BYD Hybrid | :BYD DM-i hybrid technology launched in India with over 1,200 km range: Explained |

BYD India today showcased its DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology in India, bringing the company’s globally established plug-in hybrid system to the country. This technology is expected to support BYD’s future product plans in India and boast a combined driving range of over 1,200 km. Unlike traditional hybrid systems, which rely primarily on gasoline engines, BYD’s DM-i takes an electric-first approach. Under most driving conditions, the vehicle operates using electric power, with the engine kicking in when additional energy or range is needed. The system is designed to combine the efficiency of an electric vehicle with the convenience of a conventional powertrain for long journeys.At the core of the setup is BYD’s 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, which claims a thermal efficiency of 43.04 percent. The powertrain can operate in multiple modes depending on driving requirements. In EV mode, the vehicle runs entirely on battery power. In series hybrid mode, the engine acts as a generator to charge the battery while the electric motor drives the wheels. Under higher loads, the engine can contribute directly to propulsion through parallel hybrid operation. BYD said DM-i-equipped vehicles can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 5.5 seconds under NEDC testing conditions, while consuming 4.8 liters of fuel per 100 km. The company also claims that the system offers lower noise levels and better performance than an electric vehicle. The technology is supported by BYD’s blade battery, which will be used in the DM-i models. According to the company, safety, efficiency and refinement are the key pillars of the new hybrid system. BYD’s experience in the plug-in hybrid segment dates back to 2008, when it introduced the F3DM, which the company describes as the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle. Since then, BYD has sold more than 8 million plug-in hybrid vehicles globally and currently has more than 35 percent share of the worldwide PHEV market.The launch of DM-i is expected to play an important role in BYD’s India strategy going forward. The company recently crossed the 14,000 customer mark in the country and is looking to expand its presence in the growing new energy vehicle segment. With its combination of electric-centric driving, long-range capability and hybrid flexibility, the DM-i is expected to become an important part of BYD’s future portfolio in India.Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicle Business at BYD India, said, “The introduction of DM-i technology is an important step in our commitment to make sustainable mobility more versatile and accessible to Indian consumers. By enabling electric-first driving for daily use while seamlessly supporting long-distance travel, DM-i addresses the most pressing barriers to the adoption of sustainable motoring in India. With this innovation, we are bringing a new technology to Indian consumers, and also shaping a smarter, more flexible path to sustainable transportation.”