This plug-in hybrid SUV with over 1,200km claimed range will be launched this year

BYD is set to expand its portfolio in India beyond pure electric vehicles with the launch of the Seal U plug-in hybrid SUV later this year. The model will introduce the Chinese automaker's globally successful DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology to the Indian market.

The arrival of the Seal U marks a major shift in BYD's India strategy, as the company looks to bridge the gap between conventional internal combustion vehicles and fully electric cars. The DM-i system has been developed to deliver an electric-first driving experience while retaining the flexibility and convenience of a petrol-powered vehicle for longer journeys.

At the heart of the powertrain is a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine paired with dual electric motors and an 18.3kWh battery pack. BYD claims the hybrid system can achieve fuel consumption of just 4.8 litres per 100km while delivering a combined driving range exceeding 1,200km on a full tank and charge.

A key highlight of the system is BYD's Xiaoyun petrol engine, which the company says achieves a thermal efficiency of 43.04 percent, among the highest figures claimed for a production engine. The electric motors are also said to operate with an efficiency of 97.5 percent.

Unlike conventional hybrid systems that rely primarily on the petrol engine, DM-i follows an electric-first philosophy. In most driving scenarios, the vehicle is powered predominantly by its battery and electric motors, with the petrol engine functioning mainly as a generator to replenish the battery. The engine can also directly drive the wheels when additional power is required, ensuring optimal efficiency across varying driving conditions.

When fully charged, the Seal U can travel up to 70km in pure electric mode, allowing many daily commutes to be completed without consuming any fuel. The system automatically switches between EV mode, series-hybrid mode and parallel-hybrid mode, eliminating the need for driver intervention and continuously optimising efficiency and performance.

In EV mode, the vehicle operates solely on battery power. In series-hybrid mode, the petrol engine generates electricity while the electric motors drive the wheels. Under higher loads, the system transitions into parallel-hybrid operation, where both the engine and electric motors work together to propel the vehicle.

BYD says the technology has been engineered around six core pillars: performance, efficiency, refinement, smoothness, sustainability and safety. The company claims the system can accelerate from 0-100kph in under 5.5 seconds, offering performance comparable to vehicles powered by larger 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines.

The hybrid system is also equipped with BYD's Blade Battery, which serves as the foundation for the vehicle's safety credentials. Like many modern electrified vehicles, the Seal U's powertrain supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, enabling the battery to power external appliances and electronic devices.

Speaking about the introduction of the technology, Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicles Business at BYD India, said the company aims to make sustainable mobility more practical and accessible by combining electric driving for everyday use with the convenience of long-distance travel.

The launch of the Seal U also highlights BYD's extensive experience in plug-in hybrid technology. The company introduced the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle, the F3DM, in 2008 and has since accumulated more than 8 million plug-in hybrid sales globally. BYD currently claims a leading position in the global PHEV market, with its DM platform becoming one of the most widely adopted hybrid technologies worldwide.

The introduction of DM-i is expected to play a central role in BYD's future growth plans in India. The automaker recently crossed the milestone of 14,000 customers in the country and currently operates through a network of 48 showrooms across 40 cities.

With the Seal U PHEV, BYD is targeting buyers who want the efficiency and driving characteristics of an electric vehicle without the charging limitations often associated with full EV ownership. As India's electrification journey gathers momentum, the company believes plug-in hybrids can serve as an important stepping stone towards wider adoption of sustainable mobility solutions.

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