Hybrid car technology fuel efficiency boosted by BYD, granting a 10% reduction; eligible for software updates even in previously sold vehicles.
In a significant move to boost the competitiveness of its hybrid models, BYD (HKG: 1211, OTCMKTS: BYDDY) has announced a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency for its fifth-generation DM (Dual Mode) hybrid technology. The new fuel efficiency rating is 2.6 liters per 100 kilometers, a substantial reduction from the previous 2.9 liters.
The breakthrough was achieved primarily through advancements in the integration and coordination between software and hardware, leveraging large-scale real-world driving data and advanced AI models. BYD utilized driving data from over 1.5 million vehicles and 2.8 billion kilometers monthly, covering 1.8 million real-world driving scenarios to refine their AI models and software controls.
The AI-enhanced hybrid strategy allows for dynamic and situation-specific fuel-saving strategies that go beyond traditional mechanical or static programming. Furthermore, these efficiency improvements are delivered to existing vehicles through over-the-air (OTA) updates, enhancing fleet-wide performance.
The new fuel efficiency rating was first implemented in the BYD Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i, models that were launched on May 28, 2023. The combined range of vehicles equipped with the fifth-generation DM technology is three times that of traditional fuel vehicles.
Despite the improvement, BYD's sales of passenger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have been declining for several consecutive months. In July 2024, BYD sold 163,143 PHEV units, a 22.61% year-on-year decrease and a 4.45% decrease from June. However, the sales figures for July 2024, released on August 1, show a 0.56% increase year-on-year in the sales of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), with BYD selling 344,296 NEVs in total.
The sales of BYD's Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in July were 177,887 units, a 36.84% year-on-year increase despite a 14.02% decrease from June. This marks a continued growth in the sales of electric vehicles for BYD, despite the declining sales of PHEVs.
The National Motor Vehicle Quality Inspection and Testing Center (Guangdong) has certified the fuel consumption measurement of BYD's fifth-generation DM technology. The technology achieves an engine thermal efficiency of 46.06 percent, a testament to BYD's commitment to innovation and sustainability.
This reduction in fuel consumption for the fifth-generation DM hybrid tech is a result of sophisticated AI-driven software optimization based on massive real-world data and continuous improvement via OTA updates. The aim is to enhance market competitiveness and revive hybrid sales. The AI-driven, OTA-updateable platform positions BYD’s hybrids as technologically advanced and efficient, which may help reverse sales declines and strengthen market position in the hybrid vehicle segment.
- BYD's fifth-generation DM hybrid technology has announced a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency, achieving a rating of 2.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
- The advancements in software and hardware integration, using large-scale real-world driving data and AI models, facilitated the achievement of this new fuel efficiency rating.
- The AI-enhanced hybrid strategy allows for dynamic and situation-specific fuel-saving strategies, going beyond traditional mechanical programming.
- The new fuel efficiency rating has been implemented in the BYD Qin L DM-i and Seal 06 DM-i, resulting in a combined range three times that of traditional fuel vehicles.
- Despite the decline in sales of passenger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), BYD's sales of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) have shown a year-on-year increase in July 2024.
- The sales of BYD's Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have shown a 36.84% year-on-year increase in July, despite a decline in sales compared to the previous month.
