BYD wants to sell hybrids in Europe by 2010
Despite the fact that European buyers have a penchant for choosing diesels over hybrids (and everything else for that matter), Chinese manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) is planning on testing out the Euro-hybrid waters. Their hybrid sedan, which was shown off in Detroit at the Auto Show, uses ferrous batteries and features plug-in capabilities. The vehicle is capable of traveling on electricity alone for treks of up to 60 miles before the gasoline engine is required. Still, hybrid sales in China have yet to set the world on fire.
"Savings on running costs [in Europe] are higher than in China because of high European fuel prices," according to company president Wang Chuanfu. "The emphasis in Europe is on the environment. So we will first bring our hybrid models to Europe. Start of sales in 2010 would be ideal." Chuanfu also hints that European production is also a possibility for their line of vehicles. A video of the BYD FD DM PHEV is pasted after the break.
[Source: Automotive News China - sub. req'd.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
KarenRei 6:17PM (4/03/2008)
Hey, 60 miles isn't bad, and you gotta love multiple charging options. Of course, they're a Chinese car company, and I don't think much of Chinese-made cars based on what I've seen so far.
Here's to them changing that view. :)
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ug 6:32PM (4/03/2008)
Could someone figure out once and for all what "ferrous" batteries means? I still think they are just talking about lithium iron phosphates, not "super iron" as has been speculated before.
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Dave B 7:58PM (4/03/2008)
What in the hell does a BYD vehicle cost?
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litteuldav 7:51AM (4/04/2008)
The electric range is great.
But the car will need at least 5 stars on EuroNCAP securities test and the engine to be pollution Euro-5 compliant when running.
Europeans (I am) will be particulary suspicious upon quality of "Chinese" whatever (car, truck, motorbike, scooter) .
Any idea about the price ?
If it's more than 30 000 € forget about it.
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Steve 10:25AM (4/04/2008)
You SHOULD be suspicious of the Chinese quality. Look, they even forgot to put a roof, windshields and passenger-side doors on that one!
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