Are there any issues with not charging the Qin Plus DM-i for a long time?

[StJoy]

There are no issues with not charging the Qin Plus DM-i for a long time, as it is a plug-in hybrid model. Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles refer to oil-electric hybrid vehicles, which use traditional internal combustion engines, diesel engines, or gasoline engines along with electric motors as power sources. Some engines are modified to use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, propane, and ethanol fuel. Equipped with Super Hybrid-specific Blade Battery: The Qin PLUS Super Hybrid is equipped with the DM-i Super Hybrid-specific Blade Battery, featuring the world's first pulse self-heating and globally leading refrigerant direct cooling technology, ensuring ultra-long lifespan and reliable safety. Therefore, this Qin PLUS DM-i needs to be charged to achieve an ideal vehicle cost and maximize its advantages as a super hybrid.

[VanLola]

I drove the Qin Plus DM-i for half a year without charging and noticed that the fuel consumption was about 1L/100km higher than when charging. In a depleted battery state, the engine frequently replenishes power to the battery, increasing the load and naturally consuming more fuel. However, BYD has a battery protection mechanism that prevents over-discharge and battery damage even with long-term non-charging, which is a reliable design. The only downside is the noticeable engine engagement during starts, which can be quite annoying in city traffic jams. It's recommended to fully charge the battery at least once a month to maintain battery activity or use the SOC setting function to raise the minimum charge level, resulting in smoother driving and better fuel efficiency.

[LaValentina]

When my friend first got his Qin Plus DM-i, he drove it as a pure gasoline car for three months and noticed the battery level often dropped below 15%. Later, a check-up at the 4S shop revealed a slight imbalance in battery cell voltages. The technician recommended charging at least once a week. The DM-i's power-type battery is particularly vulnerable to long-term deep discharges. Although the vehicle system can prevent excessive discharge, consistently low battery levels can affect the chemical stability of the lithium iron phosphate battery. Additionally, kinetic energy recovery weakens at low battery levels, requiring frequent braking on downhill slopes, which can increase fuel consumption by about half a liter. I’ve since developed the habit of plugging in the charging cable whenever I refuel.

[Lucy]

A colleague drove the Qin Plus DM-i as a gasoline car all year round and discovered two issues during maintenance: First, there was more engine carbon buildup compared to users who regularly charged, because the engine often ran at high RPMs to generate electricity when the battery was low. Second, the internal resistance of the power battery increased, and the estimated range dropped by 7 kilometers. The technician mentioned that the DM-i system was designed to keep the battery within a healthy range of 20%-70%. Prolonged low charge levels can accelerate battery aging and may lead to higher maintenance costs. It is recommended to perform a balance charge at least once a month, using slow charging to allow the battery management system to calibrate the cells.

[VioletFitz]

Real-world testing shows that driving the Qin Plus DM-i for a year without charging is entirely feasible. Comparing fuel consumption records, it averages 4L/100km with a full charge and around 5.3L/100km when running on low battery for extended periods. Although the engine workload increases, there is no abnormal failure rate. Note that the charging port cover may stick if left unused for long periods; regular opening and closing is recommended. Extra caution is needed when wading through water in rainy conditions, as the battery pack's bottom protection becomes more critical in a low-battery state. In winter, it's best to maintain at least 30% charge to avoid triggering low-temperature protection limits. Daily commuting is unaffected, but a pre-trip charge is advisable before long-distance travel.

[DiEvan]

The biggest fear with hybrids is battery issues. The Qin Plus DM-i's battery management system ensures the charge never drops below 15%. However, prolonged periods without charging can disrupt cell balancing, causing significant voltage differences between cells. Once when I drove it down to 10% charge and fast-charged, the maximum voltage difference detected exceeded 0.3V. The mechanic said this is like constantly making the battery work on an empty stomach, which could shorten its lifespan. It's recommended to charge to at least 50% weekly, and using the scheduled charging feature overnight is the most cost-effective. When the battery is low, pressing the accelerator hard makes the engine roar, which is heartbreaking to hear.