Europcar Mobility Group UK has added the BYD Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to its growing electric fleet.

The five-seater D-segment SUV is the Chinese electric car giant’s first in Europe to use its ‘Super DM Technology’ plug-in hybrid system and offers an electric-only range of 78 miles and a combined range with the petrol engine of up to 700 miles, providing a stepping stone to fully electric motoring.

Tom Middleditch, head of electric mobility at Europcar, said: “The BYD Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid SUV is a great way for motorists to test out electric driving, whilst having the reassurance of a petrol engine to remove any range anxiety. We were keen to add the BYD Seal U DM-i to the Europcar fleet because it offers convenience for both business and leisure travellers.”

The battery, which has a capacity of up to 26.6kWh, can be charged from 30%-80% in as little as 35 minutes, or 15%-100% on a 11kW home charger in 120 minutes.

The Seal U also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, enabling drivers to power a laptop for work on the go, or even electric BBQs and kettles on a family camping trip. It also comes with a spacious interior plus a high level of equipment that includes 360-degree parking cameras, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, digital driver’s display, head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control with steering assistance.

It’s available as part of Europcar’s new Flex Model Choice service, enabling organisations to select this specific model for Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) and cost certainty.

Flex Model Choice gives businesses the flexibility of rental with the vehicle model certainty of leasing. Specific makes and models from Europcar’s BEV and PHEV fleet, including the BYD Seal U, can be booked for rental for a minimum of three months at a fixed monthly rate, enabling employers to accurately allocate vehicles and forecast BiK tax expenses.

Tom Middleditch added: “At Europcar we are investing in a wide range of vehicles to ensure we have something for every driver and every journey. Growing our fleet of low-and zero-tailpipe emission vehicle options helps our customers get first-hand experience of electric motoring without having to make a long-term financial commitment. And, crucially, as part of Flex Model Choice, businesses can book a specific make and model of electric vehicle, making it ideal for salary sacrifice schemes where the BiK needs to be forecast accurately.”