BYD’s Super DM Technology is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) solution independently developed by BYD. It is centered on electric power, combined with an efficient engine and intelligent energy management, to achieve high efficiency, energy saving, and excellent driving experience. The following is a detailed analysis from the aspects of technical architecture, core components, performance, and iterative upgrades:
I. Technical Architecture and Core Components
- Electric Hybrid System (EHS): Adopts high-speed dual motors (P1 generator motor + P3 drive motor), dual controllers, and oil cooling technology. The maximum motor speed reaches 15,000rpm, and the peak efficiency reaches 97%. The fifth-generation EHS system has a 70.28% increase in power density and a comprehensive efficiency of 92%. Supports multiple drive modes: Pure Electric (EV), Series (engine generates power for driving), Parallel (engine and motor drive together), and Cruising mode. It intelligently switches to optimize energy consumption.
- High-Efficiency Hybrid Engine:
- Xiaoyun 1.5L Engine: Designed for economy, it uses the Atkinson cycle, 15.5 ultra-high compression ratio, split cooling, and other technologies. The fifth-generation thermal efficiency is increased to 46.06% (globally highest), and the fourth generation was 43.04%.
- Xiaoyun 1.5T Turbocharged Engine: Designed for high-performance needs, it uses the Miller cycle and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). The thermal efficiency is 40.12%, balancing power and low fuel consumption.
- Blade Battery: Customized design, with capacities starting from 18.3kWh. The minimum pure electric range is 70km. Space utilization is increased by 50% compared to traditional batteries. It passes the nail penetration test and has excellent safety. The cycle life exceeds 5000 times. The fifth-generation battery energy density is further increased by 15.9%. Supports DC fast charging (10%-80% state of charge in just 30-35 minutes) and V2L external discharge function, which can power electrical appliances.
- Intelligent Thermal Management and Electronic Architecture: The fifth-generation full-domain thermal management system covers the front compartment, battery, and cabin. High-temperature energy consumption is reduced by 10%, and low-temperature consumption is reduced by 8%. Seven-in-one electric control domain integration (VCU + dual MCUs) has a 146% increase in chip computing power, achieving higher integration and response speed.
II. Performance and Advantages
- Ultra-Low Fuel Consumption and Long Range: The fifth-generation DM technology has fuel consumption as low as 2.9L/100km (NEDC conditions), with a combined range of up to 2100km. Fourth-generation DM-i models have fuel consumption of 3.8L/100km and a pure electric range of 120km. The engine operates in its high-efficiency range 80% of the time, and the motor drives the vehicle in 90% of conditions, reducing fuel dependence.
- Power and Driving Experience: The system total power is up to 238kW. 0-100km/h acceleration is comparable to 2.0T fuel vehicles. The motor response time is only 10ms. With electric drive as the main mode, NVH performance is excellent, and the driving quietness is close to that of pure electric vehicles.
- Environmental Protection and Multi-functionality: Supports zero emissions in pure electric mode and ultra-low emissions in HEV mode, meeting China 6b standards. V2L technology expands outdoor power usage scenarios, such as powering grills, electronic devices, etc.
III. Technical Iteration and Market Application
- Fifth-Generation DM Technology (Released in 2024): Focuses on “three bests” – highest thermal efficiency (46.06%), lowest fuel consumption (2.9L/100km), and longest range (2100km). It is applied in models such as the Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i. The starting price is 99,800 RMB, promoting the process of PHEVs replacing fuel vehicles.
- DM-i and DM-p Dual Platform Strategy: DM-i focuses on economy (such as Song Pro DM-i), and DM-p strengthens performance (such as Tang DM-p), meeting diverse needs.
- Globalization: Models such as the SEAL U DM-i are entering the European market, with Super DM technology as the core, suitable for both long-distance and urban driving.
IV. Conclusion
BYD’s Super DM technology achieves a balance of fuel consumption, range, power, and comfort through its electrified architecture, efficient EHS system, and intelligent control. The fifth-generation technology further breaks through physical limits, consolidating BYD’s leading position in the hybrid field, while also promoting the popularization of new energy vehicles and accelerating the process of replacing fuel vehicles.
♯ What new features or improvements are in the latest iteration of BYD’s Super DM technology?
