BYD Claims 1,300-Mile Range for Latest Plug-In Hybrids

As sales of battery-electric vehicles remain below industry expectations, the powertrain battle in the gas-hybrid market heats up with BYD unveiling its latest generation plug-in hybrid claiming big fuel consumption savings.

China’s top-selling BEV maker displays its fifth-generation DM hybrid technology claiming as much as 81 mpg (2.9 L/100 km)(U.S.) and a combined driving range of up to 1,305 miles (2,101 km). Reuters reports that the automaker will use the powerplants in its new sedan versions of the Qin L and Seal 06 models priced for the domestic market from just $13,775.

BYD claims the average consumer will save around $1,337 a year compared to running an equivalent gasoline-power vehicle. Plug-in hybrids make up the bulk of BYD’s global vehicle sales over the past three years, accounting for 3.6 million cars sold.

The company slashed prices of its plug-in hybrids by 10%-22% in the first quarter, with Qin and Song outselling gasoline models such as Lavida and Sagitar in the mass market with lower prices and less fuel consumption attracting Chinese buyers.

While hybrid powertrain pioneer Toyota uses comparatively small lithium-ion batteries in its systems, most Chinese automakers use employ much larger battery packs. These provide a greater electric-only range, albeit at more meager production margins -- enforcing western suspicions of unfair state-backed subsidies.