Autoblog Green

REPORT: BYD still having technical troubles with plug-in cars

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST

2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of BYD's problems is that it F3DM plug-in hybrid is not exactly super popular. Another, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal, is that the upcoming e6 all-electric car - due to go on sale of the U.S. next year - is currently "rough" and "squishy." These are the thoughts of an unnamed "tech chief of a global automaker" who recently drove the car. He added that he was "truly astonished that they plan to sell such a half-baked car" in China later this year. This might just have been a business opponent trying to talk down a competitor's product, but the WSJ noted that, "BYD doesn't have a good track record in keeping promises on product launches, and some industry observers suspect there may be technical glitches plaguing its green cars." Is this the kind of car people will want to spend $40,000+ on?

[Source: Wall Street Journal via HybridCars]

REPORT: BYD still having technical troubles with plug-in cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD signs agreement to import EVs to Spain

Xavier Navarro — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EU, BYD

BYD e6 electric MPV - Click above for high-res image gallery

BYD's Wang Chuan-Fu has signed an agreement with Spanish distributor Grupo Bergé to import BYD electric cars to Spain. As a consequence, two BYD models are already included in the list of eligible models for the Movele plan, Spain's subventions for the purchase of EVs.

Grupo Bergé hopes to sell a chunk of BYDs among the expected 2,000 EVs that will benefit from the direct subventions in 2010. The first BYD that might go on sale in Spain is the same as the one to be launched in the States, the five-seat e6 crossover. That model was announced at just over $40,000 - a price that would make it reasonable for the European markets.

Gallery: BYD e6 electric MPV

[Source: El Mundo]

BYD signs agreement to import EVs to Spain originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BYD only sells 100 plug-in F3DM hybrids in eight months

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, China, BYD

_{2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery}

The BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid went on sale in China last December. In the first eight months that the car has been on sale, only 100 have been sold, according to a new report from Gasgoo. This is well below the company's original stated goal of selling 10,000 in the first year, although they do have another four months to turn things around. Gasgoo says BYD changed its sales estimate to 3,000 to 4,000 units in the first 12 months earlier this year. In June, the F3DM went on sale in Hong Kong.

While the plug-in F3DM hasn't sold as well as expected, BYD is still planning on offering the all-electric e6 in China later this year. Overall, BYD sold 176,795 vehicles in the first half of 2009, an increase of 176 percent compared to the first six months of 2008.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: Gasgoo via Green Car Congress]

REPORT: BYD only sells 100 plug-in F3DM hybrids in eight months originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BYD pushes American EV launch ahead to 2010

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily, USA, BYD

BYD e6 electric MPV - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the Warren Buffet-backed Chinese automaker BYD has moved up its plans to sell a fully electric car right here in the United States next year. Interestingly, the automaker had originally planned to sell its first products here in the U.S. in 2010 before delaying that projection by a year. The new announcement puts BYD back on track for its initial target of 2010 and, perhaps not coincidentally, in line with the launch of the new Nissan Leaf.

The first vehicle BYD intends to launch in the States is the five-seat e6 crossover, with a price of just over $40,000. Details on the car's launch are still slim at this point, but WSJ indicates it will be a limited to a few hundred vehicles in select markets. Expect the initial vehicles to go to "government agencies, utilities and maybe some celebrities," according to BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu.

Last we heard, the all-electric e6 was capable of accelerating to 100 km/h (62 mpg) in ten seconds with a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). Perhaps more importantly, the car's range has been quoted at 300km (186 miles) on a full charge of its lithium ion battery pack.

Gallery: BYD e6 electric MPV

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

REPORT: BYD pushes American EV launch ahead to 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD does deal to supply major Chinese auto group with batteries

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, BYD

BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery

Taking it name to heart, BYD is building their dreams ever bigger and will likely be the source of even more billions for Warren Buffet in the near future. They haven't really started selling their first hybrid, the F3DM, in earnest yet but they've just reached a deal that will see them supplying lithium batteries to one of the Chinese big three auto groups. Although the arrangement was confirmed by sales manager Wang Jianjun, the name of the battery buyer is being withheld for now due to "professional secrecy." What's not secret is that BYD and Volkswagen signed a memorandum of understanding just last May that would likely see the two in a battery-bound relationship and Volkswagen has joint ventures with two of the biggest auto groups in China, SAIC and FAW, and could very well have facilitated the deal

