Leading automotive manufacturer BYD has officially introduced its latest Dual Mode (DM) technology to the Indonesian market. This strategic move aims to strengthen its portfolio of eco-friendly vehicles (New Energy Vehicles/NEVs) while offering more flexible mobility solutions for the public during the transition to a fully electrified era.
The introduction of this technology is deemed highly relevant to the country's automotive landscape. According to data as of March 2026, the domestic automotive market is still dominated by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles at around 75 percent. Nevertheless, electric vehicle adoption shows a positive trend, with market share surging from under 1 percent in 2022 to 20 percent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by BYD's aggressive penetration since two years ago.
DM technology embraces an "electric-first" philosophy, where the electric motor acts as the vehicle's primary driver. Unlike conventional hybrid systems that rely on gasoline engines, this technology from BYD retains the signature driving sensation of a pure electric car, such as instant acceleration, a quiet cabin, and smooth driving response.
When operated in the city, the vehicle can run entirely on battery power. When the charge starts to run low, the smart system activates the gasoline engine as a charging generator via the HEV Series mode. Meanwhile, for high-performance needs such as driving on highways, the HEV Parallel mode combines the power of the engine and the electric motor simultaneously without sacrificing transmission comfort.
Efficiency is the primary appeal of this technology. In internal testing, vehicles equipped with DM technology were able to reduce fuel consumption to 65 kilometers per liter. This efficiency level equates to operating costs of around IDR 300 per kilometer, making it a much more economical option compared to conventional internal combustion engine cars.
This innovation also addresses the classic concerns of Indonesian consumers regarding the limitations of charging infrastructure outside major cities. Through this advanced hybrid technology, BYD hopes to minimize range anxiety without compromising the economic and environmental benefits offered by the new era of transportation.
