Philippines Gets the Sealion 5 DM-i Ahead of the Rest of the World - CleanTechnica

The Philippines has become the first country outside China to officially launch the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i, a highly anticipated plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Initially released in China in September 2024, the Sealion 5 DM-i sold nearly 15,000 units in its first three months and totaled over 41,000 units sold by May 2025. BYD Philippines, led by CEO Bob Palanca, views this launch as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the country’s growing New Energy Vehicle market, targeting young urban drivers and first-time EV buyers with a subcompact SUV that balances efficiency, power, and modern design. The Sealion 5 DM-i features BYD’s Super DM-i dual-mode intelligent hybrid system, combining a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor to prioritize electric driving. It delivers 197 PS and 300 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8