BYD Unveils Fifth-Gen Hybrid Tech with 2.9L/100km Efficiency, Rivals Toyota and VW in Global Market

BYD unveiled its fifth-generation plug-in hybrid technology, which boasts record-low fuel usage. Sedan variants of the Qin L and Seal 06 vehicles with new hybrid technology have been offered. Customers can save up to 9,682 yuan per year on fuel when compared to petrol vehicles.

Credit: REUTERS

The fifth generation of BYD's hybrid technology has outstanding fuel efficiency, with a record low usage of 2.9 litres per 100 km (62.1 miles) on drained batteries. With a completely charged battery and a full tank of petrol, the technology provides an impressive driving range of 2,100 kilometres. BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu made the news at an event in Xian, the city where the company's first auto manufacturing facility was located.

In addition to the new hybrid technology, BYD introduced sedan variants of the Qin L and Seal 06 vehicles, both of which use the groundbreaking technology. These variants are priced starting at 99,800 yuan ($13,775). According to the corporation, consumers who use the new technology can save up to 9,682 yuan per year on fuel costs when compared to those who drive petrol vehicles.

BYD's previous generation of plug-in hybrid technology has contributed to the company's rapid expansion since 2021. Models such as the Qin Plus DM-i sedan and Song Plus DM-i SUV, which offer a driving range of dozens of kilometers on batteries and a fuel consumption of 3.8 litres per 100 km on the gasoline engine, have been well-received by consumers. In fact, plug-in hybrids priced from 79,800 yuan have accounted for the majority of BYD's sales in the past three years, with a total of 3.6 million units sold.

To further boost sales, BYD reduced the prices of its plug-in hybrids by 10%-22% in the first quarter. This innovation, combined with lower fuel usage and competitive pricing, has enabled models such as the Qin and Song to outsell petrol vehicles in the mass market, luring cost-conscious Chinese purchasers.

While BYD has expanded abroad, it still falls short of established automakers like Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors, and Stellantis in terms of global sales. However, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers such as BYD are offering a substantial challenge to Japanese automakers in regions with lower trade barriers and tariffs, such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Toyota also unveiled its next-generation engines on Tuesday in response to increased competition. These engines are intended to be compatible with alternative fuel sources such as e-fuels and biofuels, reducing carbon emissions and improving vehicle design by allowing for lower hoods. Unlike Toyota's hybrid technology, which debuted with the Prius in 1997, Chinese automakers' plug-in hybrids use larger battery packs and provide greater electric driving ranges.

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• BYD unveils fifth-generation plug-in hybrid technology with record low fuel consumption

• Sedan versions of Qin L and Seal 06 models equipped with new hybrid technology launched

• Customers can save up to 9,682 yuan per year in fuel costs compared to gasoline models

Source: REUTERS