BYD Launches Affordable Electric Sedan, Directly Competing with Tesla’s Model 3
- THE CHINA NOW
- Mar 24
- 2 min read

Summary
BYD has launched the Qin L, an electric sedan priced at approximately US$16,500, which directly competes with Tesla’s Model 3, priced at US$35,000.
The Qin L offers a range of 545km, compared to the Model 3’s 634km, and both vehicles feature advanced self-driving software and digital cockpits.
The launch comes at a time when Tesla's sales in China have been declining, with a 51.5% drop in February.
BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle maker, has unveiled its new sedan, the Qin L, aimed at rivaling Tesla’s Model 3 in the highly competitive Chinese market. Priced at just 119,800 yuan (approximately US$16,500), the Qin L offers a compelling alternative to Tesla’s top-selling model, which starts at 235,500 yuan. The launch of this vehicle is expected to significantly challenge Tesla’s position in China, where its sales have been steadily declining.