, front knee, front and rear side curtains). Also, the side mirrors electronically fold and are equipped with a camera and a welcoming light. There is also a 360-degree parking assist view which makes use of all cameras for an accurate park. The car can be partially controlled with the remote in the key fob.
For accessories, the infotainment system is complete with an 8-inch touch screen monitor which can play AM/FM, DVD, AUX, USB, SD, and Bluetooth. It’s also equipped with a navigation system and a traffic computer control system. It all goes through a 5.1 channel DTS hi-fi sound system with 11 speakers. This system also integrates with the multi-functional steering wheel. For those who love the cold, its dual zone air conditioning system can be controlled from the back seat arm rest. If it’s too cold, there’s a sunroof for your convenience.
The Qin can be charged through a home charging station which will charge the car for three and a half hours. Besides that, charging can also be done using the mobile adapter which can be plugged into any 220V outlet. It’ll be on charge longer, but you can practically plug it into any outlet you chance upon. I hope it doesn’t kill electricity bills.
Electric vehicles don’t have a foothold over the motoring industry here yet, but BYD is making that sound so appealing. With its attractive exterior and beastly drivetrain, the Qin may change the way the Philippines thinks about alternative fuels. The electric car movement can’t come fast enough.
