China's BYD launches hybrid EV with 1,243-mile range, LFP battery

Chinese automaker BYD has launched the Seal 06 DM-i, a plug-in hybrid station wagon, in its domestic market starting at approximately $15,230 (109,800 yuan). The vehicle boasts a remarkable combined driving range of 1,243 miles and an impressive fuel efficiency of 74.7 miles per gallon for the base model. It features a 670-liter trunk space, expandable to 1,533 liters with rear seats folded, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. The Seal 06 DM-i uses BYD’s fifth-generation hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter 99-hp engine with a 161-hp electric motor powered by a 10.08 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering up to 50 miles of electric-only range under CLTC standards. A stronger hybrid variant offers a 215-hp electric motor paired with the same engine, accelerating from 0 to