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 offers a combined driving range of over 1,200 km. Unlike conventional hybrid systems that rely primarily on petrol engines, BYD’s DM-i takes an electric-first approach. In most driving situations, the vehicle drives using electric power, while the engine kicks 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 heart of the setup is BYD’s 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, which claims a thermal efficiency of 43.04 per cent. The powertrain can operate in multiple modes depending on driving needs. 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 high load, the engine can contribute to direct propulsion through parallel hybrid operation. BYD said DM-i-equipped vehicles can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 5.5 seconds while delivering a fuel consumption of 4.8 liters per 100 km under NEDC test conditions. The company also claims that the system offers lower noise levels and smoother performance than an electric vehicle. The technology is backed by BYD’s Blade battery, which will be used in the DM-i models. According to the company, safety, efficiency and refinement are the main 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 accounts for more than 35 percent of the worldwide PHEV market.The introduction of the DM-i is expected to play an important role in BYD’s India strategy going forward. The company recently crossed the milestone of 14,000 customers in the country and is looking to expand its presence in the growing new energy vehicle segment. With a combination of electric-focused driving, long-distance capability and hybrid flexibility, the DM-i is expected to be an important part of BYD’s future portfolio in India.Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business BYD India said, “The introduction of DM-i technology is an important step in our commitment to make sustainable mobility more versatile and accessible for Indian consumers. Barriers to adoption of sustainable motoring in India With this innovation, we are bringing a new technology to Indian consumers, and creating a better, more flexible path towards sustainable transportation.”
