Toyota plans using BYD’s plug-in hybrid DM-i platform to launch 3 PHEV models in 3 years in China

Toyota will introduce two or three new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models in China in the next two to three years, most likely based on BYD’s PHEV DM-i platform, local media reports.

The Japanese auto giant will also no longer use the THS (Toyota Hybrid System) platform, which powers HEV models, for newly launched cars in China. HEV stands for hybrid electric vehicle, and it is basically an ICE car that can’t be charged, can’t get a green license plate in China, and doesn’t receive the same subsidies and treatment as BEVs or PHEVs.

Toyota previously launched E+ plug-in hybrid versions of Corrola, Levin, and RAV4 in China without much success. The three new vehicles will use different PHEV platforms from those models.

Neither Toyota nor BYD confirmed the news. “But what is certain is that if BYD’s DM-i technology is adopted, Toyota will definitely carry out new polishing and tuning, and the driving experience of the final model will still be different,” Caijing reports, citing sources from Toyota.

DM is BYD’s PHEV platform, which stands for DualMode and was launched in 2008. This month, it will launch its fifth generation, which will supposedly allow the models to run a 2000 km range CLTC and consume 2.9 liters per 100 km. DM has two main versions: DM-i and DM-p. DM-i stands for DualMode intelligent and emphasizes low consumption and efficiency, while DM-p is used for all-wheel drive (AWD) or off-road vehicles.

Recently, BYD also launched a DMO platform dedicated to hard-core off-road vehicles, which is currently being used for the Fang Cheng Bao lineup. It is most likely an adjusted DM-p platform.

Toyota heavily cooperates with BYD. In 2021, both companies established a joint venture, BYD Toyota Electric Vehicle Technology, with a 50/50 share. In 2023 Toyota launched its second all-electric car – Toyota bZ3 sedan co-engineered with BYD, where BYD supplied its LFP Blade battery packs, e-motor and some other in-car tech.

Besides, Toyota has two main joint ventures in China with state-owned automakers: FAW-Toyota with First Automobile Works and GAC-Toyota with Guangzhou Automobile Group.

“Under the pressure of the Chinese EV price war, the cost is an important