Category: Technology

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) has been an exciting step forward, and spending the past 30 days driving the BYD Seal has been a journey of discovery. Covering more than 3,500 km, this experience has reshaped my perspective on EVs, their practicality, and the state of infrastructure in Malaysia.

I purchased the BYD Seal from Macinda EV, a BYD dealer in Kuantan. My sales agent, Ms Kalin, made the process smooth and efficient. She was incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and quick to address any concerns I had. It’s rare to find such outstanding service, and she made the transition to an EV much easier.

A Glimpse into the Future of Driving

What stood out immediately was the BYD Seal’s electronics and smart features. The seamless integration of the car with my phone and wearables has been a revelation. Controlling everything—whether unlocking the car, starting it, or monitoring its stats—feels like stepping into the future. The user-friendly system makes it clear that this is not just a car; it’s a smart device on wheels.

The car itself feels premium, a far cry from outdated stereotypes about Chinese products. BYD has proved that high quality can be affordable. The build is solid, the interior luxurious, and the performance impressive. The torque is exhilarating, and the confidence it gives when overtaking is unmatched. While I have a few complaints (more on that later), the overall package offers excellent value for money.

Planning Every Drive

However, driving an EV in Malaysia is all about planning. With the scarcity of EV chargers, even in a bustling city like Kuala Lumpur, charging requires forethought. Most chargers are still AC, meaning they take a long time to reach a useful level. While the EV landscape is improving, it’s far from ideal for spontaneous long drives.

The multitude of EV charger operators complicates things further. Each has its own app, making it necessary to juggle multiple platforms just to charge your car. This lack of standardisation is frustrating and adds unnecessary hassle. A recent trip highlighted another issue: poor telco coverage delayed my charging session because I couldn’t verify my identity or complete payment. It’s a reminder that EV charging isn’t just about having chargers; the surrounding infrastructure matters just as much.

The Infotainment Could Be Better

One area where BYD could improve is the infotainment system. Built on an Android platform, the interface feels very basic. The fonts, menus, and overall graphics are stock-standard and lack the polish expected from a car of this calibre. It’s an area that feels overlooked in an otherwise premium vehicle.

I’m also not a fan of the rotating screen. While it’s a unique feature, I’d prefer a screen tilted slightly towards the driver for better visibility and ease of use. The rotation adds novelty but doesn’t necessarily enhance functionality, especially when focusing on driving.

The Dashcam Dilemma

One surprising omission in the BYD Seal is the lack of a built-in dashcam. While BYD offers an upgrade to a front-view camera for an additional RM700, I opted to install my own two-channel camera for both the front and back. For those considering a similar route, note that the car’s fuse system uses Micro 2 type fuses, so you’ll need the appropriate tap cable and extra fuses for installation. Alternatively, the BYD camera is a good option if you prefer a sleek, hidden design.

It’s worth noting that newer BYD models, like the Sealion, come with better sensors akin to Tesla’s, improving safety and functionality significantly.

The Technical Details

One aspect that could use improvement is the onboard charger, which is capped at 7 kW. While I’ve opted for a 22 kW wallbox at home, it’s more of an investment for the future than a practical solution today, given the car’s current limitations. For a vehicle as advanced as the BYD Seal, a more robust onboard charger would have been appreciated.

No Going Back

Despite these challenges, driving an EV has been a transformative experience. The smoothness, quietness, and overall driving pleasure are unmatched by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Once you experience the immediacy and efficiency of an EV, it’s hard to go back. That said, practicality remains a concern, and for now, I still see the need to keep an ICE car as a backup for longer or more unpredictable journeys.

The Verdict

The BYD Seal has delivered far more than I expected, combining premium quality, smart features, and impressive performance at a reasonable price. While Malaysia’s EV infrastructure still has a long way to go, this car proves that EVs are not just the future—they’re the present.

If you’re in Kuantan and considering making the switch to an EV, I highly recommend Ms Kalin at Macinda EV. Her excellent service ensures a hassle-free experience. Additionally, if you’re exploring options, the new BYD Sealion 7 with its impressive 22 kW AC onboard charging capacity, Tesla-like sensors, and better infotainment is a great choice to consider. As the EV ecosystem evolves, the possibilities only grow more exciting.