The Indian subsidiary of Chinese automobile manufacturer BYD has launched its world-famous DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology in the Indian market in a bid to diversify its lineup of new energy vehicles in the country. With the use of an electric-first drive coupled with a fuel-based engine, it could aid India’s quest for sustainable mobility options.
BYD mentioned that automobiles powered by this DM-i technology will deliver a total driving range of over 1,200 km, thereby overcoming a major drawback of electric mobility, especially pertaining to distance driving.
Electric-first approach in hybrid mobility:
In contrast to regular hybrids, wherein the internal combustion engine is the main mode of propulsion, the DM-i system by BYD follows an electric-first approach. This means that in most situations, the car runs using electricity, while the petrol engine only kicks in to generate electricity for the batteries or help propel the car.
The technology has been developed to work dynamically among a range of modes including pure electric drive mode, Series Hybrid mode and Parallel Hybrid mode depending on conditions. This would allow daily commute using the technology while retaining the capability of longer drives.
As Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business at BYD India, pointed out: “Our technology offers customers an easy-to-use solution that combines electric drive during daily commutes and long-range travel.”
Experience gained from hybrids worldwide:
With its foray into the Indian market for hybrid systems, BYD leverages almost two decades of plug-in hybrid expertise. In 2008, BYD launched the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle named BYD F3DM. Till date, the company has built in excess of eight million plug-in hybrid cars. The company holds a global plug-in hybrid market share in excess of 35 percent.
In order to enhance the performance of the DM-i system, BYD has used its patented 1.5 litre Xiaoyun petrol engine having a thermal efficiency of 43.04 percent. This technology uses the Blade Battery and electric hybrid technologies from BYD.
The use of DM-i technology is part of the overall India strategy of BYD until 2026. The company feels that DM-i will help them to expand their portfolio as well as strengthen their position in the Indian new energy vehicle segment. BYD currently operates in more than 14,000 accounts in India via 48 showrooms located in 40 cities.
