Whether you’ve recently driven away in a new BYD or have been enjoying life with your vehicle for a while, there’s a good chance there are a few hidden features you’ve yet to discover.
From intelligent voice commands and smartphone integration to energy-saving technology and clever touchscreen shortcuts, BYD vehicles are packed with innovative features designed to make every journey easier, safer, and more enjoyable. While many drivers quickly become familiar with the basics, some of the most useful functions are often overlooked. Here are 10 things you might not know your BYD can do.
1. Power your home appliances with Vehicle-to-Load (VTOL)
One of the most impressive features available across much of the BYD range is Vehicle-to-Load (VTOL) technology. This clever system allows your car’s battery to power external electrical devices through an adapter.
Whether you’re brewing a coffee while camping, charging electric bikes, powering outdoor lighting, or running a laptop while working remotely, your BYD can serve as a portable power source. It’s particularly useful for outdoor adventures around Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, giving you access to electricity wherever your journey takes you.
2. Control your car from your smartphone
The BYD App offers far more than simply checking your battery level. Using your smartphone, you can remotely lock or unlock your vehicle, check its charging status, monitor tyre pressures, locate your car, and even activate the lights or horn if you’ve forgotten where you parked. It’s a convenient feature that helps keep you connected to your vehicle wherever you are.
3. Pre-heat or cool the cabin before you set off
Why step into a freezing car on a winter morning or a scorching cabin in the middle of summer? Using the BYD App, you can remotely activate the climate control system before you leave the house. Many models also allow you to adjust seat heating or ventilation settings in advance, ensuring maximum comfort from the moment you get behind the wheel.
4. Use your phone as a digital key
Forget fumbling around looking for your car keys. Many newer BYD models allow compatible smartphones to function as a digital key through Apple Wallet or Android Wallet integration. Once set up, you can unlock, access, and start your vehicle directly from your phone. It’s not only convenient but also makes sharing access with family members much simpler.
5. “Hi BYD”
Your BYD comes equipped with an intelligent voice assistant that can perform a surprising number of tasks. By saying “Hi BYD”, you can ask your car to adjust the temperature, set a navigation destination, make a phone call, open windows, control media playback, and much more. Instead of searching through menus while driving, you can keep your hands on the wheel and let your BYD handle the rest.
6. Rotate the touchscreen at the touch of a button
One of BYD’s most distinctive features is its electrically rotating touchscreen, available on many models. With a simple tap, you can switch between landscape and portrait modes depending on what you’re doing. Landscape mode is ideal for navigation and driving information, while portrait mode can make browsing menus and certain applications easier.
It’s a feature that never fails to impress passengers and demonstrates BYD’s unique approach to technology.
7. Adjust the climate with a three-finger swipe
Here’s a shortcut many owners don’t discover straight away. On compatible BYD touchscreens, swiping up or down with three fingers allows you to quickly adjust the climate control temperature without opening additional menus. It’s one of several smart touchscreen shortcuts designed to make everyday driving more intuitive.
8. Recover energy every time you slow down
Your BYD is constantly helping you maximise efficiency through regenerative braking. Whenever you slow down or brake gently, the system captures energy that would normally be lost and converts it into electricity, which is then sent back to the battery. This not only helps extend your driving range but can also reduce wear on traditional brake components over time.
9. Personalise your home screen
Did you know your BYD’s infotainment system can be customised to suit your preferences, just like your smartphone?
You can rearrange widgets, move shortcuts, and organise frequently used functions so they’re always easy to access. Whether you prioritise navigation, media controls, energy information, or vehicle settings, your home screen can be tailored around the features you use most often.
10. Monitor your vehicle’s health in real time
Your BYD is constantly collecting useful information about its condition. Through the app and vehicle systems, you can monitor battery charge levels, remaining range, tyre pressures, door and window status, and other important vehicle information in real time. This helps you stay one step ahead of potential issues and provides additional peace of mind before setting off on longer journeys.
There's more to discover in every BYD
BYD vehicles are packed with intelligent technology designed to make everyday driving easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. From powering electrical devices through VTOL technology to rotating touchscreens and voice-controlled features, there’s often much more capability waiting beneath the surface than owners initially realise.
If you’ve recently purchased a BYD and would like to learn more about the features available on your specific model, visit your nearest BYD South West showroom. Our team will be happy to walk you through the technology and help you make the most of everything your vehicle has to offer.