The latest iteration of BYD’s Super DM technology (i.e., the fifth-generation DM technology) has undergone significant improvements and optimizations in multiple aspects, specifically as follows:
- Improved Thermal Efficiency: The fifth-generation DM technology increases the engine’s thermal efficiency from the previous 43.04% to 46.06%, which is one of the highest levels of engine thermal efficiency globally. This improvement significantly reduces fuel consumption, enabling fuel consumption as low as 2.9L per 100 kilometers.
- Reduced Energy Consumption: The new technology further reduces energy consumption by optimizing the engine and battery system. For example, fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is reduced from the previous 3.8L to 2.9L, while the combined range is significantly increased to 2100 kilometers.
- Upgraded Electric Hybrid Architecture: The fifth-generation DM technology adopts a completely new electric hybrid architecture, including a highly integrated Electric Hybrid System (EHS). This system comprises dual motors, dual controllers, and an oil cooling system, reducing volume by 30% and weight by 30%, significantly enhancing the system’s compactness and lightweight design.
- Vehicle Thermal Management Architecture: A vehicle thermal management architecture is introduced to further enhance the vehicle’s energy efficiency and stability.
- Intelligent Electronic Integration Architecture: The new technology also incorporates an intelligent electronic integration architecture, improving the system’s intelligence level and making the vehicle more efficient and safe during driving.
- Battery Technology Advancement: The fifth-generation DM technology uses a large-capacity Blade battery, with capacities starting from 18.3kWh, and the pure electric range is increased from 70km to 200km (for some versions). In addition, the safety, strength, and lifespan of the battery have been enhanced.
- Improved Power Performance: The 1.5T engine equipped with the new technology has a maximum power of 110kW, and the total power of the dual motors can reach 810kW (1086 horsepower), with a peak torque of 1500Nm, making the vehicle’s power performance more robust.
- Optimized Overall Performance: The fifth-generation DM technology not only focuses on power performance and energy efficiency but also further reduces costs and improves the vehicle’s overall competitiveness by optimizing the entire vehicle design and manufacturing process. For example, models such as the Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i both adopt this technology.
- Expanded Application Scenarios: The new technology is suitable for a variety of driving scenarios, including pure electric mode, hybrid mode, and fuel mode, and can intelligently switch according to actual needs to achieve optimal energy utilization efficiency.
♯ What are the technical details and safety performance of BYD’s Blade battery, and what are its advantages compared to traditional batteries?
BYD’s Blade battery is an innovative battery using lithium iron phosphate technology. Its design and performance surpass traditional batteries in multiple aspects, offering significant technical advantages and safety performance.
- Technical Details:
- Structure Design: The Blade battery adopts a unique blade-like structure, where battery modules are arranged neatly like blades within the battery pack. This design not only improves space utilization but also enhances the overall structural strength of the battery pack. Compared to traditional batteries, the space utilization rate of the Blade battery is increased from 40% to 60%, significantly improving energy density.
- Production Process: The Blade battery uses a stacking process, rather than the traditional winding process. This process results in lower internal resistance of the battery cells, better temperature consistency, and stronger charge and discharge rate capability.
- Materials and Packaging: The Blade battery uses lithium iron phosphate material, which is more stable and safer compared to ternary lithium batteries. In addition, the Blade battery adopts a double-sealed design, further improving safety.
- Safety Performance:
- Excellent Nail Penetration Test Performance: The Blade battery performs outstandingly in the nail penetration test, with the surface temperature only reaching 30-60℃, no open flame, and no smoke, while traditional ternary lithium batteries intensely burn and explode in the same test.
- Low Thermal Runaway Risk: Due to the larger heat dissipation area of the Blade battery, the risk of thermal runaway is lower, and the overall safety is higher than national standards.
- Multiple Protection Mechanisms: The Blade battery is equipped with complete temperature sensors and short-circuit protection devices, which can effectively prevent fire or explosion in extreme cases.
- Advantages Compared to Traditional Batteries:
- Higher Energy Density and Range Capability: The energy density of the Blade battery is 10%-20% higher than traditional batteries, which allows electric vehicles equipped with this battery to have a longer range.
- Better Heat Dissipation Performance: The Blade battery has higher heat dissipation efficiency, reducing the risk of overheating and thus extending battery life.
- Longer Service Life: The cycle life of the Blade battery far exceeds that of traditional batteries, supporting over 2000 charge and discharge cycles, and even lasting more than 8 years.
