According to AutoHome quoting anonymous sources, Toyota plans to launch several new cars in China in the next few years that will all run on plug-in hybrid powertrains provided by the company’s partner in the country, BYD Group.
The rumors claim that the cars will all be powered by the system known as the DM-i. It was first introduced in 2008 and has since been continually improved. The fifth generation of the DM-I is expected to debut soon with unprecedented fuel economy in all situations (fewer than 3 liters of petrol per 100 km – that’s 78+ MPG) and range (up to 2,000 km per tank – that’s 1,242 miles).
Cooperating with BYD will enable the Japanese corporation to expand its PHEV offer in China. Right now, the only Toyota hybrid on sale in the country is the bZ3 (see video), which coincidentally also runs on BYD motors and batteries. By licensing the technology, the company will be able to offer the new cars at a lower price point, which is vital during the ongoing price wars.
The source of the rumors said Toyota would make an official announcement at a dedicated event in Japan in late May. Hopefully, we will be hearing what specific cars the company plans to co-produce with BYD in China.