BYD Auto Co. has just released two models, the Qin L DM-i and the Seal 06 DM-i, both with a ridiculously impressive 81.1 miles per gallon (2.9L/100km) on their internal combustion side, with an additional 49 miles (79 km) with their smaller battery and 74 miles (119 km) on their larger battery in "all-electric" mode. What's equally impressive is their price tag: US$13,762 (¥99,800). The DM stands for Dual Mode – but could equally stand for Deranged Mileage.
Be sure to bring an empty water bottle – or 10 – because fuel stops are no longer going to be necessary.
Both the Qin L and the Seal 06 are based on the same 1.5L inline-4 turbo platform with either a 10-kWh or a 15.8-kWh battery pack. With the little liter-an-a-half punching out a mere 99 hp (74 kW) and 93 lb-ft (126 nm) of torque paired with the 161-hp (125-kW) electric motor, you're not going to set any P100D Plaid times at the drag strip, but you should be able to get where you're going in style and with a thicker wallet when you arrive.
The Warren Buffet backed company said its recent gains in ultra high efficiency are courtesy of its "AI-enabled energy consumption management system" that decides when it's best to switch back and forth between its ICE and its EV capabilities. Its higher trim models are capable of Level 2 automation driving, which basically means you'll still have to hold the wheel and pay attention, but it sounds like it'll have cruise control at the very least.
Granted, these impressive figures are based on the relatively new CLTL testing procedure (China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) which is apparently a bit more generous and optimistic with its figures than that of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), which tends to better reflect "real-world" driving conditions. CLTL is the Chinese standard for testing whereas the EPA is the standard in the US. CLTL testing figures can be as much as 30% higher than that of the EPA. Even so, 70% of 1,300 miles (2,092 km) is still a pretty impressive 910 miles (1,465 km) of "real-world" range, if the trend holds true.
All said, the Qin L and the Seal 06 – while having funny names – don't look half bad.
So when are we going to get BYD cars stateside? Probably not anytime soon, sadly. Blame tariffs, Tik-Toks, and political turmoil.
If you want a hybrid its likely you will prefer battery only range over speed and acceleration (otherwise go for that V6 5L) . The petrol engine is there for the occasional use on long trips, mostly it will be used for daily trips of less than 50 miles. If it could give a 100 miles that would be even better!
Hybrid really beats the concept of all electric at the moment for the average user.
Know one electric owner who has bought a petrol car as well for longer trips and for use in the winter, they like a heater being on!
I am unclear what point you're making. How is over 80MPG a bad thing, provided one isn't losing considerable cargo room to get it or paying more over the life of the vehicle or period of ownership than ICE. Electric drivetrains are virtually maintenance-free. The batteries (which I guess would be part of the powertrain) are the major wear item.
What is the volume of your SUV's tank?
Oops, that mileage is now 785 and the weight is a half kiloton more, with commensurate performance figures.