- Higher Safety: The Blade battery performs excellently in extreme conditions such as collision, extrusion, and puncture, and will not instantly deflagrate or catch fire.
- Cost Advantage: Although the production cost is higher than traditional batteries, its high integration and long life reduce long-term usage costs.
- Limitations and Challenges:
- Insufficient Low-Temperature Performance: The performance of the Blade battery significantly decreases in environments below -20 degrees Celsius, limiting its application in northern markets.
- Difficult Maintenance: Due to the complex structure of the Blade battery, the maintenance cost is high, and it is difficult to effectively replace a single damaged cell.
BYD’s Blade battery has significant technical competitiveness in the new energy vehicle sector due to its excellent space utilization, high safety, long life, and high energy density.
♯ What is the working principle of BYD’s EHS hybrid system and its performance in different driving modes?
BYD’s EHS hybrid system is the core of its DM-i super hybrid technology. It uses a dual-motor series-parallel architecture, consisting of dual motors, dual electronic controls, a single-speed reducer, and a direct-drive clutch. This design achieves efficient power output and energy recovery, while reducing overall vehicle energy consumption and weight.
- Working Principle: The EHS system achieves multiple driving modes by intelligently distributing power, primarily relying on “electric drive.” Its core lies in the coordinated work of the dual motors:
- Drive Motor (P3): Responsible for directly driving the vehicle and providing power output.
- Generator Motor (P1): Responsible for generating power to charge the battery and assisting in driving when necessary. The system switches modes in different conditions through the coordination of dual electronic controls and the direct-drive clutch, achieving efficient energy utilization and power output. For example, at low speeds, the system primarily relies on the drive motor (P3) to provide power, while the engine is in a state of minimum energy consumption; at high speeds or when rapid acceleration is required, the engine works together with the drive motor to ensure fuel efficiency and power performance.
- Performance in Different Driving Modes: The EHS system supports the following four main driving modes:
- EV Pure Electric Drive Mode: Power is entirely provided by the power battery, and the drive motor (P3) independently drives the vehicle. This mode is suitable for scenarios with sufficient power, low-speed driving, and high demand for power response.
- HEV Series Mode: The engine does not directly drive the wheels but generates power through the generator motor (P1), which is then used by the drive motor (P3) to provide power. In this mode, the engine operates in its highest combustion efficiency range, suitable for medium to high-speed driving.
- HEV Parallel Mode: The engine and the drive motor jointly drive the vehicle, and the decision to charge or discharge is made based on demand. This mode is suitable for rapid acceleration or scenarios requiring high power output, where the engine operates in its high-efficiency range.
- Engine Direct Drive Mode: The engine directly drives the wheels, and the drive motor (P3) does not participate in the work. This mode is suitable for high-speed cruising, where fuel efficiency is highest.
- Features and Advantages:
- Efficient Energy Utilization: The EHS system maximizes the advantages of the engine and motors by intelligently switching modes, reducing energy consumption. For example, in urban conditions, the system prioritizes the EV mode, while in high-speed conditions, it switches to the HEV series or parallel mode.
- Smoothness and Flexibility: The application of the direct-drive clutch makes power transmission more flexible, allowing for seamless switching between 7 driving modes, ensuring stable driving experience even in complex road conditions.
- Technological Innovation: The use of flat wire winding technology and fourth-generation IGBT electronic control technology improves power density and thermal efficiency, with a comprehensive efficiency of up to 98.5%.
♯ What are the technical features and performance parameters of BYD’s high-efficiency hybrid engine?
The technical features and performance parameters of BYD’s high-efficiency hybrid engine are primarily reflected in its DM-i super hybrid system, especially the Xiaoyun-plug-in hybrid dedicated 1.5L high-efficiency engine. The following are detailed technical features and performance parameters:
- Engine Technical Features:
- High Compression Ratio of 15.5:1: This high compression ratio, combined with the Atkinson cycle and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) technology, improves the engine’s thermal efficiency.
- Thermal Efficiency up to 43.04%: Through a series of technical improvements, including condensed EGR, split cooling, variable displacement oil pump, etc., BYD has successfully increased thermal efficiency from the base engine’s 36% to over 43%.
- Naturally Aspirated Design: The engine adopts a naturally aspirated approach, avoiding the additional friction losses caused by the turbocharger and reducing manufacturing costs.
