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BYD's expanding plug-in hybrid range gives drivers more ways to combine electric driving with the flexibility of a petrol engine. Alongside family SUVs, saloons and estates, the BYD SHARK pick-up and seven-seat TI7 show how the brand is adapting its hybrid technology to different needs.
At Glyn Hopkin BYD, we can help you explore the range and understand the technology behind it. Whether your priority is everyday efficiency, space for the family or capability for work and weekends away, understanding Super DM is a useful place to start.
Super DM is BYD's family of plug-in hybrid technology. DM stands for Dual Mode, referring to electric and hybrid operation. The system prioritises electric drive, with the petrol engine supporting the vehicle when additional energy or power is needed.
A rechargeable Blade Battery supplies electricity to the drive motor or motors, providing smooth, responsive acceleration. The petrol engine can generate electricity to support electric driving and, when appropriate, help drive the wheels directly. The vehicle manages these energy flows according to driving conditions and battery charge.
BYD's Blade Battery uses lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, chemistry. It is designed for thermal stability and durability, with long, slim cells that make efficient use of space. BYD subjects the technology to demanding safety tests, including nail penetration testing.
The Super DM family includes systems developed for different priorities. The model name helps identify which version is fitted.
System | Main focus | Examples |
DM-i | Efficiency and everyday electric driving | SEAL U DM-i and SEAL 6 DM-i |
DMO | Dual Mode Off-road capability | SHARK pick-up |
DM-p | Dual Mode performance | TI7 seven-seat SUV |
The SHARK's DMO system combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with front and rear electric drive motors. A separate motor/generator produces electricity. The system manages four operating situations to balance power demand and efficiency.
Operating situation | How power reaches the wheels |
EV driving | The battery supplies the electric motors, which drive the vehicle. |
Series hybrid driving | The engine generates electricity to power the motors or recharge the battery. The electric motors drive the wheels. |
Parallel hybrid driving | The engine and electric motors work together to propel the vehicle when stronger acceleration is required. |
Direct engine drive | At a steady, faster cruise, the engine can drive the vehicle directly when this is the most efficient option. |
This explains why the petrol engine can be running while electric motors are driving the wheels. DMO automatically manages how the different power sources work together.
The SHARK has a ladder-frame chassis and Cell-to-Chassis battery integration to help protect the battery over rough terrain. Double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear supports comfort and control.
Intelligent all-wheel drive manages power delivery, with selectable settings for sand, mud, snow and gravel. Hill Descent Control adds assistance on steep descents.
The five-seat SHARK combines a double-cab cabin with a usable load bed. Its 32.2kWh Blade Battery and hybrid system deliver 436PS and 650Nm, with 0-62mph acceleration in 5.7 seconds. BYD quotes up to 55 miles of electric range on the WLTP combined cycle and up to 419 miles with a full battery and petrol tank.
For carrying and towing, the SHARK offers a maximum payload of 790kg, a 1,200-litre load bed and a braked towing capacity of up to 2,500kg, subject to the vehicle's loading limits. Vehicle-to-Load technology can also supply electricity to compatible external equipment, such as tools or camping appliances.
Charging is supported at up to 11kW AC and 55kW DC. With a suitable DC charger, BYD quotes approximately 21 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%.
The BYD TI7 brings Super DM technology to a seven-seat family SUV. It uses the performance-focused DM-p system, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 35.6kWh Blade Battery and electric drive at the front and rear.
In Excellence AWD specification, BYD quotes 408PS, 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and up to 74 miles of electric driving.* The petrol engine mainly generates energy to support the battery, combining electric response with flexibility for longer journeys.
Three rows provide seating for up to seven. Folding the third row creates 970 litres of luggage space, while equipment includes a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, an 18-speaker sound system and three-zone climate control. The TI7 is available to pre-order, with BYD announcing first customer deliveries for January 2027, subject to availability.
Discover the BYD TI7 and enquire about pre-orders
BYD's wider DM-i range offers several body styles, giving drivers a choice beyond the SHARK and TI7.
Model | Body style |
Compact hatchback | |
Compact SUV | |
Family SUV | |
Family SUV | |
Saloon | |
Estate |
Battery size, electric range, charging capability and equipment vary by model and trim. Our team can help you compare the options against your daily mileage and passenger or luggage requirements.
Regular charging helps you make the most of a plug-in hybrid. If your daily journeys fit within the vehicle's available electric range, charging at home or work can allow much of that driving to take place on electricity. Regenerative braking also recovers some energy when slowing down.
Once the usable electric range is depleted, the petrol engine supports continued hybrid driving, provided fuel is available. Plugging in regularly helps restore charge for more electric driving. Actual running costs depend on your electricity tariff, petrol prices, charging habits and journey pattern.
Choosing a BYD hybrid starts with how you plan to use it. The SHARK offers pick-up practicality and DMO capability, while the TI7 combines seven seats with DM-p performance. Across the wider DM-i range, there are options for drivers looking for a compact hatchback, family SUV, saloon or estate.
Explore our new BYD range or contact your local Glyn Hopkin BYD team to discuss models, charging, availability and test drives where available.
*Range and charging figures are manufacturer quoted and are not guaranteed in everyday use. Actual results depend on conditions, driving style, load, battery temperature and charging equipment. The SHARK's quoted electric range is WLTP combined. TI7 figures remain subject to final specification confirmation. Combined range uses both a full battery and a full petrol tank.
