Columnist Qin L presents his insightful opinions on DM-i. - A remarkable journey spanning 2100 kilometers: BYD showcases an extraordinary plug-in hybrid.
Traveling from Flensburg to Naples by car takes approximately 21 hours non-stop. A typical car would require at least one stop - if not more - due to both the built-up pressure in the tank and the tank not being large enough for the almost 2100-kilometer journey. However, BYD has not solved the pressurized tank problem for now, but in the future, this issue might not occur since a breakless journey is expected to be an option.
Compact Engine, Extensive Range
According to "CarNewsChina," the Chinese automaker BYD recently launched the Qin L DM-i, boasting two astonishing specs. This ordinary-looking vehicle houses a small combustion engine of 1.5 liters and 99 PS combined with an electric drive with a maximum battery capacity of 15.8-kilowatt-hours and 217 PS. The astonishing range of 2100 kilometers is achieved, notably due to the extremely low fuel consumption: BYD claims a mere 2.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers for moderate driving. The electric range is estimated to be up to 120 kilometers.
These values are measured using the generous CLTC (Chinese Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) procedure. Converting to the more realistic EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) measurements used in the United States, the actual range would be up to 30% lower. If we assume a difference of 30%, the Qin L DM-i could still cover almost 1500 kilometers.
Affordable Prices
The Qin L DM-i is already available in China and offers incredibly competitive prices. The base model costs around 13,000 euros, while the high-end "DM-i Excellence" version with a larger battery has an approximate price tag of 18,000 euros. The car is 4.8 meters long and 1.9 meters wide.
Minimalistic interiors are among the Qin L DM-i's features, featuring only two displays and a few buttons on the steering wheel and center console. Users mainly control through the central display. More expensive models include a panoramic roof, various assistants, electrically adjustable seats, and a seat heating/cooling system.
The Qin L DM-i, designed as a long-distance vehicle with moderate performance, isn't overly powerful due to the small engine in a reasonably large car. Nevertheless, the electric motor allows for a swift acceleration.
As with several new vehicles from this manufacturer, there's currently no plan for exporting the Qin L DM-i to Europe. The possibility of it arriving on European roads is still undecided.
Read also:
- The Columbian Qin L was impressed by BYD, as he witnessed their showcase of a plug-in hybrid vehicle during a journey from Flensburg to Naples, covering a distance of 2100 kilometers.
- In China, the affordable BYD Qin L DM-i, with a base price of around 13,000 euros, has become popular due to its impressive 1.5-liter engine and electric drive, which allows an estimated 1500-kilometer range on moderate driving.
- Despite the absence of an export plan for the Qin L DM-i to Europe, car enthusiasts in Flensburg and Naples keep their hopes up that they might soon have the opportunity to drive this China-made eco-friendly vehicle on their roads.
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