The driving range of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sealion 6 DM-i released by China's BYD is drawing attention. After deliveries began, examples of long-distance driving of more than 1,000 km have been shared in online communities, spreading by word of mouth.
According to BYD, among consumers who actually took delivery of the Sealion 6 DM-i and set out on long-distance trips, cases such as "I drove 1,270 km on a single refuel," "I even drove 1,400 km," and "I made a round trip between Seoul and Ttangkkeut Village in Haenam" are being shared. BYD Korea said, "(Driving range) can vary depending on driving habits and is an individual record."
Because a PHEV uses both an electric motor and an engine, there is no single official driving range like that of an electric vehicle or an internal combustion vehicle. For the Sealion 6 DM-i, the instrument panel shows a driving range of 110 km in EV mode and 900 km for the internal combustion engine. This is when both the motor and fuel are at 100%.
Although an arithmetic calculation suggests it can travel 910 km, BYD says the actual driving range can differ from what is shown on the instrument panel because the engine engages only when output is needed. The Environment Ministry-certified EV-mode driving range of the Sealion 6 DM-i was also up to 70 km.
What enabled the Sealion 6 DM-i's real-world range was BYD's DM-i technology. The electric motor takes the lead in driving, and the engine steps in when needed. In urban and low-speed sections, it runs in EV mode, and when the battery level drops or high output is needed, the engine generates electricity or directly contributes to propulsion. It is used like an electric vehicle in daily driving and uses the engine together for long-distance travel.
The battery uses BYD's Blade Battery. Its capacity is 18.3 kWh. Although it is a PHEV, it also supports a V2L function of up to 3.3 kW, targeting camping and car-camping demand. It also supports 18 kW DC fast charging. Charging the battery from 30% to 70% takes about 30 minutes.
It also includes features favored by domestic consumers. A 15.6-inch display, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated and heated front seats are included. Convenience and safety features popular with domestic consumers, such as Kakao navigation and a black headliner, are standard.
The domestic PHEV market is still smaller than the pure electric or hybrid market. A BYD Korea official said, "For consumers who want the driving feel of an electric vehicle but feel burdened by using charging stations or long-distance travel, it can be an alternative."