- Optimized Intake System: Uses an intake mid-position oil pressure control valve (VVT) and a front-end beltless design, further reducing resistance and mechanical losses.
- Cooling Technology: The engine cylinder block and cylinder head adopt split cooling technology, achieving the best cooling effect by precisely measuring the temperature of the cylinder head and cylinder block, especially in winter, reducing heat loss and shortening cold start time.
- Low Friction Design: Direct injection technology is canceled, and intake methods other than high-pressure fuel pumps are used. At the same time, an electronic water pump is used instead of a traditional water pump, further reducing friction losses.
- Performance Parameters:
- Peak Power: The peak power of the Xiaoyun-plug-in hybrid dedicated 1.5L high-efficiency engine is 81kW/6000rpm.
- Peak Torque: The peak torque is 135Nm/4500rpm.
- Thermal Efficiency: The maximum thermal efficiency reaches 43.04%, far exceeding the 25%-35% thermal efficiency of general gasoline engines.
- Other Technical Highlights:
- EHS Electric Hybrid System: The EHS electric hybrid system matched with the Xiaoyun-plug-in hybrid dedicated engine supports four drive modes: pure electric, series, parallel, and engine direct drive, improving the vehicle’s power and fuel economy.
- DM-i Super Hybrid Architecture: Achieves efficient energy utilization and longer electric driving range by optimizing battery energy density and electronic decoupling technology.
- NVH Performance Optimization: Engine design focuses on reducing mechanical noise to provide a quiet driving experience.
BYD’s high-efficiency hybrid engine achieves high thermal efficiency and excellent fuel economy through technologies such as high compression ratio, advanced cooling technology, low friction design, and efficient thermal management.
♯ What are the application and user feedback of BYD’s Super DM technology in the global market?
The application and user feedback of BYD’s Super DM technology in the global market have been generally excellent, with specific analysis as follows:
- Global Market Application: BYD’s Super DM technology has undergone multiple generations of iterative upgrades since its launch in 2008. Currently represented by the fifth-generation DM technology, its technical advantages have been widely recognized globally. The fifth-generation DM technology has achieved breakthroughs in fuel economy, range, and overall vehicle performance. For example, its fuel consumption with a low battery is as low as 2.9L/100km, and the combined range exceeds 2000 kilometers, setting a new benchmark for plug-in hybrid technology globally. BYD has successfully promoted DM technology to overseas markets through technological innovation and a globalization strategy, achieving significant results, especially in Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions. For example, several models displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in Europe in 2024 attracted widespread attention, and export volume increased by 71.8% year-on-year, further consolidating its leading position in the global new energy vehicle market.
- User Feedback: User feedback on BYD’s DM-i super hybrid technology is very positive. Since the launch of the first generation of DM technology, BYD has accumulated recognition from over 420,000 users, and the order volume for its DM-i super hybrid models has exceeded 100,000 units. Users generally believe that the DM-i super hybrid technology has the characteristics of high efficiency, energy saving, and low fuel consumption. For example, models such as the Qin PLUS DM-i and Song PLUS DM-i have fuel consumption as low as 3.01 to 3.45L/100km when the battery is low, which is much lower than traditional fuel vehicles. In addition, BYD’s DM-i super hybrid technology also provides DC fast charging function, which can charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes, further improving user convenience.
- Market Recognition and Industry Position: BYD has occupied an important position in the global new energy vehicle market by continuously innovating DM technology. In 2024, BYD’s total new energy vehicle sales reached 4.27 million units, ranking first in sales in China and the global new energy vehicle market for two consecutive years. In addition, BYD’s technological achievements have been included in textbooks by Tsinghua University, further reflecting its technical strength and industry influence.
- Technological Innovation and Future Outlook: BYD’s continuous investment and innovation in DM technology have enabled it to maintain a leading position in the global market. For example, the fifth-generation DM technology, by introducing new technologies such as electric control integrated architecture and vehicle thermal management architecture, has not only improved fuel economy and vehicle performance but also reduced costs and improved market competitiveness. In the future, BYD plans to continue to deepen its globalization layout and promote the penetration and popularization of DM technology in the global market.
The application of BYD’s Super DM technology in the global market is good, and user feedback is positive. Its high efficiency, energy saving, low fuel consumption, and excellent driving experience have won wide recognition.
