Marking a significant step in its India growth strategy, BYD has unveiled its globally proven DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology in the country. With this move, the company becomes the first automaker to introduce the technology in the Indian market as it looks to strengthen its new energy vehicle portfolio beyond battery electric vehicles.
The DM-i technology combines electric mobility with the flexibility of a petrol-powered range extender, offering a combined driving range of more than 1,200 km while maintaining an electric-first driving experience.
Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business at BYD India, said, “The introduction of DM-i technology marks a pivotal step in our commitment to making sustainable mobility more versatile and accessible for Indian consumers. By enabling electric-first driving for daily use while seamlessly supporting long-distance travel, DM-i addresses some of the most pressing barriers to the adoption of sustainable motoring in India.”
Unlike conventional hybrid systems, where the internal combustion engine serves as the primary source of propulsion, BYD’s DM-i architecture prioritises electric driving. The battery powers the vehicle during most daily journeys, while the petrol engine either recharges the battery or provides direct propulsion when additional power is required.
The technology is powered by BYD’s 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, which delivers a claimed thermal efficiency of 43.04%. The system supports multiple driving modes, including pure EV mode, series hybrid mode, and parallel hybrid mode, depending on driving conditions and energy requirements.
According to the company, the DM-i platform is built around 6 core strengths: performance, efficiency, refinement, smoothness, sustainability, and safety. BYD claims the technology can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in under 5.5 seconds while delivering fuel consumption of 4.8 litres per 100 km under NEDC testing conditions. Safety is further enhanced through the company’s Blade Battery technology.
The launch builds on more than 18 years of BYD’s experience in plug-in hybrid technology. The company introduced the F3DM, described as the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle, at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.
BYD states that it has sold more than 8 million plug-in hybrid vehicles globally and currently accounts for over 35% of the global PHEV market. Its current passenger vehicle lineup includes the SEALION 7, eMAX 7, ATTO 3, and SEAL.
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