How big is that tank?
It is still an interim solution, the plug-in hybrid. The concept became extremely popular in the Netherlands about 10 years ago thanks to cars such as the Volvo V60 D6 and the damned Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. As is often the case with new technology, they were hopeless, relatively speaking. Many disadvantages in terms of driving dynamics and comfort, but hardly any advantages in technical terms. An electric range of 15 km is hardly impressive. And that was on a beautiful day when they were new.
Now you have the advantage with a PHEV that you have (at least) two engines and two energy sources. So you can use them both. Although we know that electric driving is 'the future', it is of course also a bit of 'a future'.
That is to say: there will be various solutions for various purposes. Electric driving is unbeatable for use in the city (and surroundings), but on longer journeys it is normal knak. For that specific application, the hybrid is not that bad.
Next generation PHEVs from BYD super premium
And of course there will be Evangelists who say how nice it is to take a half-hour break every 1.5 hours. And you know, we still believe them (you have to tell them) too. But it's not nice that you have no other choice. Fortunately, BYD has the ultimate solution for this. They are coming with the fifth generation of plug-in hybrids (called DM at BYD) with which you can go insanely far on a charge.
The current (fourth) generation plug-in hybrids from BYD come in two flavors: sporty (DM-p) and efficient (DM-i). In both cases you are dealing with a one and a half liter four-cylinder turbo that squeezes out 110 hp.
That is not very much, in the past there were plenty of brands that could extract that power from that cylinder capacity without a turbo. However, the blocks are designed for maximum efficiency using the Atkinson Cycle principle. The 1.5 engine is linked to a CVT automatic transmission. The engines are then assisted by a 177 hp electric motor.
1,931 km on one tank (and battery)
Then there are two battery packs. One of 8.32 kWh or one of 18.32 kWh. The latter can be found in the economical DM-i. According to BYD you can reach 1,150 km with this. Then there is also a 60-liter tank for the combustion engine. With the new fifth generation you should be able to reach 1,931 km on a full tank + battery. The new generation of BYDs will be launched on the market in 2025.
Given the enormous increase in range, we assume that the batteries have become slightly larger. The combustion engine will also be even more efficient, as will the electric motor. BYD can also make it very easy for itself by equipping the cars with a 150 liter tank.
In the Netherlands, BYD only sells electric cars. You may have missed it due to the flood of car news, but the BYD Seal U DM-i was shining at the Geneva Salon 2024. It is not yet known whether this car will come to the Netherlands.
Through: Coach
This article Next generation PHEVs can reach 1,931 km on a tank first appeared on Autoblog.nl.
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