BYD M6 Brings This Technology to Indonesia, A Car That Runs on Petrol and Electricity
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD has officially introduced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology through the launch of BYD M6 DM. The model becomes BYD’s first vehicle in Indonesia to feature the Dual Mode (DM) technology, a propulsion system combining an electric motor and petrol engine on a single integrated platform.
BYD Motor Indonesia President Director Eagle Zhao said the choice of the M6 as the first DM-based model was not random. According to him, the model has already enjoyed solid market reception since its initial introduction in Indonesia.
‘When we considered the first model for DM technology in Indonesia, the answer pointed directly to the BYD M6 DM with the latest DM 5.0 technology,’ Eagle said at the launch ceremony in PIK 2, Tangerang on Monday (18/5/2026) evening.
BYD notes that M6 sales have reached around 10,100 units in its first year in Indonesia. The figure makes it one of BYD’s best-selling models in the country since the company entered the market with the Seal, Atto 3, and Dolphin.
BYD regards hybrid technology as easier for consumers to accept as a transitional solution towards full electrification. With charging infrastructure unevenly distributed and concerns about EV range, PHEV technology is seen as a middle ground.
‘Pure EVs are the long-term direction for mobility with full electrification, while DM serves as a transitional solution that can support people’s mobility needs today. Both are developed on the same efficient and intelligent technology foundation. Two technologies with one shared vision to support a sustainable mobility future in Indonesia,’ Zhao said.
BYD says the DM technology differs from conventional hybrid systems. If a standard hybrid car uses the petrol engine as the main drive, the Dual Mode system prioritises the electric motor as the primary power source, while the petrol engine’s role is to charge energy and maintain efficiency.
Technically, the BYD M6 DM is equipped with a 1,500 cc engine delivering up to 72 kW and 125 Nm of torque. The car is paired with an Electric Hybrid System (EHS) 5.0 motor capable of spinning up to 15,000 rpm.
BYD also claims fuel efficiency for the vehicle of up to 65 kilometres per litre, with a total combined range of more than 1,800 kilometres. In full electric mode, the car is claimed to cover around 300 kilometres.
The DM technology in the M6 has three main drive modes: EV, HEV Series, and HEV Parallel. In EV mode, the wheels are fully driven by the electric motor, delivering a silent driving experience akin to a pure EV.
When battery power begins to decline, the system automatically switches to HEV Series mode. In this mode, the petrol engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery, while the wheels are still driven by the electric motor.
In HEV Parallel mode, the electric motor and petrol engine work together to produce more power, especially during acceleration or overtaking at high speeds.
‘For us, DM technology is a platform. We believe we will continue to present more models based on this technology,’ Zhao said.