What is the difference between BYD Han DM and DM-i?
2 Answers
The difference between BYD Han DM and DM-i: Different advantages: DM-i has multiple advantages that lead other hybrid technologies, with the core concept of prioritizing electricity and supplementing with fuel. In terms of architecture, the DM-i super hybrid is based on a high-capacity battery and high-power motor, relying on the high-power motor for driving during vehicle operation. The main function of the gasoline engine is to charge the battery, and it only directly drives when more power is needed, working in coordination with the motor to reduce load. This hybrid technology differs from traditional hybrid technologies that rely on the engine, thus more effectively reducing fuel consumption. Different core technical components: The core components of BYD's DM-i super hybrid technology are the newly developed Xiaoyun plug-in hybrid-specific engines by BYD, which come in two different versions. The 1.5L engine is mainly used in Qin PLUS and Song PLUS, while the 1.5T turbocharged engine is used in larger models like Tang DM-i. Of course, these models also include two important components: the EHS dual motor and the DM-i super hybrid-specific Blade Battery, along with a series of vehicle control systems, engine control systems, motor control systems, and battery management systems, collectively forming the super hybrid system. Most importantly, these core components and key technologies are entirely independently developed by BYD. Different driving forces: When the DM-i model has sufficient battery power, it operates like a pure electric vehicle, with the motor providing enough power for driving under various road conditions. When the battery power is insufficient, the DM-i model autonomously decides whether to use electricity, fuel, or both based on system conditions. According to BYD's official data, in urban driving conditions, the vehicle is driven by the motor 99% of the time, offering a driving experience infinitely close to that of a pure electric vehicle. Meanwhile, the engine is in a shutdown state 81% of the time. During high-speed driving, both the engine and the motor provide wheel power, with the engine always operating in the efficient range.
I've been driving the BYD Han DM for almost two years, and recently test-drove my friend's DMI version. The difference is quite noticeable. The DM feels more like a traditional hybrid, with the engine directly involved in driving, delivering strong acceleration and noticeable engine noise, with city fuel consumption around 5-6 liters. The DMI is like an electric car with a power bank—the motor handles about 90% of the driving, while the engine quietly acts as a generator, keeping fuel consumption below 4 liters in traffic and running so quietly that only tire noise is audible. In terms of battery, the DM offers 81 km of pure electric range, while the DMI can go 121 km, meaning just one charge per week for commuting. For chassis tuning, the DM leans toward sportiness with stable cornering, while the DMI has softer suspension damping—even my mom doesn't get carsick in the back seat. Choose the DM for driving excitement, and the DMI for fuel efficiency and comfort.