The batteries in question are said by the company to be good for 2,000 charge and discharge cycles which would power a car for up to 375,000 miles. With overall vehicle sales that have been doubling each year and could reach 700,000 in 2010, BYD is becoming a major automotive force in its own right. Its F3DM hybrid and all-electric e6 may well become the emeralds in its clean-tech crown and the extra battery production resulting from this deal should help them lower their costs.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: Gasgoo via Green Car Congress]

BYD does deal to supply major Chinese auto group with batteries originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Buffett reportedly rakes in $1B profits on BYD in less than a year

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, China, BYD

_{2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery}

You don't get to hold the title of The Richest Person in the World - a title oft-owned by either Bill Gates or Warren Buffett at any given time - without knowing how to make sound financial decisions. While not all of Warren Buffett's investments end up raking in tons of money, his procurement of a ten-percent stake in Chinese automaker BYD less than one year ago has already earned his Berkshire Hathaway Inc. some $1 billion.

Driving the rapid rise in BYD's value are its investments in hybrid automobiles like the plug-in F3DM and, even more importantly, high-tech lithium iron phosphate batteries. A recent partnership with Volkswagen and possible tie-ups with Ford and others have proven the worth of that energy storage technology for automotive use and the company is already China's largest producer of rechargeable batteries for portable electronics.

BYD Chief Executive Officer Wang Chuanfu has publicly stated his company's plan to more than double global sales this year with new models and additional export deals, which could include the United States as early as 2011. With all of this in mind, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Buffett bolstered his investment Sunday night by acquiring an additional 225 million shares of BYD stock.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: Bloomberg]

Warren Buffett reportedly rakes in $1B profits on BYD in less than a year originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD preparing to sell F3DM plug-in hybrid in Hong Kong

Xavier Navarro — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, BYD

_{2009 BYD F3DM - Click above for high-res image gallery}

The BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid, made in China, might be headed south. The Environment Bureau of Hong Kong has purchased two BYD F3DM hybrid cars for testing purposes. The bureau will work together with the equivalent agency in Shenzhen, the nearby city where the car is built, to certify the use and the green credentials of the vehicle, preparing the car for sale in Hong Kong. BYD's reasoning is simple: a car validated by the Hong Kong agency will offer purchasers a more objective assesment of the car's real-life performances and will surely increase the vehicle's reputation. This is something BYD could use after the lackluster sales of the model in China. Hong Kong, for its part, will get cleaner cars that can be used in one of the most crowded cities in the world.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM

[Source: Gasgoo]

BYD preparing to sell F3DM plug-in hybrid in Hong Kong originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD looking for more partnerships with Ford, unnamed European automaker?

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Ford, China, BYD

The bubble of anonymity surrounding BYD outside of its home in China might be about to burst. Last week, we learned that Volkswagen had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese automaker (first hinted at a month ago) to work together "in the area of electric mobility." Turns out that Ford and an as-yet-unnamed European automaker are also pursuing "similar arrangements" with BYD. Warren Buffet must be smiling, since BYD's stock price has more than doubled this year, according to Auto Observer.

Now, who might the unnamed automaker be? There aren't any obvious choices. Daimler just announced a partnership with Tesla, but did say that Tesla would not be its only electric vehicle partner. BMW uses AC Propulsion packs in the MINI E. Opel (GM) is using batteries from South Korean company LG Chem for the Chevy Volt (and Ampera). Renault (and Nissan) seem to be all set with their various partnerships and Better Place. Fiat? Citroën?

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM

[Source: Auto Observer via All Cars Electric]

BYD looking for more partnerships with Ford, unnamed European automaker? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 28 May 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW and BYD partner up for electric cars

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:49:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen, Green Daily, BYD

Last week, Volkswagen and Chinese automaker BYD signed a memorandum of understanding to work together "in the area of electric mobility" and vehicles that use li-ion batteries. BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu (yes, the guy who likes to drink battery fluid) and VW's Martin Winterkorn signed the MOU in Wolfsburg, Germany. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board for Technical Development at Volkswagen, said in a statement (available after the jump) that, "Hybrids and electric vehicles will play an increasingly important role [for VW], of course. Particularly for the Chinese market, potential partners such as BYD could support us in quickly expanding our activities."

