BYD to roll out upgraded plug-in hybrids with longer range batteries

BEIJING: China's ‍BYD said on ​Wednesday it would launch this ⁠month new versions of four plug-in hybrid models with longer-range batteries.

The new versions of its Qin PLUS ‌DM-i, ‌Qin L DM-i, Seal 05 DM-i and Seal 06 ‌DM-i models will have a combined driving range of 2,110 km (1,300 miles) with more than 210 km (130 miles) on batteries, the company said ​in a statement.


It ​did not disclose sticker prices of ‌the upgraded ‍versions.

The four PHEV models, ‍priced from as low as 79,800 yuan ($11,400), ‌boast a range of between 55 km (34 miles) and 128 km (80 miles) on batteries.

China's higher technical requirements for PHEVs, including extended-rangers, to qualify for purchase tax breaks from this year ‍require such vehicles to have a minimum battery range of 100 ‍km (62 ⁠miles), up ⁠sharply from 43 km (27 miles) earlier.

BYD's sales of plug-in hybrids fell 7.9% last year while such cars made up more than half of its total sales.