PHEV SUV: BYD’s first plug-in hybrid car will be launched soon, will create a stir with 1000 km range

PHEV SUV: China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is going to take a big step in the Indian market. The company is set to launch its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in India on June 9. BYD, which has been selling only electric cars in India till now, is going to enter the hybrid segment for the first time.

The company has confirmed in a recent teaser that the new SUV will use BYD’s popular DM-i super plug-in hybrid technology. Although the company has not yet named the model, it is believed that it could be either BYD Atto 2 DM-i or BYD Sealion 6.

BYD Atto 2 DM-i could be an option

• If the company launches Atto 2 DM-i, it can challenge vehicles like Hyundai Creta in the mid-size SUV segment. It is likely to get two battery options with 1.5 liter petrol engine.
• The company can provide a power of 166hp in the 7.8kWh battery variant, while the model with 18kWh battery can generate power up to 212hp. With full tank and full charge, its total range can be from 928 to 998 kilometers. At the same time, it can run only for about 39 kilometers in electric mode.

BYD Sealion 6 can also be a contender
Sealion 6 is the company’s more premium and larger SUV. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options can be found in it. It is likely to have a power of 218hp and an electric range of up to 140 kilometers in the front-wheel drive variant. At the same time, the AWD version can get a strong power of 344hp and a total range of up to 1,092 kilometers.

What is PHEV technology?
Plug-in hybrid vehicles come with both an electric motor and a petrol engine. These can be charged like an EV, while the petrol engine continues to propel the vehicle when the battery is drained. This is the reason that along with long range, there is less worry about charging.