BYD Seal Running Costs UK 2026
RWD Extended Range
Last updated: July 2026
Cost per mile
6.9p
home 26.1p/kWh
Annual (10k mi)
£965
80% home
Real-world range
280 mi
WLTP: 354 mi
Peak DC charge
150kW
CCS
The BYD Seal is BYD's Tesla Model 3 rival — and it's a credible one. Launched in the UK in 2024, it undercuts the Model 3 by approximately £1,500 while offering a larger battery, longer WLTP range, and similar real-world efficiency. Interior quality has been a pleasant surprise for a brand still building its UK reputation.
Running costs: BYD Seal
At 3.8 miles per kWh, the Seal costs approximately 6.9p per mile on the current home tariff — close to the Model 3's 6.4p but with a lower purchase price. At 10,000 miles the annual electricity cost is around £965 with 80% home charging. Against a BMW 3 Series 320i at 40 MPG (17.4p per mile at July 2026 prices), the Seal saves approximately £1,060 per year — a compelling economic case at its price point.
| Annual mileage | 100% home (26.1p) | 80% home / 20% public | 50/50 split |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 miles | £549 | £772 | £1106 |
| 10,000 miles | £687 | £965 | £1383 |
| 12,000 miles | £824 | £1158 | £1659 |
| 15,000 miles | £1030 | £1448 | £2074 |
| 20,000 miles | £1374 | £1931 | £2766 |
Public charging rate: 79p/kWh. Costs calculated on real-world efficiency of 3.8 mi/kWh.
Charging
150kW peak DC charging — faster than the Atto 3 but slower than the Model 3's 170kW or the Korean 800V competition at 220kW. For most UK drivers this is entirely adequate; the range means fewer charging stops and 150kW adds around 100 miles of range in 20 minutes.
Battery capacity
82.56 kWh
Peak DC charge
150kW
Charge port
CCS (DC) / Type 2 (AC)
Efficiency
3.8 mi/kWh
Key fact
The BYD Seal costs approximately £1,500 less than the Tesla Model 3 at launch, while offering a larger battery and longer WLTP range.
Who is the Seal best suited for?
Best for
- ✓Those comparing against Tesla Model 3 on value
- ✓Saloon body style preference with competitive running costs
- ✓High mileage drivers wanting range security
Less ideal for
- !Brand confidence priority buyers (BYD is still building UK reputation)
- !Those who want CCS rapid charging at 200kW+ on motorway routes
- !Anyone prioritising resale value (unproven long-term in UK market
Compare against your current car
Enter your mileage, charging habits, and fuel cost to see exactly what switching to the Seal would save you.
Calculate your savingMaximize Your EV Savings
Motoring experts recommend checking these three high-value offers to lock in the lowest cost of ownership.
Intelligent Octopus EV Tariff
Charge your BYD Seal at the UK's lowest overnight rate of 7p/kWh.
- Save up to £800/yr vs standard rates
- Automatic smart home charging
- 100% green energy certification
Smart Home Charger Installation
Standard professional installation quote from £899 (Ohme, Pod Point, Hypervolt).
- Fast 7kW charging (3x vs wall socket)
- Lock, schedule & monitor via smartphone
- OZEV homeowner grant checker
EV Salary Sacrifice Lease
Lease a BYD Seal directly from pre-tax gross salary and save up to 45%.
- Zero upfront deposit required
- Includes insurance, road tax & servicing
- Locked 2% BiK company car rate
Seal head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does the BYD Seal cost per mile in the UK?
At a standard home tariff of 26.1p/kWh (the Ofgem price cap rate for July–September 2026), the BYD Seal costs approximately 6.9p per mile. On an overnight EV tariff at 7p/kWh, this drops to 1.8p per mile.
What is the real-world range of the BYD Seal?
The BYD Seal has a real-world range of approximately 280 miles in typical UK mixed driving conditions. The official WLTP figure is 354 miles, which is measured under standardised test conditions and is typically higher than real-world performance.
How fast does the BYD Seal charge?
The BYD Seal supports up to 150kW DC fast charging via CCS (DC) / Type 2 (AC). AC home charging is also supported. The charge time from 10–80% varies depending on the available charger speed.
How much does it cost to run a BYD Seal per year in the UK?
At 10,000 miles per year and 80% home charging (26.1p/kWh) with 20% public charging (79p/kWh), the BYD Seal costs approximately £965 per year in electricity.