Why BYD Indonesia Is Now Introducing DM PHEV Technology

BYD has revealed a new rationale for bringing Dual Mode (DM) technology to Indonesia in 2026, even though it had already been introduced globally some time earlier. Luther Panjaitan, Head of PR & Government Relations at PT BYD Motor Indonesia, said the move is part of the company’s phased strategy to introduce electrification technology to Indonesian society. He noted that in the initial phase BYD would first focus on showcasing the company’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) capabilities; only after that would it move on to other technologies, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

Over time, BYD has observed different needs among consumers, particularly in rural or out‑of‑city areas, that are not yet fully ready to switch to fully electric vehicles. While there is a desire to use environmentally friendly vehicles, some people remain concerned about EV use, from range to the readiness of supporting infrastructure. “In our journey we have gained many insights that rural areas and out‑of‑city areas actually have a desire to transition to EVs soon. However, there is still anxiety about aspects that cannot yet be answered by EVs,” Panjaitan said. “The current economic dynamics, particularly rising fuel prices, are pushing people to seek more fuel-efficient vehicles. We see this as an opportune time to bring DM to Indonesia,” he added.

Panjaitan described DM technology as a complementary solution for those who want to use low-emission vehicles but are not yet ready to fully switch to pure EVs. With a combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, the technology is seen as capable of meeting mobility needs across regions, including areas where charging infrastructure is not yet evenly distributed.

For context, BYD recently launched the BYD M6 DM in Indonesia. The model is the first BYD vehicle in the country to use the plug‑in hybrid DM 5.0 technology. BYD claims the vehicle can achieve fuel consumption of up to 65 kilometres per litre with a combined range of more than 1,800 kilometres.