What is the difference between DM and DM-i?
2 Answers
The differences between DM-i and DM are as follows: 1. Different advantages: DM-i has multiple advantages that lead other hybrid technologies, and its "core concept" 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, and the vehicle relies on the high-power motor for driving during operation. On the other hand, the main function of the DM gasoline engine is to charge the battery, and it only directly drives when more power is needed, and even then, it works in coordination with the motor to reduce the load. This hybrid technology differs from traditional hybrid technologies that rely on the engine, thereby more effectively reducing fuel consumption. 2. Different core technical components: The core component of BYD's DM-i super hybrid technology is BYD's newly developed Xiaoyun plug-in hybrid dedicated engine, which comes in two different versions—the 1.5L engine is mainly used in the Qin PLUS and Song PLUS, while the 1.5T turbocharged engine is used in the larger Tang DM-i models.
As a long-term BYD owner, I find the DM system more focused on power output. Take the Tang DM for example - quick starts, aggressive acceleration, especially thrilling when overtaking on highways. But the downside is obvious: high fuel consumption. When the battery is low, fuel consumption can skyrocket to 8-10L per 100km, making daily driving quite costly at the pump. In contrast, the DMI system like in the Song PLUS DMI prioritizes intelligent fuel efficiency. The engine efficiently generates electricity to power the motor, keeping fuel consumption around 3-4L. It can even run purely on electric power during city traffic jams - saving money while staying quiet. After BYD upgraded the DMI technology with thermal management systems and smart algorithms, the driving experience became smoother with less jerking, making it more practical. If you frequently drive in cities or take long trips, DMI is clearly more economical and worry-free.
