
BYD Tang belongs to new energy vehicles, which refer to cars that are registered with green new energy license plates. Taking the 2021 BYD Tang as an example, it is a mid-size SUV with the following dimensions: length 4870mm, width 1940mm, height 1720mm, and a wheelbase of 2820mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 68 liters and a curb weight of 1895kg. The 2021 BYD Tang features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 230PS, maximum torque of 350Nm, and maximum power of 169kW. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The BYD Tang comes in different versions, so you need to check the specific model. Its DM plug-in hybrid series uses a combination of an electric motor and an engine, capable of running purely on electricity for several dozen to a hundred kilometers. Such vehicles are classified as new energy vehicles under national policies, eligible for green license plates and tax exemptions. The pure electric version, EV, goes without saying—it doesn’t use any fuel at all. However, the earlier fuel-powered Tang models do not fall under the new energy category, relying entirely on the engine. Therefore, when purchasing, make sure to confirm the version—if you’re aiming for the benefits of new energy vehicles, don’t pick the wrong one. Additionally, the convenience of charging for new energy vehicles is crucial. If you have a home charging station, a plug-in hybrid can be very economical, as daily commutes may hardly require any fuel.

From my experience, the BYD Tang DM and EV versions are indeed considered new energy vehicles, as they can both be externally charged and have sufficient pure electric range for daily use. The DM technology is particularly distinctive, with the engine primarily charging the battery rather than directly driving the wheels, which helps reduce fuel consumption. However, the purely fuel-powered Tang is just a conventional gasoline car. The new energy versions have clear advantages in cities with driving restrictions, such as Shanghai, where they can save around 80,000 to 90,000 yuan in license plate fees. Maintenance costs are also lower compared to fuel-powered cars, given the simpler structure and lower failure rate of electric motors. That said, battery degradation in northern winters is a factor to consider, as low temperatures can reduce the pure electric range.

The BYD Tang depends on the specific powertrain type. The plug-in hybrid (DM) and pure electric (EV) versions belong to new energy vehicles, as they can both be driven by electricity and support charging. The gasoline version uses a traditional internal combustion engine. The biggest advantage of the new energy versions is their ultra-low fuel consumption in hybrid mode, with official data showing just 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers. In real-world driving, the EV version is quiet, smooth, and offers quick acceleration. For charging, it's recommended to install a home charging station. While fast charging at public stations is convenient, long-term use can harm the battery. With stable home voltage, charging during off-peak hours at night is extremely cost-effective, costing only a quarter of fueling a gasoline car.


