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Chinese automotive and technology giant BYD is set to enter India’s plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) segment with the launch of the Seal U later this year, expanding its strategy beyond pure battery-electric vehicles (BEVs).
Speaking at the unveiling of BYD’s DM-i plug-in hybrid technology, Rajeev Chauhan, Head of Electric Passenger Vehicle Business at BYD India, announced that the Seal U will be the company’s first model in India based on the DM-i platform.
Since entering the Indian passenger vehicle market in 2021, BYD has focused exclusively on electric vehicles. The company currently offers four EV models in India — Atto 3, Seal, eMAX 7, and Sealion 7. The introduction of the Seal U will mark BYD India’s first entry into the plug-in hybrid segment.
According to the company, the DM-i technology differs from conventional hybrid systems by operating primarily as an electric vehicle, while the petrol engine provides support only when required. BYD is positioning the technology as an “electric-first” solution for customers who want the benefits of electric mobility without concerns about long-distance travel and charging availability.
Rajeev Chauhan said the introduction of the DM-i platform aligns with BYD’s broader new-energy vehicle strategy and is aimed at bringing more customers into electrified mobility. He emphasized that the company’s objective is to provide an electric-first driving experience while offering greater flexibility for users.
BYD has been developing plug-in hybrid technology for nearly two decades and claims to have launched the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2008. The company says it has sold more than 8 million vehicles globally based on the technology, making it one of the world’s largest plug-in hybrid vehicle manufacturers.
In India, BYD currently imports semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits and assembles its vehicles at its manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. With the launch of the Seal U, the company aims to further strengthen its presence in India’s growing electrified vehicle market.
