THE plug-in hybrid version of the BYD Seal will have a zero emission range of up to 78 miles when it arrives in the UK later in 2024.

Three types of the Seal U DM-i will be available with different power systems and either front or all-wheel drive set-ups.

All-wheel drive Design versions will have an electric only range of 43 miles while front-wheel drive Boost models will be capable of up to 50 miles on battery power alone.

Comfort specification comes with a larger battery which increases EV-only range to 78 miles and gives a total range of more than 684 miles compared to the 540 and 671 mile ranges of the Design and Boost cars.

All use a 1.5-litre petrol engine linked to electric motors and theoretical fuel economy is up to 313.8mpg for Boost models and 235.4mpg for the Design.

Consumption figures for Comfort grade vehicles are still to be announced.

All versions will be capable of driving either in electric-only or hybrid modes and the Seal U DM-i is more of an SUV than the all-electric coupe-fastback Seal launched last year.

Boot space on the PHEV ranges from 425 to 1,440 litres but unlike its EV counterpart there is no frunk under the bonnet because of the engine and overall the U DM-i measures some 4.75 metres long.

Recharging to 80 per cent capacity can be done in around 30 minutes, says BYD.

Like its namesake, technology is high and the PHEV shares the same dual screen system as on other BYD models which includes a 15.6-inch rotatable display as well as a 12.3-inch LCD instrument panel.

Design versions have a head-up display as standard and all versions have a vehicle-to-load facility allowing them to be used to power electric devices out in the wild.

The Seal U DM-i will be offered with a six year, 93,750 mile warranty and eight years or 125,000 miles for the battery.

Sales in the UK of Boost and Design versions are due to start in the autumn and Comfort specification models will follow later in the year. Prices have still to be confirmed but BYD has signalled they are likely to start from below £40,000.