
Tang belongs to new energy vehicles, which refer to cars that are registered with green new energy license plates. Taking the 2021 BYD Tang as an example, it is a mid-size SUV with the following dimensions: length 4870mm, width 1940mm, height 1720mm, and a wheelbase of 2820mm. It has a fuel tank capacity of 68 liters and a curb weight of 1895kg. The 2021 BYD Tang features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 230PS, maximum torque of 350Nm, and maximum power of 169kW. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Tang comes in different versions, so you need to check the specific model. Its DM plug-in hybrid series uses a combination of an electric motor and an engine, capable of running purely on electricity for several dozen to a hundred kilometers. Such vehicles are classified as new energy vehicles under national policies, eligible for green license plates and tax exemptions. The pure electric version, EV, goes without saying—it doesn’t use any fuel at all. However, the earlier fuel-powered Tang models do not fall under the new energy category, relying entirely on the engine. Therefore, when purchasing, make sure to confirm the version—if you’re aiming for the benefits of new energy vehicles, don’t pick the wrong one. Additionally, the convenience of charging for new energy vehicles is crucial. If you have a home charging station, a plug-in hybrid can be very economical, as daily commutes may hardly require any fuel.

From my experience, the Tang DM and EV versions are indeed considered new energy vehicles, as they can both be externally charged and have sufficient pure electric range for daily use. The DM technology is particularly distinctive, with the engine primarily charging the battery rather than directly driving the wheels, which helps reduce fuel consumption. However, the purely fuel-powered Tang is just a conventional gasoline car. The new energy versions have clear advantages in cities with driving restrictions, such as Shanghai, where they can save around 80,000 to 90,000 yuan in license plate fees. Maintenance costs are also lower compared to fuel-powered cars, given the simpler structure and lower failure rate of electric motors. That said, battery degradation in northern winters is a factor to consider, as low temperatures can reduce the pure electric range.

The Tang depends on the specific powertrain type. The plug-in hybrid (DM) and pure electric (EV) versions belong to new energy vehicles, as they can both be driven by electricity and support charging. The gasoline version uses a traditional internal combustion engine. The biggest advantage of the new energy versions is their ultra-low fuel consumption in hybrid mode, with official data showing just 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers. In real-world driving, the EV version is quiet, smooth, and offers quick acceleration. For charging, it's recommended to install a home charging station. While fast charging at public stations is convenient, long-term use can harm the battery. With stable home voltage, charging during off-peak hours at night is extremely cost-effective, costing only a quarter of fueling a gasoline car.

As an actual user, I've been driving my Tang DM for over two years. This plug-in hybrid indeed qualifies as a new energy vehicle, with a pure electric range of 112 km (NEDC standard). Free charging at the company parking lot essentially means commuting for free. However, the fuel version is completely different, requiring 95-octane gasoline. The new energy version features unique technologies like regenerative braking, which recovers electricity when braking downhill. A drawback is that the pack occupies trunk space, reducing luggage capacity by one suitcase during trips. The newer models now offer extended range, and the blade battery's safety has significantly improved - its needle-puncture test fireproof design deserves praise. The winter pre-heating feature via APP is particularly practical, eliminating frozen hands during defrosting.

The new energy identity of the Tang depends on the version. The DM-i and EV models belong to the new energy category and enjoy policy benefits. The DM version offers flexibility with both fuel and charging options, with a fuel consumption of around 5L when running on fuel, which is quite economical. The EV version has a maximum battery capacity of 108 kWh, providing a range of over 700 km. The conventional fuel version is powered by traditional combustion engines. In terms of charging efficiency, fast charging can replenish 80% of the battery in half an hour, slower than refueling but significantly cheaper. For maintenance intervals, new energy vehicles require service every 12,000 km, which is longer than that of fuel-powered vehicles. Currently, hybrid versions have higher resale value due to their obvious cost advantages in usage. For long-distance travel, hybrids are the most reliable, as refueling at service stations takes just five minutes.


