The BYD Seal has a large battery, so the home charger matters more than on a small city car. The good news: the answer is clear. The European BYD Seal accepts up to 11 kW of three-phase AC charging, and an 11 kW wall box fills even the big battery overnight.
The short answer
- Three-phase supply: WallBox S2 11 kW. This is the right charger for almost every Seal owner in Estonia.
- Single-phase supply: WallBox S2 7 kW. Slower, but still enough for daily driving.
- 22 kW: only worth it if another car at the same address can use 22 kW. The Seal itself stays at 11 kW.
Why the charger size matters more on the Seal
With a battery of around 82 kWh, the difference between chargers is measured in whole nights, not minutes. From 20% to 100% (about 66 kWh):
| Charger | Approx. time, 20–100% | Range added per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Household socket (2.3 kW) | More than 30 hours | About 12 km |
| 7 kW wall box | About 10.5 hours | About 40 km |
| 11 kW wall box | About 6.5 hours | About 60 km |
On a household socket a nearly empty Seal cannot be refilled in one night. On an 11 kW wall box it can, with time to spare. That is why the 11 kW charger is the best value for this car.
Everyday charging
You rarely charge from 20%. A daily 50 km drive uses about 9–10 kWh in the Seal, which an 11 kW wall box replaces in under an hour. Use the car's or the charger's schedule to charge during cheaper night hours on an exchange-price electricity contract, which many households in Estonia have.
Installation
An 11 kW wall box needs a three-phase supply and its own circuit, installed by a qualified electrician with residual current protection. Your electrician will also check that your main fuse can handle the extra load alongside the rest of the house.
The cable
The Seal uses Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC rapid charging. For public AC chargers without a fixed cable, carry a 22 kW Type 2 to Type 2 cable. It is thicker than an 11 kW cable but works with every car and charger you will meet.
FAQ
Does the Seal charge faster on a 22 kW public charger?
No. It takes up to 11 kW on AC. For faster charging on a trip, use a DC rapid charger, where the Seal takes well over 100 kW.
Can I charge the Seal to 100% every night?
The Seal's Blade battery uses LFP cells, which handle full charges well, and BYD recommends charging to 100% regularly. Follow your owner's manual.
My Seal was imported from outside Europe. Is it the same?
Not necessarily. Some non-European versions charge on AC at about 7 kW single-phase. Check your manual or send us the details and we will help.
Complete your setup
- Your wall box: the one recommended above. Not sure about your home's power supply? Find Your Charger checks your car and your home together.
- A portable charger for the boot: a must-have for every EV owner, so you are never stuck without a way to charge. The 3.5 kW portable charger plugs into any household socket.
- A Type 2 cable for public chargers: many public AC chargers have no cable of their own. Our 22 kW Type 2 cable (5 m) fits every car with a Type 2 port.
Also read: Which EV charger does your car need?