Latest news with #DM-i


Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Launches the All-New BYD SEAL 7 DM-i Hybrid in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Featuring BYD's next-gen DM-i platform, the SEAL 7 sets a new standard for plug-in hybrid performance and sustainable driving in the UAE Dubai, UAE – May 2025 – Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company (AFEM), a leading force in the UAE's transition to sustainable transportation, has officially launched the BYD SEAL 7 DM-i Plug-in Hybrid Sedan. As the flagship D-segment model in its category, the SEAL 7 DM-i sets a new benchmark for hybrid electric vehicles, offering a refined blend of premium design, extended range, and advanced technology tailored to the needs of the modern UAE driver. With growing demand for flexible electrified solutions, the launch of the SEAL 7 DM-i marks a significant milestone in AFEM's mission to accelerate clean mobility in the country. Positioned as the largest plug-in hybrid sedan in its segment, the vehicle features a length of 4,980 mm and a 2,900 mm wheelbase, offering superior interior space and a luxurious driving experience. Powered by BYD's fourth-generation DM-i (Dual Mode – Intelligent) platform, the SEAL 7 DM-i combines a 17.6 kWh Blade Battery with intelligent hybrid power management. Drivers can expect up to 100 km of pure electric range and a total driving range of over 800 km (WLTP), with ultra-low fuel consumption. The system seamlessly integrates electric and hybrid power, delivering smooth and silent EV starts, regenerative braking, and advanced safety through BYD's proprietary D-Pilot driver assistance system. The SEAL 7 DM-i also brings a new design language inspired by BYD's Ocean Series, featuring a sleek coupe fastback profile, panoramic sunroof, and distinctive dot-array taillights. Inside, the cabin has been crafted to rival traditional luxury sedans, with wrap-around ventilated leather seating, a high-definition 15.6' rotating infotainment screen, 13 airbags, and enhanced spaciousness that ensures both comfort and safety. Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, commented on the launch: 'Our journey is rooted in the belief that electric mobility is the future, and plug-in hybrid vehicles play a vital role in bridging that transition for UAE drivers. With the BYD SEAL 7 DM-i, we offer a solution that delivers full EV capability for everyday driving while retaining the flexibility of hybrid power for longer journeys.' The launch of the SEAL 7 DM-i comes as Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility continues to expand its BYD showroom network across the UAE, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Ain. AFEM has also developed a comprehensive ecosystem for new energy vehicles, including aftersales support, mobile services, customer financing, and nationwide EV charging infrastructure through its CHARGE2MOVE platform. This latest model underscores Al-Futtaim's long-term commitment to leading the electrification of transport in the UAE, offering practical, premium, and sustainable solutions that meet the evolving expectations of today's drivers. Test Drive the Future Today The BYD SEAL 7 DM-i Plug-in Hybrid Sedan is now available for test drives and pre-orders at all BYD showrooms across the UAE.


NZ Autocar
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
BYD says its new PHEVs will outperform range extenders
BYD is priming a range of new plug-in hybrids with around 200km of electric-only range. They will also be capable of rapid charging at speeds of more than 150kW. And they're coming within the next 12 to 24 months, badged as DM-i variants. Long range PHEVs are becoming the next big thing in China which seems committed to exporting its popular sellers. To date, not many PHEVs can exceed even 100km of EV range. In the UK, for example, the most range offered by any PHEV is Volkswagen's Golf eHybrid. That manages 141km while the best from BYD is 123km. And that is offered by the Seal U (Sealion 6 here) which can be charged at only 18kW. BYD's executive vice-president, Stella Li, says: 'Our target is really to have people in daily use using the EV [mode], but then if they want long distance, given a chance to charge, they have the freedom to go to anything.' The current DM-i system combines BYD's Blade Battery technology with a petrol engine designed specifically for PHEV use. BYD says it offers particularly high levels of thermal efficiency. The firm also reckons 'PHEV has become the new battleground' for manufacturers. That's 'because everybody is shooting for a revision of the so-called green deal that will open up markets beyond 2035'. And the company states: 'we truly don't see anybody having technology close to the DM-i'. A spokesperson said: 'If you have just 35-45km of range as an EV, you're fundamentally an internal combustion engine with a plug,' he said. 'That's the reason why a lot of manufacturers are now trying to come closer to our plug-in hybrid technology with the range-extender.' Others looking to profit from improved PHEV performance include Ford, Leapmotor, Lotus and Volkswagen. But range-extender (REx) cars are increasingly popular in China. They feature an on-board energy generator in the form of a small petrol combustion engine. Read the NZ Autocar review of BYD's Sealion 6 Premium. Leapmotor's overseas head recently said that REx cars are a 'good interim solution' for Europe and better than PHEVs. That's because the propulsion is always handled by an electric motor. And that means that 'the engine is always operating in the most efficient way'. However, BYD counters, saying that PHEVs are 'definitely superior' than REx cars. That's because 'you can have three different ways of using the car; it's your decision, depending on how much power you need from the engine, [whereas] the REx is always behaving in one way'.


Reuters
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
BYD to bring two more plug-in hybrid models to Germany this year
STUTTGART, Germany, April 29 (Reuters) - China's BYD ( opens new tab will bring two more plug-in hybrid models to Germany this year, its chief for Germany and numerous other central European countries Maria Grazia Davino told Reuters on Tuesday, as the EV giant widens its product line-up to adapt to European demand. "Not everyone is ready for electric. We need something else to convince the customer," Davino said, speaking at the Reuters Automotive Conference in Stuttgart. "Every month, we find the best balance between what the customer wants and what makes distribution successful." BYD, which last year surpassed Tesla to become the world's largest EV manufacturer, is overhauling its European operations after early stumbles in the region, including insufficient dealers, a lack of local knowledge and a line-up without plug-in hybrids, stymied sales. The company is setting up national sales companies across Europe to support product distribution, provide customer services, and tailor its marketing to local consumers, Davino told Reuters. "This localisation effort is a big investment... you have to build everything," the former Stellantis executive said, adding it would take years to build a network. BYD currently offers just one plug-in hybrid in Europe, its Seal DM-i, which uses a small gasoline engine to recharge the battery and extend driving range. "In the near future, we will have two pillars: one fully electric, and the other DM-i," Davino said.


