BYD, the largest manufacturer of electric vehicles in China, plans to launch plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models in Japan starting January 2026.
According to the “Nikkei China,” the first plug-in hybrid model from the Chinese brand to arrive in the Japanese market will be the Sealion 6, which will be presented at the next edition of the Japan Mobility Show, taking place in Tokyo in October.
The president of BYD Japan, Atsuki Tofukuji, has stated that the arrival of the brand’s plug-in hybrid models in the Japanese market will help address consumer concerns about the range of 100% electric models. Furthermore, Tofukuji considered BYD’s decision as an essential step to expand the Chinese brand’s presence in Japan.
It is worth noting that the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid uses the fifth generation of BYD’s DM-i technology, combining a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a 215 hp electric motor.
The hybrid models offer two battery options (18.3 kWh or 26.6 kWh), allowing for electric ranges between 93 and 130 km. The combined range can reach an impressive 1670 km, thanks to the integrated energy control system.
