New Delhi, June 9: BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD and the World’s No. 1 NEV manufacturer, today, showcased its globally-acclaimed DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology in India, marking a significant milestone in India’s sustainable motoring journey. This soon-to-launch technology reinforces BYD’s commitment to delivering the latest in sustainable mobility solutions while enabling versatility, efficiency, long-range and practicality for Indian consumers, offering a combined range of more than 1200 km.
BYD’s DM-i acts as a bridge between conventional engine vehicles and pure battery electric vehicles (BEV), offering the best of both worlds. Further, it differs from traditional hybrids in its very driving philosophy. Traditional hybrids are engine-first, with the petrol engine as the primary source and the batteries acting as the assist. BYD’s DM-i reverses this system and is Electric-First. This tech ensures the car runs primarily on battery power for most usage. This approach allows a significant portion of everyday journeys to be completed in pure electric mode under real-world driving conditions. The engine in DM-i is capable of functioning as a silent spectator or as a generator charging the battery while electricity powers the wheels. It is also capable of completely taking over propulsion duties to support the electric motor, adapting to the situation, demand and energy reserves.
Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business at BYD India said,
“The introduction of DM-i technology marks a pivotal step in our commitment to making sustainable mobility more versatile and accessible for Indian consumers. By enabling electric-first driving for daily use while seamlessly supporting long-distance travel, DM-i addresses some of the most pressing barriers to the adoption of sustainable motoring in India. With this innovation, we are bringing a new technology to Indian consumers, and also shaping a smarter, more flexible pathway towards sustainable transportation.”
While the automotive industry was still pondering the real-world viability of electrification in the late 2000s, BYD, already at the forefront of New Energy Vehicles and battery innovation, was moving ahead with conviction.
At the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the company unveiled the World’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the BYD F3DM. Eighteen years of continuous evolution since this milestone, BYD has cemented its position as the global leader in plug-in hybrid manufacturing. Its cumulative production now surpasses 8 million units. The DM (Dual Mode) platform has now evolved into one of the most widely adopted hybrid technologies globally, contributing to BYD becoming the world’s largest manufacturer of plug-in hybrid vehicles. BYD’s DM-i variants have demonstrated strong global acceptance and commercial success, driving significant sales growth across markets. This strong track record underscores the credibility of DM-i as a mature and highly efficient technology, developed through BYD’s industry-leading R&D capabilities and supported by a global engineering workforce of over 120,000 professionals across multiple technology and innovation domains.
An important part of this technology is the highly efficient 1.5-litre Xiaoyun petrol engine, delivering an industry-leading thermal efficiency of 43.04%. Working in tandem with one or more high-speed electric motors depending on requirement, the system intelligently switches between multiple operating modes to optimise performance and efficiency:
• EV Mode: Delivers 100% electric drive, primarily suited for urban and daily commuting scenarios.
• HEV “Series” Mode: In this mode, the Xiaoyun engine functions as a generator, charging the battery while the electric motor powers the wheels—retaining the smooth, refined feel of an electric vehicle. This ensures the vehicle continues generating electricity while also providing propulsion to the vehicle
• HEV “Parallel” Mode: During higher power demands, the petrol engine directly provides propulsion to the wheels, supporting the electric motor.
With the introduction of DM-i, BYD is set to pioneer a new category in India that delivers an electric-first driving experience without the limitations traditionally associated with EV ownership. Engineered for seamless long-distance travel, smooth acceleration, quieter drives, and reduced dependency on charging infrastructure, DM-i technology offers customers the confidence of extended range along with the comfort and efficiency of electric mobility. Anchored in BYD’s technology-first approach, DM-i redefines everyday driving by making sustainable mobility more practical, intuitive, and accessible for Indian consumers.
The DM-i technology from BYD is built on six key pillars:
Fast:
The acceleration from 0-100km/h is sub-5.5s, which is faster than that of the fuel vehicle of the same class and is comparable to the power of a 2.0T fuel vehicle.
Saving:
Highest thermal efficiency of the engine in the industry, and the fuel consumption per 100km under NEDC condition is 4.8L, leading the world.
Quiet:
The NVH performance is excellent, leading to refinement far superior to that of conventional fuel vehicles and comparable to that of pure electric vehicles.
Smooth:
The EHS (electric hybrid system), with ultra-fast response and no power pause, can provide a driving and riding experience similar to a pure electric vehicle.
Green:
Drives on pure electric power for the betterment of the environment.
High Safety:
The DM-i is equipped with BYD’s super hybrid Blade Battery, ensuring the highest battery safety in the industry.
Driving ahead with DM-i
DM-i technology will play a central role in BYD’s broader 2026 roadmap for India. It will enable portfolio expansion and strengthen BYD’s leadership in New Energy Vehicle solutions. Designed for an electric-dominant driving experience, it combines ultra-low fuel consumption with seamless long-distance capability, setting the benchmark in advanced hybrid mobility for the Indian market. As India advances towards cleaner transportation, BYD remains committed to delivering innovative, efficient, accessible and sustainable technologies that address current challenges while anticipating future mobility needs.
BYD in India
BYD entered the Indian market in 2007, initially focusing on electric buses and commercial mobility solutions before expanding into the passenger EV segment with models like the BYD e6, and later with the introduction of models like the BYD SEALION 7, BYD eMAX 7, BYD ATTO 3 and BYD SEAL. As on today, BYD India has successfully reached 14,000 happy customers. BYD India has a network of 48 showrooms across 40 cities.
A key differentiator in BYD’s India journey has been its in-house innovation around the Blade Battery, an advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery designed for superior safety, longevity, and thermal stability, addressing key consumer concerns around EV adoption. Together, these technologies underscore BYD’s positioning in India as a tech-led NEV player focused on safety, practicality, and real-world usability.
The Indian subsidiary has two factories, covering more than 140,000 sq. m, with an investment exceeding $200 million. BYD India provides customers with product solutions and related after-sales service. The global No.1 in the NEV sector, BYD continues to redefine the landscape of sustainable transportation in its mission towards ‘Technological innovations for a better life.