What is the difference between DM and DM-i?

[FernandoDella]

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.

[VivianRose]

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.

[Aubrey]

From a technical perspective, DM's hybrid mechanism employs parallel drive from both the engine and electric motor, directly transmitting power to the wheels, delivering high torque performance ideal for performance enthusiasts. However, its drawback is higher fuel consumption and increased engine load when the battery is depleted. DMI, on the other hand, adopts an intelligent architecture primarily driven by electricity with the engine serving as a supplementary power source, focusing on generating electricity to optimize efficiency. This results in significantly improved fuel economy, achieving under 4L per 100 kilometers, complemented by more advanced energy recovery and battery control modules for more flexible responsiveness. Practical tests indicate that DMI operates with lower noise levels and simpler maintenance, while DM is better suited for those seeking driving excitement. The price difference between the two is minimal, but long-term usage of DMI saves considerably on fuel costs.

[CassidyMarie]

For families with children using the car, it was found that the DM model starts too abruptly, which can easily cause motion sickness, and its high fuel consumption leads to frequent refueling. On the other hand, the DMI model primarily operates in electric mode, offering a particularly quiet and smooth ride. During congested commutes, it produces virtually zero emissions and consumes no fuel. Even with prolonged use of the air conditioning, there's no concern about excessive electricity consumption. In terms of maintenance, the DMI's simpler structure results in fewer issues, making it both cost-effective and worry-free.