AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



China seems to be hedging its bets on meeting stiffening emissions and fuel economy regulations, and addressing consumer demand for cleaner air. Electric vehicles remain part of the strategy, but their high cost, limited range and lack of infrastructure have kept sales at a slow pace. Hmm, that kind of sounds familiar, doesn't it?

As automakers are doing in the US, China-based manufacturers are exploring fuel-saving technologies that don't rely on plugging in, things like turbocharging and direct injection for gasoline and diesel engine powertrains. Chinese consumers are reticent about spending more on EVs, but they are paying extra for technology upgrades that improve fuel economy and driving experience.

Automotive supplier BorgWarner has seen its turbocharger sale double in China over the past three years. The company expects it to double again in the next three years, thanks to tougher fuel economy and emissions standards, and the fact that turbocharged vehicles are more fun to drive, according to BorgWarner China president Tom Tan. About 80 percent of turbochargers will be installed on engines between 1.4- and 2.0-liters, he added. Chinese government policy plays a role in turbocharger growth in small engines, since taxes are much higher on engines above 2.0L.

Direct injection technology is following the turbocharger trend. UK-based engineering consultancy, Ricardo, is seeing automakers clients requesting more direct injection, and expects that all gasoline-powered engines in China will include turbocharging and direct injection within 10 years.

Chinese automakers would like to be seen as technologically innovative, a central theme at last month's Shanghai Motor Show. Geely, for example, showed off its "self developed" turbocharged direct injection engine integrated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Government subsidies have failed to incentivize consumers to buy battery-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles in China in huge numbers. Larger subsidies are expected for hybrids, including plug-in hybrids, in the next few months. The Chinese government wants 500,000 hybrids and EVs on the road by 2015 and five million by 2020, but Chinese consumers only purchased 11,375 EVs and plug-in hybrids last year.

More turbochargers, direct injection coming to China as plug-in interest drops originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese auto marketdirect injectionelectric vehiclesgovernment incentiveshybridsturbochargedThu, 09 May 2013 17:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20562090/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/09/more-turbochargers-direct-injection-coming-to-china/20562090/article-detail.xml 20562090 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/detroit-electric-and-geely-at-shanghai-auto-show.jpg <![CDATA[Wheego's low-key route to success includes new electric SUV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/wheegos-low-key-route-to-success-includes-new-electric-suv/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/wheegos-low-key-route-to-success-includes-new-electric-suv/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/wheegos-low-key-route-to-success-includes-new-electric-suv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

wheego life

The trajectory of Wheego Electric Cars is light years away from the always-in-the-news Tesla Motors or the Congressional darlings Fisker Automotive. Despite the lack of attention, Wheego manages to keep on plugging away, adding new dealers and making it past regulatory hurdles. This low-key route is entirely by design.

Wheego CEO Mike McQuary recently told Plug In Cars that the key has been to not overestimate demand for the LiFe EV, a small two-seater from an unknown company. "We've always had a realistic expectation of what the market will be. We build a batch of cars and we sell them," he said. The biggest group of consumers has turned out to retirees, McQuary told PIC.

Building on its small but stable base, Wheego is planning expanding its line-up to include an electric SUV at some point in the next year. Like the LiFe, this new model will use a body made in China along with US components. The expected prices is $44,000 (before any government incentives). The LiFe starts at $32,995.

Wheego, which is based in Atlanta, has always been associated with China, since that's where its vehicle bodies come from. The company will soon have more formal ties there, McQuary said, because a new assembly line in China should be up and running within 12 months. Looks like the next year will be a busy one for quiet Wheego.

Wheego's low-key route to success includes new electric SUV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaelectric vehicleevlifewheegowheego lifewheego suvTue, 30 Apr 2013 12:22:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553304/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20553304/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/wheegos-low-key-route-to-success-includes-new-electric-suv/20553304/article-detail.xml 20553304 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/wheego-life-1345142085_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/wheego-life-1345142085.jpg <![CDATA[GreenTech Automotive makes EV deal with JAC; founder McAuliffe in political hot water]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


GreenTech Automotive may have lost its founder, but it has renewed an integral growth strategy - partnerships with Chinese automakers.