Perhaps VW was kicked into action by another German automaker taking a look at another EV automaker?

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: VW]

Continue reading VW and BYD partner up for electric cars

VW and BYD partner up for electric cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 25 May 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese cities offering incentives to buy locally-made hybrid cars

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, China, BYD

BYD F3DM - Click above for an image gallery

The city of Shenzhen, China, where automaker BYD is located, has decided to give its citizens a boost to purchase the locally-made cars. In addition to the nation-wide grants, which can be worth up to 50,000 yuan ($7,320) when buying a hybrid vehicle (60,000 yuan if the vehicle is all-electric), Shenzen is offering discounts up to 60 percent of the car's value. For a 149,800 yuan BYD F3 Dual Mode hybrids (when it becomes available to everybody next June), citizens will be able to get discounts of nearly 90,000 yuan.

A second city in China, Chongqing, is also offering incentives: 36,000 yuan in subsidies and an exemption in bridge tolls of 7,000 yuan when buying a locally-made Junjie (or Jiexun) hybrid MPV, which costs 140,000 yuan.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: Gasgoo]

Chinese cities offering incentives to buy locally-made hybrid cars originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 15 May 2009 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen inks battery deal with BYD?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Volkswagen, BYD

BYD F3DM - Click above for an image gallery

Remember BYD's non-toxic and somewhat edible battery technology? These lithium iron phosphate batteries can reportedly be produced at a relatively low cost and are already being used by BYD in its own F3DM plug-in hybrid. The Chinese automaker had previously announced that it was in talks with two European and one North American automakers to license this technology. According to reports coming from China, one of those European companies is Volkswagen.

Workers from the Chinese automaker will soon travel to VW's headquarters in Germany to demonstrate the technology. We're not yet sure what other automakers are in talks with BYD, but the company claims to have several more interested parties. BYD's hybrid vehicles are currently only available in China, but the automaker has said it has plans to launch electric vehicles here in America at some point.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: Gasgoo via Green Car Advisor]

Volkswagen inks battery deal with BYD? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wang Chuan-Fu, BYD's CEO, drinks battery fluid to prove a point

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:53:00 EST

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Green Daily, BYD

BYD F3DM - Click above for an image gallery

Wang Chuan-Fu, CEO at Chinese automaker BYD, has made headlines all around the internet over the last few days for doing something that seems absolutely insane: drinking battery fluid. Most people are familiar with all kinds of batteries, from the disposable alkaline cells that frequently power toys and remote controls to the nickel-based rechargeable cells that we put in lots of things like digital cameras and radio control cars. In the automotive realm, we most often think of the big, heavy lead-acid batteries under the hood of nearly every car or truck in the world.

For the most part, one thing that's always remained constant when it comes to batteries is that they are highly toxic. We may soon need to retrain ourselves on that point. Zero Motorcycles uses high-tech lithium ion batteries that are fully non-toxic, and company founder Neal Saiki has said that they are even safe to eat. Wang Chuan-Fu went a step further and demonstrated that its electrolyte was safe to drink. We're not suggesting anyone make a habit out of ingesting their vehicle's batteries, but battery safety is an important point and the ramifications of creating tons and tons of batteries for automotive use isn't yet fully understood.

At this point, it definitely seems as if electric vehicles are a much better option than petroleum-powered vehicles, though, and battery technology is still very much in its infancy. The search for new materials and processes is sure to continue, and environmental concerns will stay at the forefront in their development, and that's definitely a good thing.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

[Source: CNN]

Wang Chuan-Fu, BYD's CEO, drinks battery fluid to prove a point originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese plug-in hybrid, BYD F3DM, has sold just 80 copies in four months

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, China, BYD

If reports coming out of China are true, the BYD Dual Mode (range-extended) electric cars might not become the sales threat that some Chevy Volt fans fear. It's being claimed that the BYD F3DM has only sold 80 units since its December launch, due to its high price and fears about battery performance and reliability. Priced at 149,800 yuan ($21,915) and available only to Chinese fleet buyers (typically government agencies and state-owned companies) initially, 20 of the vehicles were purchased by the Shenzhen government. The same entity was to acquire more to add to the cities taxi fleet but it is rumored that talks surrounding that deal have stalled. This contrasts sharply with the gasoline-only F3, which is available to ordinary Chinese citizens who snapped up 20,940 copies in March alone.

