Chinese carmaker BYD launches new hybrid car in Israel

JERUSALEM -- Chinese carmaker BYD Auto launched a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in Israel, its Israeli dealership Shlomo Motors announced on Wednesday at a launch event in the central city of Rishon LeZion.

The model, BYD Atto 2 DM-i, known in China as the Yuan Up DM-i, is a subcompact crossover SUV. It is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine combined with an electric motor and an 18-kWh battery, providing an electric-only range of up to 90 km and a combined range of about 1,000 km.

This is the fourth plug-in hybrid model BYD offers in Israel, joining the Seal U, Sealion 5, and Seal 5 PHEV models, alongside eight electric models.

From January to October, BYD sold 12,160 units in Israel, ranking sixth in overall sales, which include gasoline, hybrid, and electric cars, according to data issued by the Israel Vehicle Importers Association.

The company also topped electric car sales in Israel during the same period, selling 7,825 units.

Chinese brands accounted for 82.1 percent of all electric car sales in Israel in the first 10 months of 2025, with a total of 43,177 units sold.