The BYD Qin Plus DM-i premieres in China, a plug-in hybrid cheaper than a Dacia

Faced with the end of combustion-engine models, electric cars are gaining ground little by little. But before taking the definitive step towards electric mobility, there is an intermediate option. These are a stage between electric cars and those powered by a combustion engine. The problem is that they are quite expensive and end up consuming as much as an ICE model.

In China they have set out to improve all of this, and the multinational BYD has just launched the Qin Plus DM-i on the market. This model, with its rather complicated name, offers the advantages of an electric car, with the range of a combustion car and, most importantly, a very modest price that would make European manufacturers blush.

Up to 120 kilometres of electric range

This plug-in hybrid saloon has a fairly attractive look, and under the bonnet it hides a 1.5-litre petrol combustion engine. It delivers 108 CV of power and a maximum torque of 135 Nm. From there, there are two versions. The first of them features an electric motor that raises power to 180 CV and torque to 316 Nm.

In this case the battery is phosphate-based, with a capacity of 8.6 kWh. This provides a range of 55 kilometres on the CLTC cycle, the one used by the Chinese industry.

The top version of the model gives the electric motor more power, reaching a combined 197 CV and a maximum torque of 325 Nm. In this case the battery has a capacity of 18.32 kWh, which allows a range of up to 120 kilometres. But, of course, on the CLTC cycle. On the WLTP cycle this figure would be much lower, but it is still quite interesting.

It is a very interesting figure, but now comes the best part. This saloon with plug-in hybrid drive starts at 99,800 yuan, which is equivalent to 13,600 euros. The most powerful version goes on sale at 145,800 yuan, which at the current exchange rate is 19,800 euros.

Will this model reach Europe? Well, BYD is beginning its rollout across the European continent, so there is no need to lose hope. Of course, the price will surely be somewhat higher in our markets. Even so, it will remain a car with this type of drive that is cheaper than European models.