The Mississippi-based electric car company has made an agreement with Chinese automaker JAC (Jianghuai Automobile Co.) to bring 2,000 battery electric vehicles to the US market. The vehicles, based on JAC's Rejoice vehicle platform, will be assembled in Mississippi. After the first 2,000, GreenTech says it "plans to establish another assembly facility for the sedan." It's the third-generation version of JAC's EV featuring upgraded driver modules; improved battery capacity and range; and performance improvements for speed, climbing and stability. The battery power has improved in the third generation - it has increased from 15 to 19 kWh, which helped the driving range extend from 62 to 81 miles.

JAC brings a lot of automotive experience to the table - more than 40 years building vehicles such as light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, sedans, buses and more. The company now produces more than 700,000 vehicles a year and 500,000 engines, and is one the 10 largest Chinese automakers.

GreenTech unveiled its first offering, a $15,500 tiny NEV called the MyCar (pictured), in the US market last year. GreenTech founder Terry McAuliffe had bought the rights to MyCar by acquiring its original maker, EuAuto Technology, a Hong Kong-based company, for $20 million. It's being built now at GreenTech Automotive's Horn Lake, MS, factory. The two-seat, low speed MyCar can go about 115 miles on a charge.

The problem is that McAuliffe and his GreenTech partners (well, ex-partners, since he resigned last year) are being questioned on whether the plant was actually "a 'visa-for-sale scheme' for Chinese investors," as The New York Times put it. The story has some calling it "Coda Redux" and we expect we'll hear much more about it as long as McAuliffe (D) keeps running for governor of Virginia. His Republican opponent, Kenneth Cuccinelli II, the state attorney general, is using the GreenTech story to attack McAuliffe's business credentials and a strategist said the saga shows, "The central premise of Terry McAuliffe's candidacy has been undermined. Why would we not talk about it?"

Continue reading GreenTech Automotive makes EV deal with JAC; founder McAuliffe in political hot water

GreenTech Automotive makes EV deal with JAC; founder McAuliffe in political hot water originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese automakerelectric vehiclesevsexportsgreentech automotiveimportsjacmcauliffemississippimycarvirginiaMon, 29 Apr 2013 12:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546303/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546303/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/greentech-automotive-makes-ev-deal-with-jac-founder-mcauliffe-i/20546303/article-detail.xml 20546303 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/greentech-mycar2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/greentech-mycar2.jpg <![CDATA[BYD may go all-green with vehicle production, eliminating gas-only powertrains]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BYD's e6 EV

It's not quite Elon Musk's vision of a purely electric-vehicle company, but BYD may move away from purely gas-powered cars in an attempt to reverse lagging sales. Yes, you read that right.

The China-based automaker could stop making gas-powered cars within two years and may go solely with hybrids and plug-ins for its light-duty vehicles, Reuters says, citing two BYD executives it didn't identify. As part of the effort, BYD may also get out of the light-bulb and solar-panel making businesses and could target its e6 EV purely for rental vehicles and taxis while introducing new plug-in models.

Last year, BYD sold about 458,000 cars and has seen its share price drop more than 75 percent over the past three years. The company's biggest investor is Warren Buffett, who owns about 30 percent of the company.

The Wall Street Journal reported in February that BYD expected to more than quadruple light-duty plug-in vehicle sales this year on rising gas prices and aggressive government incentives for plug-in vehicles. BYD sold about 1,700 plug-in vehicles last year, and since December reached municipal contracts for its e6 EVs with Bogota, Columbia, as well as its home-base of Shenzhen, China.

BYD may go all-green with vehicle production, eliminating gas-only powertrains originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydchinaelectric vehiclegasolinehybridplug-inplug-in hybridshenzhenMon, 22 Apr 2013 10:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546007/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20546007/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/byd-eliminate-gas-only-engine-shift-electric-vehicles/20546007/article-detail.xml 20546007 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/byd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/byd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW JV will sell China EVs under new Zinoro/Zhi Nuo badge]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/bmw-jv-will-sell-china-evs-under-new-zinoro-zhi-nuo-badge/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/bmw-jv-will-sell-china-evs-under-new-zinoro-zhi-nuo-badge/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/18/bmw-jv-will-sell-china-evs-under-new-zinoro-zhi-nuo-badge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BMW's all-electric ActiveE

Zinoro, Zhi Nuo, po-TAY-to, po-TAH-to, let's call the whole thing on. Whatever the pronunciation, the BMW China joint venture Brilliance Automotive will use the new Z-brand to sell its upcoming electric vehicles in the country, Automotive News China says.

