Plug-In Hybrids Are Booming in the World’s Biggest EV Market
As EV growth slows, cheaper vehicles that can also run on gasoline are gaining ground—a challenge for all-electric makers such as Tesla.
A BYD Seal DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan at the 2023 Kunming International Auto Show.
Photographer: Liu Ranyang/Getty Images
When Sam Zhong was recently hunting for his first car, he test-drove a number of gasoline-powered vehicles and a handful of all-electric models before settling on a Qin Plus plug-in hybrid from BYD Co. At less than 100,000 yuan ($13,900), it fit his budget, and the ability to switch between the battery-powered motor and an old-school internal combustion engine means he can save money on his daily commute and still take long road trips without worrying about recharging.
“I like the strong power of gasoline cars, and this car gives me a great driving experience, even on pure-electric mode,” says Zhong, a 29-year-old resident of Guangdong. “I’m very satisfied with the decision.”