"We Aim to Sell Three Times More Than EVs"... BYD Bets on 1,000km PHEV in South Korea

"2026 BYD DM-i Technology Briefing" Held

Hybrid Based on Electric Vehicle, Not Engine-Centric PHEV

Driving Feel Close to an Electric Vehicle Is a Key Strength

Sealion 6 DM-i to Be Unveiled at Busan Motor Show

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is aiming to expand its market share in South Korea by focusing on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Targeting consumers who hesitate to purchase electric vehicles due to concerns about charging inconvenience and driving range, BYD plans to introduce a PHEV capable of driving over 1,000 kilometers and aims to increase its sales to three times the current electric vehicle sales volume.

On June 17, BYD Korea held the "2026 BYD DM-i Technology Briefing" at the Center Point Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where it unveiled its plug-in hybrid system, DM-i (Dual Mode-intelligent).

Kelvin Lai, Deputy General Manager of Product Strategy for BYD Asia-Pacific Automotive Sales Division, is giving a presentation at the '2026 BYD DM-i Technology Briefing' held on the 17th at Center Point Gwanghwamun Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul. BYD Korea

Kelvin Lai, Deputy General Manager of Product Strategy at BYD Asia-Pacific Automobile Sales Division, who attended the briefing, explained the DM-i technology, stating, "BYD is the world's first company to realize mass production of PHEVs," and added, "We aim to offer consumers a new choice based on our advanced hybrid technology."

The core components of the DM-i system are the 1.5-liter turbocharged "Xiaoyun" engine, the Electric Hybrid System (EHS), and the Blade Battery. The Xiaoyun engine achieves a thermal efficiency of 40.12%, and the electric motor used in the EHS reaches up to 97.5% efficiency. The system is designed so that the electric motor operates for more than 80% of total driving, providing a driving feel similar to that of an electric vehicle.

One of its key strengths is fuel efficiency. The DM-i system can travel more than 70 kilometers on electric power alone when fully charged, and over 1,000 kilometers when using both electricity and fuel. Additionally, it supports DC fast charging, enabling the battery to be charged from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Lai emphasized that the BYD PHEV is fundamentally different from existing hybrids or plug-in hybrids. He said, "While existing technologies, including Toyota's hybrid system, are already quite mature, the biggest difference lies in the driving experience that consumers actually feel." He further explained, "Based on an electric-first philosophy, the DM-i provides an experience similar to driving an electric vehicle during most daily commutes."

BYD Korea expects that PHEV vehicles equipped with DM-i technology will be able to sell more than 3,000 units per month in the domestic market. A BYD Korea representative stated, "We anticipate demand exceeding three times the sales volume of electric vehicles in Korea," and added, "Since the price point is expected to be lower than that of current electric vehicles, we believe it will be very attractive to consumers."

In May, BYD Korea sold 1,032 vehicles in South Korea. If PHEV models reach the projected monthly sales of around 3,000 units—three times the current EV sales—BYD Korea would record approximately 50,000 units sold annually in South Korea. This figure would put BYD Korea close behind Tesla, which sold about 59,000 units last year to rank third in the imported car market.

Shin Jeongho, Head of Product Planning at BYD Korea, explained, "German-brand PHEVs, which Korean consumers are most familiar with, mainly rely on engine power with the motor playing a supporting role, whereas the DM-i system puts the motor at the forefront." He added, "It will be a new alternative for consumers who have been undecided between electric vehicles and PHEVs."

Meanwhile, BYD Korea plans to unveil a new model equipped with DM-i technology at the Busan Mobility Show, which opens on June 26 in Busan.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.