Brilliance will make the cars at its Shenyang plant, where 3-series, 5-series and X1 vehicles are also made, with sales starting early next year. No word on which model or models will be used for the EV. Automotive News says BMW sold more than 80,000 vehicles in China through March, up 7.4 percent from a year earlier but about 20 percent less than Audi among luxury automakers.

BMW recently announced the new Zinoro/Zhi Nuo badge, which roughly translates as "The Promise," and may expand the brand beyond China. Brilliance, which was established in 2003, has been in the plug-in game for a few years now, showing off a plug-in hybrid 5-series vehicle at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2011.

BMW JV will sell China EVs under new Zinoro/Zhi Nuo badge originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbrilliance automotivechinaelectricelectric vehiclezhi nuozinoroThu, 18 Apr 2013 11:27:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20543748/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20543748/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/18/bmw-jv-will-sell-china-evs-under-new-zinoro-zhi-nuo-badge/20543748/article-detail.xml 20543748 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmwactivee_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmwactivee.jpg <![CDATA[Zap figures why not throw battery swap into upcoming E380 electric SUV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/zap-battery-swap-e380-electric-suv/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/zap-battery-swap-e380-electric-suv/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/04/03/zap-battery-swap-e380-electric-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Zap Jonway is trying a lot of different angles in its 380 SUV lineup. Not only can you buy the A380 SUV CNG hybrid version with extended range, now you can swap out batteries in the upcoming E380 SUV battery electric version, as well. And get this - you don't even have to do the battery swapping yourself. A robot arm takes care of it for you.

Zap Jonway, based in Santa Rosa, CA, made an agreement to work with the China National Grid to set up battery swap stations in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The Battery Swap Version was designed to work with the robotic system as specified by China National Grid (C-NG), which is the state-sponsored electric utility. The battery packs have been standardized to fit the robotic arm and also the recharging cabinets in the government-funded charging stations being deployed by C-NG.

The utility has launched extensive programs in selected provinces to support fast battery swapping. The battery swap usually takes no longer than six minutes to complete. It's not entirely clear, but you can sort of see the battery being taken out (or being put in) in the photo above.

To support electric vehicle adoption, the utility is promoting the sale of EVs by not charging for lithium ion batteries, since they are leased by C-NG or an authorized funding partner. It's a business model that been adopted by taxis in Hangzhou, and by a few leasing companies that are working in partnership with C-NG. The other main global proponent of battery swapping, Better Place, does not appear to have had anything to do with the Zap project.

Continue reading Zap figures why not throw battery swap into upcoming E380 electric SUV

Zap figures why not throw battery swap into upcoming E380 electric SUV originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery swappingchinae380electric vehiclesuvzap jonwayWed, 03 Apr 2013 16:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20527924/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20527924/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/03/zap-battery-swap-e380-electric-suv/20527924/article-detail.xml 20527924 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/zap-jonway-robotic-arm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/zap-jonway-robotic-arm.jpg <![CDATA[Geely, Kandi form partnership focused on electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/geely-kandi-ev-partnership-electric-vehicles-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/geely-kandi-ev-partnership-electric-vehicles-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/30/geely-kandi-ev-partnership-electric-vehicles-china/#commentsFiled under: ,



Geely and Kandi Technology have plugged themselves together to research, develop, produce and market EVs together. The initial investment is a billion yuan ($160 million US) to fund the partnership, and each partner retains a 50-50 share.

It looks like a match made in green heaven, with both halves playing off the other's strong points in EV research and production. Kandi claims to be the world's largest manufacturer of off-road vehicles, electric vehicles, ATVs, trikes, and farm vehicles, while Geely is noted for its EV research and production. Geely models include a mid-size sedan, a seven passenger GX7, and the luxury sedan Emgrand that China Car Times reports is favored by diplomats. Its IG concept is pictured above.

The goal of the new partnership is to produce affordable, mass market electric vehicles. However, the first project will be to develop plug-in solutions for public transportation - think buses - in Hangzhou. The city of Hangzhou is one of 25 pilot cities in China to develop electrified public and private transportation.

Continue reading Geely, Kandi form partnership focused on electric vehicles

Geely, Kandi form partnership focused on electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 09:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BYD's e6 electric vehicle

China, which ended its three-year electric-vehicle subsidy program in December, will resume it as soon as April, Reuters reports, citing BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu.

