BYD presents new hybrid powertrain DM-i

BYD has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid powertrain called DM-i, which is expected to reduce fuel consumption to 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres. Three BYD models will initially be equipped with the DM-i hybrid system, which is now entering series production: The Qin, the Song and the Tang.

Since plug-in hybrids tend to be in the 1-2 litre range or even lower in terms of standard consumption – especially in the NEDC, which is common in China – BYD’s announcement of a consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres is surprising. In the relatively short announcement, BYD also does not mention any performance data or indicate which standard was used to determine the consumption.

The company also remained silent on the e-range of the three models and only mentioned that the combined range exceeds 1,200 kilometres and that acceleration from 0-100 km/h is around two to three seconds faster than comparable combustion engines.

“The DM-i hybrid system is a masterpiece of BYD, which will play a role as a disruptor of fuel vehicles’ supremacy,” said Wang Chuanfu, BYD chairman and president. “It will transform the consumption structure of the Chinese auto market and drive us closer to the dream of clean, green travel. We want the DM-i hybrid system to enter the market segment where traditional fuel vehicles are dominant, and help us to carve out our own space in this competitive field.”

The unveiling of the three models mentioned above in Shenzhen also marks their pre-sales in China. The Qin is a 4.76-meter sedan, while the Song (4.65 meters) and Tang (4.87 meters) are SUV models. There were already DM versions of all models – DM stands for Dual Mode – so the DM-i is the further development of this plug-in hybrid. All three models can also be ordered as BEVs, and in some cases, there is also a choice of different battery sizes.

The previous DM models had batteries of up to 24 kWh. In the Tang, the 141 kW four-cylinder was supported by no less than two electric motors – one with 110 kW and 180 kW, resulting in a system output of 431 kW. Combined fuel consumption was stated at 1.6-1.8 litres at the time.

Source: Press release via email