What are the differences between DMP and DMI?

[VanStephanie]

The differences between DMI and DMP include technology, motor, displacement, transmission, and drive system. The core concept of DM-i is to prioritize electricity and use fuel as a supplement. In terms of architecture, the DM-i super hybrid is based on a high-capacity battery and high-power motor. During driving, the vehicle relies on the high-power motor for propulsion. DM-p adopts a dual-engine four-wheel-drive platform architecture. Older models, in addition to dual-engine four-wheel-drive, also featured triple-engine four-wheel-drive. BYD's hybrid technology is collectively referred to as "Dual Mode," abbreviated as the well-known DM. 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, although more powerful in data, is also more traditional in technology. In contrast, the latest 1.5T Xiaoyun engine in the DM-i system 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 180kW rear-mounted single motor version, also includes 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, is equipped with a smaller 1.5T engine, delivering 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 features an E-CVT continuously variable transmission. Drive system differences: All DM-p models are four-wheel-drive, whereas DM-i models are all two-wheel-drive. In terms of operating modes: Both DMi and DMp primarily operate in electric mode. DMi only allows the internal combustion engine to participate in driving in a few scenarios, while DMp should have dedicated operating modes that can be switched. The core concept of DM-i is to prioritize electricity and use fuel as a supplement. Architecturally, the DM-i super hybrid relies on a high-capacity battery and high-power motor for driving, with the gasoline engine primarily functioning to charge the battery. It directly drives only when more power is needed and works in synergy with the motor to reduce load. This hybrid technology differs from traditional hybrid technologies 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, in addition to dual-engine four-wheel-drive, also featured 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 technical systems for DM-p: torque management, energy management, and thermal management. From the analysis of the above modes, it can be understood 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 does not need to start, saving electricity. If the P4 motor is sufficient for EV pure electric driving, the front P0 motor does not need to start. Energy management: If the battery power is insufficient, the vehicle will drive in series mode. As speed increases further, it switches to HEV high-speed mode. If the battery is sufficiently charged, the higher-quality EV pure electric mode can be used, or the HEV parallel mode can be employed for launch starts. BYD's hybrid technology is collectively referred to as "Dual Mode," abbreviated as the well-known DM. The timeline of DM evolution is as follows: In 2008, DM1 was introduced; in 2013, DM2 was released; in 2018, it was updated to DM3. Now, we have DM-p and DM-i. According to BYD's official statement, DM-p/i are not considered DM4 but are technological derivatives of DM3.