BYD Co. has introduced a new hybrid powertrain that lets a vehicle travel over 2,000 kilometers (about 1,250 miles) without needing to recharge or refuel.
Revealed during a live-streamed event from China on Tuesday (May 28th), this upgrade allows some of BYD’s plug-in hybrid vehicles to cover distances equivalent to New York to Miami or Munich to Madrid on just one charge and a full tank.
This marks BYD’s latest achievement in reducing fuel consumption through five generations of hybrids since their debut in 2008.
Based in Shenzhen, BYD has significantly impacted the Chinese auto market by implementing widespread price cuts, albeit at the cost of profitability. Last year, the company sold three million cars and has delivered almost one million this year through March.
In China, one out of every two hybrids sold is a BYD, highlighting its importance as a revenue and profit driver.
Globally, automakers are striving to alleviate consumers’ range anxiety and develop more environmentally friendly vehicles. On the same day, Toyota also unveiled prototypes of a new engine generation that can run on hydrogen, petrol/diesel, or other fuels alongside batteries.
BYD ceased production of fossil fuel-powered cars in early 2022 and has since increased hybrid exports to emerging markets where battery charging infrastructure is limited.
The first two vehicles to feature its 2,100-kilometer long-range capabilities are the midsize sedans Qin L and Seal 06, unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show in April. These models belong to the Dynasty and Ocean series, respectively.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are continually pushing the limits on range to address what some consumers see as a drawback when switching from petrol/diesel. For example, Geely Automobile Holdings’ Galaxy L6 hybrid offers a range of 850+ miles, while its Zeekr electric 001 model achieves 620 miles of range using a battery from Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.