BYD CEO Wang Chuanfu expects they will lower the price of the F3DM to around 109,800 yuan ($16,062) once they start building them in larger numbers, which should convince some buyers. Another hurdle to overcome, he believes, is the lack of charging stations, of which only a handful currently exist. While that is a problem that should be solved as planned stations are constructed, countering fears of battery performance and other issues may take a concerted marketing effort as well as independent verification of the company's tech claims.

Gallery: 2009 BYD F3DM plug-in hybrid

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM

[Source: CRI / Gasgoo]

Chinese plug-in hybrid, BYD F3DM, has sold just 80 copies in four months originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD ready to supply batteries for Europe and North America

Xavier Navarro — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, China, BYD

Click above for high-res gallery of the BYD F3DM

Chinese manufacturer BYD has announced talks to supply electric batteries for two European and one North American carmaker. These deals would surely maximize benefits from its proprietary lithium-ion batteries technology, which are made in Shenzhen, China. These batteries are already installed in the F3DM sedan that is currently sold exclusively to Government agencies, but which will be available for the general public next summer. Mr. Wang also stated that the company's ability to produce lithium-ion battery cells at relatively low cost, in part because of its choice of technology (iron-phosphate-based lithium-ion) and low labor costs, gives the company an advantage over other battery makers.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM

[Source: Gasgoo]

BYD ready to supply batteries for Europe and North America originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD will show off electric or plug-in car at Buffet's meeting

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, BYD

Click above for high-res image gallery of the BYD e6

In September 2008, Warren Buffett's holding company bought a ten percent stake in Chinese automaker BYD. BYD, which stands for Build Your Dreams, has been moving forward with electric drive vehicle and lithium ion battery development, beating American and Japanese rivals to market with a plug-in hybrid. It's these eco-technologies that attracted Buffett's company in the first place. Now, BYD said it will show off its cars in the U.S. in May at Buffett's general shareholder meeting in Omaha. BYD will display either the F3DM (a plug-in hybrid, seen in the gallery below) or the E6 (an elecric vehicle with a 250-mile range, above) at the event. The F3DM has been on sale in China since December. BYD also displayed its cars at the Detroit Auto Show this past January.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM

[Source: News.cn]

BYD will show off electric or plug-in car at Buffet's meeting originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will Israeli military be a Better Place?

Domenick Yoney — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Renault, Middle East, BYD

Better Place may be getting a helpful boost as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are considering installing the company's infrastructure to charge future electric jeeps and troop carriers, as well as civilian cars. Better Place has close ties with the Jewish state and the CEO of its Israeli chapter, Major General Moshe Kaplinsky, used to be the Deputy Chief of Staff of the IDF. The electric infrastructure company could certainly use the support of the country's military if it is to attain founder Shai Agassi's ambitious goal of 100,000 electric cars in ~~two years~~ 10 months in the territory. At last count they were only up to 10. They also have at least 17 charging spots installed of an eventual 500,000, leaving lots of room for growth. The State has previously announced support of electric transportation and were considering greatly reducing or eliminating taxes on them.

Although Better Place and its partner, Renault, do face possible competition from BYD, the entry of the Chinese carmaker may be delayed as a restraining order was being sought by Eastern Automobile Marketing Co (EAM) against Clal Industries of the IBD Group. They claim they had previously signed an agreement with BYD for distribution rights.

[Source: Solve Climate / Haaretz]

Will Israeli military be a Better Place? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: Electric cars marked down on aisle 6

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:51:00 EST

Filed under: Miles EV, South/Latin America, USA, BYD

Might your next (first?) electric vehicle purchase be transacted at Wal-Mart? It's not out of realm of possibility. Mexican company, GS Motors, is already selling 3 different models from China's First Auto Works (FAW) at a so-called "big box" retail chain in Mexico and has plans to replicate the strategy north of their border. Company CEO Kathleen Ligocki says, "I think the product will be ready for the U.S. market within five years." Starting next year, the Chinese designs are expected to be assembled at a factory in Michoacan, Mexico that will be capable of building 100,000 units per annum. FAW, if you're keeping score, is the company the makes the NEV sold as the ZX40 by Miles Automotive. Now, we're not suggesting that Miles is currently involved in any talks with GS Motors, only that the connection is there.

