BYD announces world’s first production car with 5G network support

Chinese car marque BYD intends to make its Han sedan the world’s first mass-produced car model with 5G Internet access on board. The company is cooperating with Huawei to implement the feature.

Specifics are scarce so far. It is official that the top trim level will come equipped with a system called Huawei HiCar, which will bring together the DiPilot driver aids, the intelligent self-driving system, and the various multimedia-related functions.

The new Han will hit the market in two main versions: hybrid and all-electric. The latter will come equipped with a choice between a single electric motor rated at 222 hp (162 kW) and dual motors capable of 272 hp (200 kW) total. The dual-motor spec will sprint from standstill to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.9 seconds. Its 76.8-kWh battery will grant it up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) of range.

In turn, the BYD Han PHEV will get a two-liter turbo engine worth 189 hp (140 kW) and dual electric motors. The powertrain will output up to 476 hp (355 kW), but the added weight will keep the sprint time on the same level as the fully electric version (3.9 s).

Sales will start later this summer, and the prices will range from U.S. $32,300 to $39,300.