The differences between DM-i and DM-p include technology, motor, displacement, transmission, and drive. The specific details are as follows: Technology differences: The design goal of DM-i is fuel efficiency, while DM-p aims for performance. Their structures, motor-engine selection, and configurations are all based on these design goals. The 2.0T engine equipped in DM-p has stronger performance data but uses more traditional technology. In contrast, DM-i's latest 1.5T Xiaoyun engine adopts the Miller cycle, featuring more advanced technology, higher thermal efficiency, and lower fuel consumption. Motor differences: Although both use permanent magnet synchronous motors, DM-i models all feature a front-mounted single motor, available in 145kW and 160kW versions. DM-p, besides having a rear-mounted 180kW single motor version, also offers two dual-motor models with front + rear (250kW + 180kW) configurations. Displacement differences: Both are equipped with turbocharged engines, but DM-p uses a 2.0T engine with a maximum power of 192 horsepower (141kW) and maximum torque of 320Nm. DM-i, on the other hand, uses a smaller 1.5T engine with a maximum power of 139 horsepower (102kW) and maximum torque of 231Nm. Transmission differences: DM-p is equipped with a traditional 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, while DM-i uses an E-CVT continuously variable transmission. Drive differences: All DM-p models are four-wheel drive, while DM-i models are two-wheel drive. The core concept of DM-i is electricity-first, fuel-supplemented. Structurally, DM-i super hybrid is based on a large-capacity battery and high-power motor. During driving, the vehicle primarily relies on the high-power motor for propulsion, while the gasoline engine mainly functions to charge the battery. It directly drives the wheels only when more power is needed, and even then, it works in synergy with the motor to reduce load. This hybrid technology differs from traditional hybrid systems that rely heavily on the engine, thereby more effectively reducing fuel consumption. DM-p adopts a dual-engine four-wheel-drive platform architecture. Older models included not only dual-engine four-wheel-drive but also triple-engine four-wheel-drive. Under this dual-engine four-wheel-drive architecture, DM-p can achieve five driving modes: EV pure electric, HEV parallel, HEV series, HEV high-speed, and HEV energy recovery. Technologically, BYD has developed three major systems for DM-p: torque management, energy management, and thermal management. From the analysis of the above modes, it's clear that the smooth execution of each mode relies on torque management and energy management. Torque management: If the engine torque is sufficient for overtaking, the motor doesn't need to start, saving electricity. If the P4 motor is sufficient for EV pure electric driving, the front P0 motor doesn't need to start. Energy management: If the battery charge is insufficient, the vehicle will drive in series mode. As speed increases further, it switches to HEV high-speed mode. If the battery charge is sufficient, the higher-quality EV pure electric mode can be used, or the HEV parallel mode can be employed for rapid acceleration. BYD's hybrid technology is collectively referred to as "Dual Mode," abbreviated as DM. The evolution timeline of DM is: 2008, DM1 was introduced; 2013, DM2 was released; 2018, updated to DM3. Then came the current DM-p and DM-i. According to BYD's official statement, DM-p/i are not considered DM4 but rather technological derivatives of DM3.