FAW is not the only Chinese automaker looking for an American foothold either. Well known to our readers, BYD is another company with somewhat desirable electric cars and a commitment to compete in the U.S. Their retail sales strategy has yet to be revealed, but we can only imagine they would explore different options. As for the American big box stores, would they consider selling electric cars? Wal Mart said it would and Sam's already has.

Gallery: Miles ZX40 electric vehicle

[Source: Gasgoo / Automotive News sub req'd]

Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: Electric cars marked down on aisle 6 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD may license Fe batteries to other automakers

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:04:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Europe/EU, Japan, China, USA, BYD

Click above for high-res image gallery of BYD's PHEVs

BYD, the Chinese car and battery company who are now at the Detroit Auto Show with their "Dual mode" hybrids and e6 all-electric MPV (above) have made it known that they may be willing to license their inexpensive battery tech to other automakers. Indeed, they have already been fielding inquiries from Japanese, European and American firms. They say their "Fe battery," thought to be a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) formulation, costs less than half of what typical lithium ion batteries cost, and are safer and longer lasting. Their downside is that they can not hold as much energy and can add greatly to the weight of an electric vehicle. The BYD e6, for example, needs 1323 lbs of "Fe battery" to achieve its 249-mile range whereas the Tesla Roadster power pack weighs in at about 900 lbs. Despite that shortcoming we think this may be a decent solution for the right sort of vehicle and expect someone might take them up on it.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM

Gallery: Beijing 2008: BYD e6

[Source: Reuters UK]

BYD may license Fe batteries to other automakers originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: BYD's plug-in hybrids, the F3DM and F6DM

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:24:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Detroit Auto Show, China, BYD

Click above for high-res gallery of the BYD F3DM

Apparently, "unveiled" was the wrong word. BYD's F3DM plug-in hybrid has been on sale in China for a few weeks and here in Detroit it was just sitting quietly on the stand on the main floor. No press conference, no attractive ladies standing around; just the car.

In this case, a car might be all it takes. The F3DM Dual Mode is a PHEV that uses a 1.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to offer 168-horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Using a Fe battery pack that gets a quick charge of half the battery pack in ten minutes, BYD says that the F3DM will go over 60 miles on battery power alone. That's astonishing, especially for about $20,000 (US). The company thinks it'll be astonishing enough to create sales of about 10,000 units next year. That number should increase dramatically when the car goes on sale in the U.S. and Europe in 2011. The F6DM was on the stand nearby, and you can read more about that after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD F6DM and F3DM

Continue reading Detroit 2009: BYD's plug-in hybrids, the F3DM and F6DM

Detroit 2009: BYD's plug-in hybrids, the F3DM and F6DM originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BYD's F3DM plug-in hybrid will be unveiled Monday

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:52:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Detroit Auto Show, Green Daily, BYD

BYD's F3DM plug-in hybrid is already on sale in China, but that won't stop the Chinese automaker from trying to make a big splash with the PHEV in Detroit on Monday. BYD will unveil the car to the North American audience just before 11 am that day on the main floor of Cobo Hall. At that time, we're also being promised a look at the e6 electric CUV and more details on BYD's Fe lithium-iron battery and plug-in hybrid system. While we now know when we'll get our first look at these two vehicles in the metal, the date for US sales has been pushed back to 2011, so don't get too excited quite yet.

Whatever we see in Detroit in the next few days, it'll be more exciting than the static display of the F6DM half-car in the basement last year. We'll bring you all the details from BYD Monday morning.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: BYD's F6 DM plug-in hybrid

Gallery: Beijing 2008: BYD e6

[Source: BYD]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BYD's F3DM plug-in hybrid will be unveiled Monday

Detroit Preview: BYD's F3DM plug-in hybrid will be unveiled Monday originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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