BYD Introduces New Hybrids with Over 2000km Range

BYD, a Chinese automotive company, has announced its latest plug-in hybrid technology, the fifth-generation 'DM-i', incorporated in its new Qin L and Seal 06 sedans.

This technology reportedly enables a driving range of more than 2000 kilometers when both the fuel tank and battery are fully charged.

The high-end versions of these models include a 15.87kWh battery and a 160kW/260Nm electric motor, contributing to 120 kilometers of electric-only range, alongside a 1.5-liter, 74kW/126Nm petrol engine.

The base models are equipped with a 10.08kWh battery and a 120kW/210Nm motor, providing up to 80 kilometers of range solely on electric power.

Each variant features front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The stated ranges are based on the CLTC and NEDC test cycles, which are used primarily in China and are less rigorous than the WLTP standard adopted in Australia and Europe.

BYD claims that its plug-in hybrid system can achieve a fuel consumption rate of 2.9L/100km under the NEDC test cycle, even when the battery is low.

For comparison, the Sealion 6, BYD’s available PHEV model in Australia, is reported to consume 1.1L/100km with a fully charged 18.3kWh battery.

In China, pricing for the Qin L and Seal 06 starts at 99,800 yuan (around A$21,100) for the models with shorter range capabilities, reaching up to 139,800 yuan (around A$29,570) for the models promising longer ranges.

The purely electric BYD Seal sedan is priced starting at 179,800 yuan in China, which is notably higher when sold in Australia, starting at $49,888 before on-road expenses.