BYD's YangWang U8 launched, can float on water for 30 minutes and sail 3km/h

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

BYD’s new YangWang U8, a 4‑ton luxury hybrid SUV that can briefly float and move in water, is prompting wider debate over Chinese automakers’ rapid rise in electric and plug‑in hybrid sales. Commenters contrast BYD’s strategy of selling everything from very cheap EVs to high‑end tech-laden SUVs with Tesla’s more premium focus, raising questions about safety standards, IP copying, labor practices, and how protectionism and subsidies shape global competition. Many also criticize the environmental impact and practicality of such oversized vehicles even as climate change makes flood‑resilient transport more attractive.

BYD vs. Tesla Market Position

  • BYD has reportedly surpassed Tesla in global EV sales by late 2023, especially in Q4; some note totals include very cheap models and (historically) hybrids.
  • Others point out Tesla still sold more pure BEVs over the full year and earns more profit per vehicle.
  • Debate over whether being “#2 but very profitable” is a failure; some argue Musk personally wants volume leadership.

Chinese EVs: Quality, Safety, and IP

  • Several comments allege past BYD models were near-clones of Western cars and question the company’s integrity and safety.
  • Counterpoints: the cited rip‑off example is a tiny‑volume 2000s model; many automakers (including Japanese and Korean) started with derivative designs.
  • Concerns raised about Chinese EV safety, reliability, and potentially inflated domestic sales numbers; links mention fires and “ghost” deliveries.
  • Others report positive experiences with BYD taxis, public contracts, and retail sales in Europe, Latin America, Oceania, and Japan.

Labor, Regulations, and Nordic Markets

  • Tesla’s conflict with Swedish unions is cited as an example of not adapting to local norms; others respond that Tesla sales there are still rising.
  • Multiple people incorrectly assert BYD is Sweden’s top EV seller; others provide stats showing Tesla and VW far ahead, with BYD smaller but fast‑growing.
  • Discussion over how unions and solidarity actions in Sweden/Norway can constrain non‑union firms.

Design, Weight, and Efficiency

  • The U8 is criticized for extreme weight (~4 tons), modest total range for a large battery plus 75L tank, and potential licensing limits in Europe.
  • Lengthy back‑and‑forth compares plug‑in hybrid efficiency vs. a Volvo PHEV; consensus: U8 is heavy and less energy‑efficient, but EV‑only range is much longer.

Floating and “Tank Turn” Features

  • Floating for 30 minutes at ~3 km/h is seen as a niche emergency feature; skepticism about real‑world usefulness, especially in fast currents or wind.
  • Some note possible value in flood‑prone Chinese cities; others worry it will encourage risky behavior in floods.
  • The 360° “tank turn” is criticized for shredding tires and damaging trails; comparisons made to Rivian shelving a similar feature.

Environmental and Societal Concerns

  • Many dislike another gigantic luxury SUV, calling it environmentally and socially harmful; fear of “tanks” dominating roads.
  • Others see it as just another entrant in the high‑end SUV market that will mostly live in cities and rarely go off‑road.

Broader Industry Dynamics

  • Several see Chinese EV makers rapidly gaining ground globally while US/legacy automakers clung to gas trucks and delayed EVs.
  • Some expect political barriers or tariffs to keep Chinese cars largely out of the US, while Europe and other regions see rising Chinese market share.