What Transmission Does the BYD Tang Use?
3 Answers
BYD Tang is equipped with a transmission, which is independently developed by BYD. BYD is a Chinese automotive brand founded in 1995, primarily producing commercial vehicles, family cars, and batteries. The BYD Tang uses a 6-speed DCT wet dual-clutch transmission, model BYD6DT35. It can operate in both pure electric mode and hybrid mode. The 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission features six forward gears. A wet dual-clutch transmission refers to a dual-clutch transmission where the clutch plates are immersed in transmission fluid. There are two types of dual-clutch transmissions: dry and wet. When using the BYD Tang's transmission in daily driving, pay attention to the following points: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can damage internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid prolonged coasting in neutral. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, this can cause overheating and create a jolt when shifting back into Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Some drivers shift into reverse while the vehicle is still moving to demonstrate smooth operation, but this can severely damage the transmission gears, leading to gear grinding and other malfunctions over time. Avoid frequent steep hill climbs in Drive (D). On steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or shift prematurely, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in lower gears or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to transport it in Neutral (N) rather than towing it directly with a rope or other methods.
I've driven several generations of the BYD Tang, and the changes in its transmission are quite interesting. The older fuel-powered version used a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, with decent control over gearshift jerks. The hybrid version is the most unique, completely abandoning the traditional transmission structure in favor of an electronic continuously variable transmission system. Specifically, it relies on two electric motors working in tandem with the engine, achieving stepless speed regulation through a planetary gear set, resulting in a completely jerk-free driving experience without gear shifts. The newer DM-i version further simplifies the structure, primarily relying on high-power electric motors for propulsion, with the engine mostly generating electricity and only directly driving at high speeds. This EHS hybrid system is essentially a single-speed transmission, hence exceptionally smooth. The transmission fluid is also a specialized formulation, with a much longer oil change interval compared to fuel-powered vehicles.
Last week, I helped a friend inspect a used Tang DM-P and specifically researched its transmission. The brilliance of this hybrid system lies in its mastery of coordinating the motor, engine, and battery to the extreme. The engine has its own fixed gear ratio transmission path, the front axle motor can both drive and generate electricity, and there's also an independent motor on the rear axle. The entire system is interconnected through a device called a reduction gearbox, making gear shifts almost imperceptible during actual driving. Officially, this is referred to as the EHS electric hybrid-specific transmission, which eliminates complex structures like clutches and torque converters found in traditional transmissions, resulting in even higher reliability. In pure electric mode, it completely breaks free from the constraints of a transmission, delivering incredibly direct power.
