Chinese EV manufacturer BYD has brought its proprietary DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) Super Plug-in Hybrid technology to India. How? The advanced tech has made its debut on the Seal U SUV. The car is slated to hit Indian streets by the end of 2026. The Seal will be an answer to those having range anxiety issues, because with the DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) plug-in hybrid technology, the car bridges the gap between traditional combustion engines and pure battery power. Read on to know more.
BYD Seal U: What’s Special?
The most attractive thing about the new BYD Seal U DM-i is its jaw-dropping range of more than 1,200 kilometres on a single tank and charge. The DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) plug-in hybrid technology is different from traditional hybrids (primarily depend on petrol engine) that you have seen so far. It operates on an electric-first philosophy. It uses battery power for the majority of the daily driving. The petrol engine only acts as a generator or assists propulsion when required.
The BYD setup combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, 18.3kWh battery and two electric motors to deliver a claimed combined range of over 1,200 kilometres (including 70 kilometres EV-only range). BYD says the system provides smoother, quieter, and more efficient performance. It narrows the gap between conventional ICE models and all-electric cars.
The mid-size SUV’s DM-i powertrain can operate in three modes depending on driving conditions. In Pure EV mode, it can run exclusively on battery power for up to 70 kilometres. When the battery charge drops, the system switches to Series Hybrid mode. In the Series Hybrid mode, the 1.5-litre petrol engine operates as a generator. It produces electricity for the battery and electric motor while the wheels remain powered electrically. The third mode, called Parallel Hybrid, finds usage in situations that demand maximum performance, such as highway overtakes or steep inclines. It engages both the petrol engine and electric motors for stronger acceleration and enhanced efficiency.
