Did you know that BYD stands for Build Your Dreams? Anchored from this phrase turned slogan, the Chinese carmaker, which was founded in 1995, has built its dreams of making better, more sustainable mobility for everybody. It strived to innovate, thus the creation of its electrified models, covering the basic drivetrain types of the automobile for different lifestyles and purposes.
Here in the Philippines, BYD Cars Philippines offers a multitude of hybrid and EV models that fit the car-buying requirements of Filipinos.
So, what are the different types of BYD electric and hybrid drivetrain types and models available in the Philippines today? What are their purposes and target markets?
Front Wheel Drive (FWD)
FWD is the most common type of drivetrain available in the market today. It means the engine, hybrid system, or most of the electric motor components are mounted in the front section, typically under the hood. An FWD powers only the front wheels, offering good traction in everyday driving conditions. Its simpler layout also means less weight and lower manufacturing costs.
The best part is that the FWD layout is good for beginners since it doesn’t need to be driven as carefully as rear-driven ones, making learning basic driving skills easy.
BYD Cars Philippines has a roster of FWD models today. These include the Sealion 6 DM-i, Sealion 5 DM-i, the Seal 5 DM-i, Seagull, Atto 3, Dolphin, and eMAX 7.
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
Like the FWD, the RWD also has the engine, hybrid, and most of the electric motor components placed at the front section. But unlike the former, the latter delivers power to only the rear wheels, designed for performance and balance, better acceleration, and improved weight distribution. This is ideal for drivers with more advanced skills, looking to level up to vehicles like sports sedans and performance models.
For the local market, BYD offers the Seal Advanced rear-wheel-drive sports sedan.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
An AWD vehicle gives power to the front and rear wheels. In BYD’s configuration, this power, depending on the model or mode selected, can be automatically adjusted as needed.
Moreover, BYD’s AWD vehicles either come with dual motors to power the front wheels and the rear wheels, or a control system that electronically splits the power between the front and rear wheels.
AWD vehicles offer seamless power delivery, improved traction in less-desirable terrain, and faster and more responsive acceleration. Additionally, BYD’s AWD operates smoothly without driver input to engage, making it a smart choice for those seeking confidence in various driving scenarios or for those wanting a more spirited drive.
In the Philippines, BYD car buyers can choose between three AWD vehicles, namely the BYD Han, BYD Seal Performance, and BYD Tang.
Dual-Mode Off-Road (DMO) AWD
BYD offers another variation of the AWD called the DMO AWD. It also delivers power to all four wheels, with the addition of a terrain-adaptive torque distribution system. BYD equips this AWD variant exclusively to its plug-in hybrid models with dedicated off-road tuning and Energy Center Lock, as this combines hybrid tech with off-road capabilities.
The Energy Center Lock system actively manages power split between axles for optimal grip on mud, sand, hills, or snow terrains. This system caters to off-road enthusiasts who look forward to fun and adventurous trips where getting down and dirty is top priority.
The rugged BYD Shark 6 DMO is BYD Cars Philippines’ model that comes with this AWD variation.
Today, BYD Cars Philippines is one of the hard-charging car brands that put sustainable mobility up front. This is why it strategically entered models fit for as many car buyers as possible, who look for various kinds of vehicles that match their taste or preferences.
