Delphine Bouchet, manager of the fitness and gym center l'Orange bleue in Landerneau (29), has had an unusual journey with electric and hybrid vehicles. Initially drawn to electric cars, she faced challenges that led her to reconsider her approach, eventually choosing a hybrid model and later returning to electric vehicles with a different brand. Her experiences have been shared with the publication Automobile Propre, offering insight into the practical aspects of adopting new vehicle technologies. Delphine and her husband are car enthusiasts who were initially considering a Kia e-Niro and the Skoda Enyaq, which had just become available in France in 2021. The Enyaq was chosen in part due to Skoda’s advertising and its reputation, as it offered a range of over 400 km under the WLTP (World Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure) standard. However, the vehicle encountered several problems, including electronic malfunctions, a necessary battery replacement, and frequent visits to the service center. Delphine expressed disappointment with Skoda’s response to these issues, noting that she had to send multiple registered letters and received no compensation or goodwill gestures in return. In 2021, the couple tested electric driving but faced challenges such as limited charging infrastructure and concerns about vehicle range. Delphine's husband was hesitant about electric vehicles due to the problems they encountered. As a result, Delphine decided to switch to a hybrid rechargeable vehicle, choosing a Chinese brand, BYD, for its high-quality batteries and more affordable price compared to European models. The BYD Seal U DM-i, a family-friendly SUV with dimensions similar to a Tesla Model Y, had an electric-only range of 80 km, which dropped to around 60 km in practice. Over the course of a little over a year, the couple drove about 70,000 km, with roughly half of that distance covered in electric mode. Delphine later returned to electric vehicles, purchasing the BYD Sealion 7 at the beginning of August last year. She selected the high-end Excellence version, which features all-wheel drive, a 91.3 kWh battery, and a WLTP mixed cycle range of 502 km. She noted that the range figures for this model were more realistic compared to the Skoda Enyaq. Delphine is satisfied with the Sealion 7, appreciating its comfort, ergonomic design, and handling, though she mentioned the absence of a sunroof and a noisy smartphone cooling system as drawbacks. Delphine has also adjusted her charging habits, using a Leclerc center for the most cost-effective charging rates. She plans to install a charging station at the gym for her employees. The BYD dealership in Saint-Brieuc provided a positive experience, with a friendly team and knowledgeable sales advisor. Delphine’s positive experience with BYD vehicles has sparked interest among others, with people approaching her to ask about the model and its quality.