In the context of car charging station infrastructure in Vietnam, it is still limited and still facing many challenges when first entering the Vietnamese market. BYD is still trying to “adapt” to the tastes and car buying trends of Vietnamese people. Along with developing charging stations along with a system of distribution agents and service stations, the Chinese car company is also gradually diversifying its vehicle portfolio in the Vietnamese market.
After revealing information about bringing the BYD Tang electric car model to Vietnam and receiving a lot of discussion and excitement surrounding the name of this 7-seat SUV, a representative of BYD Vietnam recently revealed an expansion plan. product portfolio in Vietnam with plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle (PHEV) models. In a recent media meeting, a representative of BYD Vietnam personally revealed the company’s PHEV vehicle plan in Vietnam.
Specifically, Mr. Vo Minh Luc – Chief Executive Officer (COO) of BYD Auto Vietnam said: “Regarding PHEV vehicles, it can be said that this is one of the global trends. In the meantime, waiting for policies and regulations With a new plan to develop a charging station system for electric vehicles in Vietnam, BYD will bring a number of PHEV models to Vietnam. If all goes well, these products will be launched by BYD in December this year “.
Similar to electric cars, in recent years BYD has also been continuously researching and developing the DM-i platform for use in its PHEV vehicles. Recently, the company also introduced the 5th generation of this hybrid technology with many improvements for record low fuel consumption, only 2.9 liters/100 km until the battery runs out.
According to Mr. Luc, with current PHEV vehicles, BYD is also carrying out procedures to bring some models such as Sealion 6 and Seal 5 to Vietnam. This move not only helps BYD increase its presence or diversify its product portfolio in Vietnam, but also meets consumer tastes, because recently, hybrid cars in general in Vietnam are becoming popular. Very positive developments. In addition, PHEV vehicles are also considered by BYD to be a suitable solution in the context that many customers are still hesitant to use electric vehicles because of concerns about charging station infrastructure.
“The appearance of BYD’s PHEV models will meet the needs of Vietnamese customers to use long-distance cars, because BYD’s PHEV models using the DM-i platform can travel 1,200 km each time. Charging also saves fuel,” Mr. Vo Minh Luc added.
BYD Sealion 6 DM-i, also known as Song Plus DM in the Chinese market, is a PHEV model with the design style of a C-class crossover, with dimensions similar to the Honda CR-V. This model is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) consisting of a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a front-mounted electric motor providing an output capacity of 217 horsepower (161 kWh) and 300 Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.
Sealion 6 is equipped with a BYD Blade battery pack with a capacity of 18.3 kWh, giving a pure electric range of 95 km according to NEDC testing standards. The supported fast charging power reaches 18 kW, while the maximum AC charging level is 6.6 kW.
Previously, the Industrial Property Official Gazette No. 437, volume A, volume 2 updated by the Vietnam Intellectual Property Office in August 2024 also appeared information about the BYD Seal 06 model, this is a car model in the sedan segment, used Plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV), including a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 99 horsepower, combined with an electric motor (capacity 161 – 215 horsepower depending on version), CVT continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive. The most advanced version of BYD Seal 06 is equipped with a 15.9 kWh battery, giving an operating range of up to 120 km in pure electric mode. When filling the fuel tank (65 liter capacity), the car can travel a maximum of 2,100 km. In addition to Seal 06, “junior” BYD Seal 5 will also enter the Vietnamese market in the near future.
Will the new wave of Chinese cars “make a difference” in Vietnam?
Expanding the car portfolio to the PHEV line is considered a strategic move of BYD in the context that the Chinese car company has not paid attention to investing in a network of charging stations like VinFast has done in Vietnam. Besides, hybrid cars as well as PHEVs still have a lot of development potential in the Vietnamese market and are facing the opportunity to receive policy support for development.
Recently, in the Draft Strategy for the Development of Vietnam’s Automobile Industry to 2030, with a vision to 2045, the Ministry of Industry and Trade proposed that the Government assign responsible agencies to research and implement policies to reduce fees in advance. registration for battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV).