BYD Boosts Hybrid Efficiency Amid Falling PHEV Sales

BYD has improved the fuel efficiency of its fifth-generation hybrid models, delivering a 10% reduction in fuel consumption when the battery is depleted. The fuel efficiency update was announced as the Chinese car company grapples with declining sales of its hybrid models.

BYD’s fuel efficiency boost will be rolled out to compatible hybrid vehicles through an over-the-air (OTA) update, reinforcing the car maker’s push to maintain leadership in China’s competitive new energy vehicle (NEV) market.

Fifth-gen DM tech brings higher range and efficiency

According to CNEV Post, the OTA upgrade enhances BYD’s fifth-generation Dual Mode (DM) hybrid technology, which now achieves fuel consumption of just 2.6 liters per 100 kilometers based on NEDC standards. BYD’s fuel efficiency update was certified by China’s National Motor Vehicle Quality Inspection and Testing Center, which is down from the previous 2.9 liters. The DM 5.0 system also touts 46.06% engine thermal efficiency and a class-leading total range of up to 2,100 kilometers—triple that of conventional fuel cars.

BYD debuted the fifth-generation hybrid tech in May 2024 with the Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i. Since then, all of BYD’s new hybrid models have been equipped with the upgraded platform.

Efficiency gains arrive amid hybrid sales slump

The improved hybrid performance arrives as BYD faces mounting pressure in its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) segment. In July, BYD sold 344,296 NEVs—just 0.56% higher year-on-year, but 10% lower than June. Passenger PHEV sales fell 22.61% year-over-year to 163,143 units, marking the fourth straight month of decline.

In contrast, BYD’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment continued to grow, with 177,887 units sold in July—a 36.84% jump from a year earlier, despite a 14% month-over-month dip.

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