BYD teases first plug-in hybrid for India, Atto 2 or Sealion 6 likely

BYD has released a teaser confirming plans to launch its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in India. Currently, BYD India only offers electric vehicles, but the company sells several PHEV models globally. The teaser states the new model will feature BYD’s ‘DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid EV’ powertrain, which combines a conventional engine with an all-electric system for improved efficiency and reduced range anxiety.

Key Highlights

• BYD to launch its first plug-in hybrid in India with DM-i Super Plug-in Hybrid EV powertrain
• Atto 2 DM-i and Sealion 6 are leading contenders for the Indian market debut
• Atto 2 DM-i offers up to 998 km combined WLTP range with 18 Wh battery
• Sealion 6 PHEV delivers up to 344 HP and 1,092 km combined range with AWD option

BYD’s PHEV Options for India

BYD has not announced which PHEV model will debut in India. However, industry sources suggest the Atto 2 DM-i and Sealion 6 are the leading contenders. The Atto 2 DM-i has been under consideration for the Indian market for some time. Test vehicles were seen in India in August 2025, indicating advanced evaluation stages.

The Atto 2 DM-i is available internationally with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. It can be paired with either a 7.8 kWh or 18 kWh battery pack. The system produces 166 HP with the smaller battery and 212 HP with the larger one. Both versions offer a WLTP electric-only range of nearly 39 km. The 7.8 kWh variant delivers a combined WLTP range of 928 km, while the 18 kWh version offers 998 km.

The Sealion 6 is another possible candidate. It shares design similarities with the Sealion 7 EV, which launched in India in early 2025. The Sealion 6 was also displayed at Auto Expo 2025 to assess customer interest and has been spotted testing on Indian roads. Globally, the Sealion 6 is available with 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. Both options can be paired with either an 18.3 kWh or a 26.6 kWh battery pack.

Sealion 6 Powertrain Details

The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated PHEV setup in the Sealion 6 is front-wheel drive only and produces a combined 218 HP. It offers an NEDC-tested all-electric range of up to 140 km. The 1.5-litre turbocharged PHEV variant comes with all-wheel drive as standard and delivers up to 344 HP. This version provides an all-electric range of up to 128 km. The combined driving range for the Sealion 6 PHEV is rated at 1,092 km.

BYD has not confirmed which of these models will be launched first. Both the Atto 2 DM-i and Sealion 6 have been tested or showcased in India, suggesting a strong likelihood for either model. The launch will mark BYD’s entry into India’s plug-in hybrid segment, expanding its local portfolio beyond electric vehicles.

CarBike 360 Says

​With this teaser, BYD is clearly preparing to expand its footprint beyond EVs in India by entering the plug-in hybrid space. Whether it is the Atto 2 or the Sealion 6, the upcoming launch could offer buyers a practical bridge between conventional and fully electric mobility, strengthening BYD’s position in the evolving Indian automotive market.