BYD: Gasoline Cars Losing Ground

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On the evening of May 28, BYD officially unveiled its fifth-generation DM-i hybrid technologyThe chairman of BYD, Wang Chuanfu, remarked that traditional fuel vehicles are quickly becoming "non-mainstream," and hybrid models will increasingly challenge the existing fuel car market.

Building upon its previous research and development foundation, the fifth-generation DM-i technology introduces three key architecturesThese include a power architecture primarily driven by electricity, enabling hybrid models to reach an impressive thermal efficiency of 46.06% with dedicated high-efficiency engines; a full temperature range vehicle thermal management architecture, which utilizes battery thermal management, engine compartment thermal management, and cabin thermal management to intelligently manage vehicle heat sources, significantly lowering energy consumption; and an intelligent electric integration electronic and electrical architecture, which enhances the overall vehicle's integration and performance.

With the support of this new technology, BYD's automotive performance has achieved a significant leap forwardIts fuel consumption of only 2.9 liters per 100 kilometers when out of battery power stands out impressively among peers, demonstrating that daily use of these vehicles can remain economically viable, even in situations where battery power is lowMoreover, the comprehensive range of up to 2100 kilometers obliterates the boundaries of travel for users, providing seamless solutions for urban commuting, long-distance driving, or cross-city business trips, effectively putting "range anxiety" to rest.

At the launch event, BYD showcased two flagship models equipped with the fifth-generation DM technology—the Qin L DM-i and the Seal 06 DM-i, which were released to market at aggressive price points ranging from 99,800 to 139,800 yuan, sparking immediate enthusiasm among consumers

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This pricing strategy not only accurately aligns with the demands of the mainstream consumer base but also sends a strong signal to competitors, illustrating BYD's resolve to seize market share.

In fact, these technological innovations are a result of BYD's substantial investments in research and development.

In 2023, BYD's R&D expenditure reached 39.575 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 112.15%. During the year, they released various technologies such as Yisifang, Yunxuan, and DM-i Super Hybrid, helping the company solidify its position in the fierce battle for "intelligent" market dominance.

In 2024, BYD continued its aggressive approach, with first-quarter R&D investment hitting a record high of 10.611 billion yuan, up 70% year on year.

Additionally, financial reports indicate that BYD currently boasts the largest number of R&D personnel in the automotive industry globally, employing a total of 102,800 researchers by the end of last year.

Wang Chuanfu has astutely observed that the new energy industry has, in fact, entered a brutal elimination roundThe period from 2024 to 2026 will be crucial for establishing scale, cost, and technologyIn the next 3 to 5 years, the landscape of the Chinese automotive market is expected to undergo dramatic changesThe long-held 40% market share of joint venture brands could plummet to just 10%, with a significant 30% share being filled by domestic brands. "To put it bluntly, the market landscape will be completely reshaped," he warned, signaling a looming "battle for market share" across the entire automotive industry.

As he indicated, earlier this year, BYD took the lead, launching an aggressive assault on the fuel vehicle market