The head of the China-based automaker, whose biggest shareholder is Warren Buffet, didn't disclose details about the subsidy program, but given that it previously amounted to about $9,700 per vehicle, it's likely to be substantial. As it is, Pike Research has predicted that plug-in vehicle sales would surge about 60 percent per year to about 152,000 vehicles for 2017.

Additionally, Wang said that the all-electric Denza, which it is developing with Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler and which was first announced about a year ago, will go on sale by June 2014. That's about six months later than previously estimated.

Recently, Reuters reported that the Chinese government would enact its first fleetwide fuel-economy mandate for new vehicles, which were projected to be about 34 miles per gallon by 2014 and about 47 mpg by the end of the decade.re-

China will re-start plug-in vehicle subsidies, says BYD chair originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydchinaelectric vehicleincentivesubsidywang chanfuFri, 29 Mar 2013 10:16:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522915/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20522915/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/china-will-start-up-plug-in-vehicle-subsidies-says-byd-chair/20522915/article-detail.xml 20522915 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/byd-1364529717_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/byd-1364529717.jpg <![CDATA[China mandates strict fuel-economy increase to 47 mpg by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/china-mandate-strict-fuel-economy-increase-47-mpg-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/china-mandate-strict-fuel-economy-increase-47-mpg-by-2020/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/26/china-mandate-strict-fuel-economy-increase-47-mpg-by-2020/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

China passenger vehicle

The Chinese government is enacting escalating fleetwide fuel-economy standards that may be fairly reasonable for 2015 but become far less realistic at the end of the decade.

China's National Development and Reform Commission are among government entities that say the country's new passenger cars would be required to reach a fleetwide 34 miles per gallon by 2015, marking the first-ever overall fuel-economy mandate for China, Reuters reports.

And while recent fleetwide numbers aren't available, Reuters quotes John Zeng, Asia Pacific director of consultancy LMC Automotive, as saying that China cars boosted fuel economy by about five percent in 2009 to a little more than 30 miles per gallon, implying that cars would have to cut fuel consumption by a realistic two percent a year through the next three years.

That's especially doable if, as Pike Research predicted last year, China plug-in vehicle sales jump by 60 percent a year during the next few years, ultimately reaching 152,000 units in 2017. Still, China's leaders are mandating fleetwide fuel economy of about 47 miles per gallon by the end of the decade, which will take a heck of a lot more than 152,000 plug-in vehicles to reach.

China mandates strict fuel-economy increase to 47 mpg by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinafuel economymandatempgnational development and reform commissionTue, 26 Mar 2013 13:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20517866/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20517866/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/26/china-mandate-strict-fuel-economy-increase-47-mpg-by-2020/20517866/article-detail.xml 20517866 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/china_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/china.jpg <![CDATA[Zap Jonway announces CN380 SUV, a new hybrid with CNG power]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/zap-jonway-cn380-suv-hybrid-cng/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/zap-jonway-cn380-suv-hybrid-cng/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/zap-jonway-cn380-suv-hybrid-cng/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/zap-jonway-electric-taxi.jpg

Zap Jonway has added an alternative fuel vehicle to its lineup and describes it as a "New Energy Vehicle." That's a common term in China to describe a host of different powertrains, and is here used to mean a hybrid that combines compressed natural gas with a gasoline engine. Zap Jonway, based in Santa Rosa, CA, is working with its China-based Jonway Auto subsidiary to build the CNG version based on Jonway Auto's A380 SUV (electric version pictured). The CNG hybrid vehicle joins Zap's lineup of specialized electric vehicles, such as the three-wheel Zap Xebra.

The new bi-fuel CNG SUV has been named the CN380. Drivers can utilize the gasoline engine when the CNG is depleted. The gasoline engine also automatically runs during a cold start in order to heat up the engine. The CNG tank has the same "range" capacity as the gasoline tank, so the CNG version can go twice as far as the gas-only model. CN380 SUV comes in either 1.6L or 2.0L for manual transmission, or a 1.8L for both automatic as well as manual transmission. Zap's press release is available below.

The plan is to offer the CN380 for sale in developing countries and in the US. Zap sees the car as a way to be part of the accelerating growth in CNG vehicles around the world. South America is an important market for Zap Jonway since CNG fueling stations are popular in the region and the escalating cost of gasoline tips the scale in a CNG vehicle's favor, with fuel cost savings estimated at around 60 to 65 percent compared to gasoline. China also presents opportunities, as the country is opening up the market for CNG in its southern provinces. Perhaps Iran could be another market for Zap Jonway to try out?

