What is the difference between BYD's DMi and Li Auto's range extender?
3 Answers
There are the following differences between BYD's DMi and Li Auto's range extender: 1. Different concepts: Li Auto's approach leans more towards the electric vehicle direction, emphasizing its pure electric drive attributes. Li Auto is equipped with a large-capacity 40.5kWh battery, offering a pure electric range of 180km. For the application scenarios Li Auto has set, there is no need for direct drive. DMi combines range extension with direct drive. BYD's concept is designed for broader application scenarios, free from the constraints of peripheral supporting facilities. 2. Different efficiencies: If the goal is to use electricity as much as possible for travel, then a range extender is sufficient; if there are no charging conditions, such as the absence of a private charging pile, then DMi is the most reasonable choice.
The core difference between BYD's DMi and Li Auto's range extender lies in their working mechanisms. BYD's DMi engine not only generates electricity but can also directly drive the wheels on highways, similar to traditional hybrid vehicles, making it more efficient in saving battery consumption. Li Auto's range extender engine solely functions as a generator, with the vehicle entirely powered by electric motors, offering smoother and quieter pure electric driving. In practical driving, DMi provides stronger acceleration and lower fuel consumption at high speeds, while Li Auto excels in smoothness during city traffic but consumes more electricity on highways. BYD models like Qin and Han use DMi with blade battery technology, whereas Li Auto models like the One focus on range-extended battery systems. Budget-wise, DMi is more affordable and suitable for daily fuel savings, while Li Auto is slightly pricier, targeting premium comfort. Maintenance-wise, DMi's frequently working engine may require more upkeep, whereas Li Auto's single-purpose engine simplifies maintenance. Long-term, both are fuel-efficient, but the choice depends on whether you drive more on highways or in urban areas.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I find that the BYD DM-i performs exceptionally well on highways with its engine directly driving the wheels, offering quick power response and energy efficiency, achieving a fuel consumption as low as around 4 liters per 100 kilometers. On the other hand, the Li Xiang range extender relies solely on the electric motor for propulsion, with the engine only charging the battery and not directly driving the wheels. This makes it extremely quiet and smooth in city driving, but results in higher electricity consumption and slightly weaker acceleration on highways. Driving the DM-i feels like a mild hybrid with spirited acceleration, making it easy to adapt to driving habits, while the Li Xiang offers smoother acceleration, ideal for stop-and-go city commutes. In terms of vehicle experience, BYD models like the Qin are practical and easy to maintain, whereas Li Xiang models like the L9 come with luxurious configurations, higher price tags, and superior comfort. It boils down to personal needs: choose the DM-i for power and cost-efficiency, or opt for the Li Xiang for comfort and quietness. Both support daily charging, but the DM-i's engine-direct-drive design makes it more fuel-efficient when using gasoline.
