The e5 featured a 65Ah lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4), capable of delivering an all-electric range of 220 km (137 mi), and a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).[3][4] Retail sales began in China in September 2015.[5] 1,426 units were delivered in the Chinese market in 2015,[6] and 15,639 in 2016.[7] 17,065 units were sold in China through December 2016.[6][7][needs update]
A 300-km-range version called BYD e5 300, which shares many characteristics with the BYD Qin EV300, was launched in 2016.[8]
Front view
Rear view
BYD e5 Electric Taxicab in Bengbu
Exports
Government incentives for electric vehicles has led to the BYD e5 being exported to several Latin American countries for use as taxis, including Santiago, in Chile.[9] In Guayaquil, the capital city of Ecuador, it is currently the most popular model of electric vehicle used for taxis, but a lack of charging infrastructure has been a barrier to wider adoption.[10]