First BYD plug-in hybrid for India to debut on June 9

BYD has announced that it will debut its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model for the Indian market on Tuesday, June 9. The Chinese carmaker, which exclusively sold EVs in India so far, hinted at the arrival of its first PHEV via a teaser on May 26, confirming that the model will use BYD’s ‘DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid EV’ powertrain.

1. BYD may launch either Atto 2 or Sealion 6 as the first PHEV for India
2. Atto 2 is similar in size to Hyundai Creta, claims up to 998km driving range
3. Sealion 6 is more premium in positioning, boasts 1,092km driving range

Which BYD PHEV model is launching in India?

Atto 2

While BYD remains tight-lipped on which PHEV model it’s bringing here, there are two likely contenders. The first is the Atto 2 DM-i, the dimensions of which are very similar to those of the Hyundai Creta. It gets a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a 7.8kWh or an 18kWh battery, with system output pegged at 166hp and 212hp, respectively. Combined WLTP driving ranges are claimed at 928km for the 7.8kWh variant and 998km for the 18kWh battery, while electric-only range is rated at nearly 39km for both.

Sealion 6

The other likely BYD PHEV for India is the Sealion 6, positioned a few segments above the Atto 2 and similar in looks to the Sealion 7 EV. This premium SUV comes with 1.5-litre NA petrol and turbo-petrol engine options, both available with an 18.3kWh or a 26.6kWh battery. The Sealion 6’s NA PHEV setup is FWD-only, develops a combined 218hp and delivers an NEDC-tested electric-only range of 140km, while the turbo-petrol PHEV powertrain features AWD as standard, makes up to 344hp and offers 128km of electric-only range. As for combined driving range, BYD claims 1,092km for the Sealion 6 PHEV.