Yesterday, we saw the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) appear on the Department of Energy's (DOE) list of recognized PHEVs. With that, it looks like BYD Cars Philippines distributor ACMobility is already busy preparing for its eventual arrival long before the Denza brand makes its way here with the more luxurious D9.

But that wasn't the only upcoming vehicle we saw listed by the DOE. Another upcoming model the DOE has recognized as a PHEV is the BYD Tang DM-i. That's right, after getting clearance from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) last month, the DOE has also cleared the Tang DM-i for the Philippine market.

In fact, based on the listing we saw, the Tang DM-i already has what appears to be the initial specifications for the local market. Like what the LTO released last month, the plug-in hybrid will measure 4870mm long, 1950mm wide, and 1725mm tall. It will also have a generous 2820mm wheelbase, a minimum turning radius of 5.9m, and a curb weight of 2,130 kg.

At the heart of the BYD Tang DM-i PHEV is a 1.5L turbocharged engine that serves as a generator that powers a 21.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. The engine alone makes 110 kW or 150 PS with 225 Nm of torque, but it's the electric motor that mostly does the heavy lifting, which produces 200 kW or 272 PS and a healthy 315 Nm of torque.

On a full charge, BYD says the Tang DM-i PHEV has an electric range of up to 110 km based on the NEDC cycle. With the help of the 1.5L turbo engine, however, BYD says the Tang DM-i PHEV can achieve up to 1,150 km based on the NEDC cycle. If the figures somehow look familiar, that's because the BYD eMAX 9 DM-i and the BYD Tang DM-i appear to share the same plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Other specifications about the upcoming Tang DM-i are not yet available, but we won't be surprised if it is filled to the brim with amenities, features, and intelligent driving aids. Combined with the fact that BYD Cars Philippines prices its vehicles competitively, the Tang DM-i could give traditional frame-based 7-seater PPVs something to think about.