A new teaser from BYD has confirmed that the Chinese carmaker will soon launch its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model for the Indian market. BYD India’s current model portfolio comprises only EVs, but globally, the brand also offers plug-in hybrids. While it is not yet known which BYD PHEV is making its way to India, many signs point to it being the Atto 2 or Sealion 6.
- Atto 2 gets 1.5-litre NA petrol engine with 7.8kWh, 18kWh battery options
- Sealion 6 offers 1.5-litre NA and turbo-petrol mills, with 18.3kWh and 26.6kWh packs
BYD India line-up set to expand beyond pure EVs
The BYD teaser explicitly states that the upcoming model will utilise the carmaker’s ‘DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid EV’ powertrain. DM-i stands for ‘Dual Mode - intelligent’, which is basically a reference to the nature of a plug-in hybrid, where a conventional engine and all-electric setup work in conjunction to offer the best of both worlds – the efficiency and low running costs of an EV, and the elimination of range anxiety thanks to the combustion engine.
BYD has yet to disclose which DM-i PHEV it’s launching in India, but a likely contender is the Atto 2 DM-i. An India launch for the Atto 2 has been under evaluation for a while. Test mules of the Atto 2 were even spotted in India back in August 2025.
The Atto 2 is available with a PHEV powertrain in overseas markets, comprising a 1.5-litre NA petrol engine paired with either a 7.8kWh or 18kWh battery pack. System output is 166hp and 212hp, respectively, and both batteries yield a WLTP range of nearly 39km. The 7.8kWh variant’s combined WLTP range is 928km, while the larger battery delivers 998km.
Another possible contender for BYD India’s upcoming PHEV is the Sealion 6. It’s visually similar to the Sealion 7 EV, which was launched here in early 2025 and has resonated very well with Indian customers, and BYD also showcased the Sealion 6 at Auto Expo 2025 to gauge interest in the PHEV SUV. Moreover, the Sealion 6 was even spotted testing in India recently.
Globally, the Sealion 6 can be had with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engine options, both of which are available with either an 18.3kWh or a 26.6kWh battery. The 1.5 NA PHEV setup is FWD-only and develops a combined 218hp, with an NEDC-tested all-electric range of up to 140km. Meanwhile, the 1.5 turbo-petrol PHEV comes with AWD as standard and makes up to 344hp, delivering a rated all-electric range of up to 128km. Combined driving range for the Sealion 6 PHEV is pegged at 1,092km.
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
Uday Singh