The Independent
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
You're going to see a lot more BYD cars on the road very soon – here are all the big reveals from Shanghai Show
BYD has already launched five new models in its first two years in the UK, with two more scheduled to turn up in the next few months and a whole new brand, Denza, arriving next year, too. But it's not stopping there. BYD has plans to offer UK customers an increased range of plug-in hybrid models over the next 18 months with two of them revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show. Currently, BYD's line-up comprises five EVs and the Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid – a car that we've described as Britain's best-value new car. The budget Dolphin Surf and small SUV Atto 2 all-electric models are due to join the line-up over the coming months, but there will also be a new range of DM-i PHEVs coming to showrooms to join the Seal U.1. Talking to The Independent at the New York Auto Show where she'd just been presented with her 2025 World Car Person of the Year Award, BYD executive vice-president Stella Li, said: 'We will introduce five DM-i models into Europe in the next one and a half years. 'We always needed to introduce these two versions [electric and plug-in hybrid] because even in the UK EV penetration was high, but suddenly flat. [The UK EV market] is at about 24 per cent, so 76 per cent of people will never want electric because of range anxiety, and the charging infrastructure is always a question. So, BYD will bring the DM-i technology -in the form of an] advanced PHEV. 'BYD's DM-i makes a difference on the EV range. You can run for 100 to 200 kilometres per charge daily, so it becomes like an EV. But then you also have the freedom to go long distances. With our PHEV model you get lower fuel consumption: on one charge and one tank of gasoline, you can drive 1080 kilometres. Nobody else's car can do this. This means in the UK you can go from the North all the way back to the South if you want to without stopping for gas or charging. That's a game changer.' The BYD Seal U DM-i comes with a choice of battery and engine configurations with either 18.3 or 26.6kWh batteries, with EV ranges of 50 or 77 miles and a combined petrol and electric range of up to 706 miles. Two of the likely new arrivals were previewed at the Shanghai Motor Show, with one of them being BYD's first estate model. The BYD Seal 6 DM-i will be available as both a saloon and estate car using the same technology as the Seal U DM-i SUV. The new Seals are additional members of BYD's Ocean Series of cars, so feature the trademark flowing lines inspired by the movement of the waves. The estate features traditional station wagon proportions updated with features like semi-recessed door handles to boost efficiency. The SEAL 6 DM-i Wagon measures 4,850mm in length with a long wheelbase of 2,790mm for excellent cabin space. A new mid-size SUV was also shown with both DM-i plug-in hybrid and fully electric tech. The Sealion 6 DM-i shares its looks and 4,810mm-long proportions, but use different platforms – the EV uses BYD's DM Hybrid architecture and the advanced e-Platform 3.0 Evo. BYD will also be launching its new Denza performance car brand in Europe and the UK at the start of 2026 with further Denza models also revealed in Shanghai. BYD says the new brand will rival Porsche when it arrives, with its first model, the Denza Z9GT sporting estate car, also featuring DM-i plug-in hybrid power as well as a fully-electric powertrain.


The Independent
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
You're going to see a lot more BYD cars on the road very soon
BYD has already launched five new models in its first two years in the UK, with two more scheduled to turn up in the next few months and a whole new brand, Denza, arriving next year, too. But it's not stopping there. BYD has plans to offer UK customers an increased range of plug-in hybrid models over the next 18 months. Currently, BYD's line-up comprises five EVs and the Seal U DM-i plug-in hybrid – a car that we've described as Britain's best-value new car. The budget Dolphin Surf and small SUV Atto 2 all-electric models are due to join the line-up over the coming months, but there will also be a new range of DM-i PHEVs coming to showrooms to join the Seal U.1. Talking to The Independent at the New York Auto Show where she'd just been presented with her 2025 World Car Person of the Year Award, BYD executive vice-president Stella Li, said, 'we will introduce five DM-i models into Europe in the next one and a half years.' 'We always needed to introduce these two versions [electric and plug-in hybrid] because even in the UK EV penetration was high, but suddenly flat. [The UK EV market] is at about 24 per cent, so 76 per cent of people will never want electric because of range anxiety, and the charging infrastructure is always a question. So, BYD will bring the DM-i technology -in the form of an] advanced PHEV. 'BYD's DM-i makes a difference on the EV range. You can run for 100 to 200 kilometres per charge daily, so it becomes like an EV. But then you also have the freedom to go long distances. With our PHEV model you get lower fuel consumption: on one charge and one tank of gasoline, you can drive 1080 kilometres. Nobody else's car can do this. This means in the UK you can go from the North all the way back to the South if you want to without stopping for gas or charging. That's a game changer.' The BYD Seal U DM-i comes with a choice of battery and engine configurations with either 18.3 or 26.6kWh batteries, with EV ranges of 50 or 77 miles and a combined petrol and electric range of up to 706 miles. It's not yet known what new models will feature DM-i tech, but we'd expect more SUVs plus an upmarket saloon like the fully electric Seal. BYD will be launching its new Denza performance car brand in Europe and the UK at the start of 2026. BYD says the new brand will rival Porsche when it arrives, with its first model, the Denza Z9GT sporting estate car, also featuring DM-i plug-in hybrid power as well as a fully-electric powertrain.