Chinese automaker BYD said it will introduce longer-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants for four models in its affordable Qin and Seal lineups later this month, as it moves to better match consumer demand amid intense competition in China’s hybrid market.
The company said the new variants of the Qin Plus DM-i, Qin L DM-i, Seal 05 DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i will offer battery-only driving ranges exceeding 210 kilometres, roughly doubling the electric range of comparable versions currently on sale. With a full tank and fully charged battery, the vehicles are expected to deliver a combined driving range of more than 2,110 kilometres.
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BYD said the extended electric range would allow most users to complete a full week of commuting on a single charge, while the new battery systems will support fast charging from 30% to 80% in about 20 minutes.
The new trims will use higher-capacity blade batteries developed specifically for PHEV applications, improving energy density without significantly increasing vehicle weight, according to the company. BYD added that the vehicles will also feature an AI-based energy management system designed to optimise power usage and extend electric driving capability.
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The move comes as competition in China’s mass-market PHEV segment intensifies, with automakers increasingly emphasising longer electric-only range as a key selling point. Consumers have shown growing preference for hybrids that can cover most daily driving on electricity while retaining long-distance flexibility.
Currently, the Qin Plus DM-i is offered with 7.68-kWh and 15.8-kWh lithium iron phosphate blade batteries, providing CLTC-rated electric ranges of 55 km and 128 km. The Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i each use 15.87-kWh battery packs with a CLTC range of 128 km, while the Seal 05 DM-i is sold in a single variant with the same battery capacity and range.
