Chinese automaker BYD is accelerating its entry into the South Korean eco-friendly vehicle market with its independently developed hybrid system. The company plans to expand its lineup, which has so far focused on battery electric vehicles (BEVs), to include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in the second half of this year. Ahead of this launch, BYD unveiled its core technology for the first time in South Korea.
On June 17, BYD Korea held a '2026 DM-i Technology Briefing' in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, where it presented its PHEV-specific technology. The DM-i system is a hybrid technology developed by BYD that primarily utilizes an electric motor while employing an engine as a supplementary power source.
Kelvin Lai, BYD's Vice President of Product Strategy for Asia-Pacific Passenger Vehicles, stated, "BYD is the world's first to realize PHEV production, and the global cumulative sales of vehicles equipped with DM technology have surpassed 8 million units."
The unveiling of the DM-i technology in South Korea comes as BYD prepares to launch its PHEV models later this year. Currently, BYD Korea's sales strategy in the South Korean market has been centered around BEVs, such as the Atto 3, with no hybrid (HEV) or PHEV models introduced yet.
However, as the BEV lineup establishes itself in the South Korean market, analysts interpret this move as a signal that BYD is now targeting the PHEV segment. After entering the South Korean market in early 2022, BYD sold only 10 units in March, capturing just 0.04% of the import car market. Last month, however, the company sold 1,032 units, increasing its market share to 3.46%.
While BYD Korea has not disclosed specific sales targets for PHEVs this year, it anticipates that PHEV sales will be approximately three times higher than its current electric vehicle sales. This suggests a monthly PHEV sales volume of around 3,000 units. A BYD Korea representative explained, "Since gasoline and HEVs dominate the market, we expect the demand for PHEVs to be higher than for electric vehicles."
BYD Korea is set to unveil its PHEV model at the '2026 Busan Mobility Show' on June 26. Industry insiders speculate that the 'Sea Lion 6,' a mid-size SUV, will be the first model introduced. This vehicle combines an electric motor-driven system with an engine and can travel approximately 100 kilometers on electric power alone. Domestic sales are expected to begin in the second half of this year.
Ultimately, pricing will be crucial. If BYD employs a cost-effective strategy for PHEVs, the competition in the South Korean eco-friendly vehicle market is expected to intensify. BYD's entry could spark a price competition in the PHEV segment and increase consumer interest, which has previously been limited compared to BEVs and HEVs.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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