Date: February 20, 2024. — BYD has launched a new version of its plug-in hybrid sedan, the Qin Plus DM-i, with a lower starting price of 79,800 yuan ($11,090), aiming to attract more customers away from petrol-powered rivals.
The new model, called the Glory Edition, is 20% less expensive than the previous edition of the Qin Plus DM-i, a hybrid vehicle which has a battery-only driving range of 55 kilometers. The Qin Plus hybrid competes with best-selling gasoline sedans like Nissan’s Sylphy and Volkswagen’s Lavida, which cost roughly 100,000 yuan.
BYD has been focusing on making its mass-market EVs more affordable and accessible to Chinese consumers. In April 2023, it launched the entry-level hatchback, the Seagull. It starts at 73,800 yuan and has a single-charge range of 305 kilometers. The Seagull takes on low-priced petrol-based cars such as the Toyota Yaris, which starts at 85,800 yuan in China.
BYD has also been developing its own blade lithium iron phosphate battery packs. These have proved popular with Chinese drivers and carmakers for their safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness. BYD’s blade batteries can power a car for more than 1.2 million kilometers over its lifetime, according to the company.
The launch of the new Qin Plus DM-i comes is witnessing a rapid growth of EV sales, driven by government policies, consumer demand, and technological innovation. China accounted for 41% of global EV sales in 2023, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
BYD said it was confident that its new Qin Plus DM-i would stand out from the crowd. The hybrid technology combines the advantages of both battery and gasoline power. The company said the Qin Plus DM-i can achieve a fuel consumption of 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. This is lower than the national standard of 5 liters for hybrid vehicles.
The company also said the Qin Plus DM-i offers a smooth and quiet driving experience, as well as a spacious and comfortable interior. The car is equipped with a 10.1-inch touch screen, a smart voice assistant, and a wireless charging pad. The car also supports over-the-air updates and remote diagnosis, according to BYD.
The Qin Plus DM-i is expected to hit the market in March 2024, and customers can pre-order the car online or at BYD’s authorized dealers. BYD said it would also offer various discounts and incentives for early buyers. These include free insurance, free maintenance, and free charging services.
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