Continue reading Zap Jonway announces CN380 SUV, a new hybrid with CNG power

Zap Jonway announces CN380 SUV, a new hybrid with CNG power originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuel vehiclechinacngelectric vehiclenatural gas vehiclesthree wheel vehiclezapWed, 20 Mar 2013 12:07:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20511092/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20511092/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/zap-jonway-cn380-suv-hybrid-cng/20511092/article-detail.xml 20511092 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/zap-jonway-electric-taxi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/zap-jonway-electric-taxi.jpg <![CDATA[Fisker fails to draw Geely bid after all [UPDATE]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/fisker-fails-to-draw-geely-bid-after-all/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/fisker-fails-to-draw-geely-bid-after-all/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/fisker-fails-to-draw-geely-bid-after-all/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fisker logo on sheetmetal

Last week, Fisker Automotive lost its namesake and co-founder Henrik Fisker because of "several major disagreements" between the designer-turned-automaker and other executives. After that blow, could there be any more bad news out there? Maybe, if you consider the mooted takeover of the California-based plug-in luxury automaker by the Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group a good thing.

Geely is reportedly no longer interested in buying up a majority stake in Fisker, according to Reuters, which cites "two sources familiar with the matter." Just a few weeks ago, Geely was considered the favored bidder, with the Chinese state-owned Dongfeng Motor Group Co. the other major contender. Geely purchased Sweden's Volvo brand from Ford in 2010.

Reuters now reports that Dongfeng's final offer was submitted last week and that Geely will pass on making an offer at all. This doesn't necessarily mean that Dongfeng's bid to take over the stricken automaker will be accepted, but it would seem to have a better shot if it's the sole serious offer on the table.

As with the sale of A123 (Fisker's battery supplier) to Chinese company Wanxiang, not everyone is happy about Fisker potentially being sold to a Chinese company. Earlier, US Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said, "Technology developed with American taxpayer subsidies should not be sold off to China." Fisker was given a $528.7-million loan from the Department of Energy in 2009, but most of that money (all but around $200 million) was frozen because of problems at Fisker. According to an Automotive News report, Geely is walking away from the deal because it doesn't want the hassle of dealing with the complex nature of the DOE loan's conditions.

UPDATE: Fisker tells AutoblogGreen that the company is "still talking to multiple partners" but cannot "offer comment on individual negotiations due to the confidential nature of all the discussions."

Fisker fails to draw Geely bid after all [UPDATE] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karmachinadongfengelectric vehiclefiskergeelyhenrik fiskerkarmaplug-in hybridMon, 18 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20507752/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20507752/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/fisker-fails-to-draw-geely-bid-after-all/20507752/article-detail.xml 20507752 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-logo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-logo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan may build Leaf EVs, or the Fengshen E30, in China]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/nissan-may-build-leaf-evs-or-the-fengshen-e30-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/nissan-may-build-leaf-evs-or-the-fengshen-e30-in-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/nissan-may-build-leaf-evs-or-the-fengshen-e30-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nissan may build a version of its Leaf electric vehicle in the Chinese province of Guangdong, where BYD, maker of the all-electric e6, is located, Bloomberg News says, citing China's National Development and Reform Commission.

Nissan would partner with Dongfeng Motor Group to build a $322-million plant that would be used to make the EV, called the Fengshen E30. Nissan declined comment to Bloomberg, but whether Nissan builds the Leaf in China or not, the country is looking to boost EV production in Guangdong, which is near Hong Kong. China wants to ramp Guangdong's alt-fuel vehicle production up from 7,000 units in 2011 to as many as 200,000 in 2015. About a quarter of those vehicles would be Leafs, according to Bloomberg.

The Japanese automaker recently shook up management of its EV sales and operations in an effort to increase Leaf sales, putting Chief Financial Officer Hideaki Watanabe in charge of electric vehicle operations.

Nissan may build Leaf EVs, or the Fengshen E30, in China originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydchinadongfengelectric vehiclefengshen e30 evguangdongleafnissanFri, 15 Mar 2013 12:34:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20504650/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20504650/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/nissan-may-build-leaf-evs-or-the-fengshen-e30-in-china/20504650/article-detail.xml 20504650 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/dongfeng-nissan-venucia-d50_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/dongfeng-nissan-venucia-d50.jpg <![CDATA[BYD hopes to quadruple light-duty plug-in vehicle sales this year]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/byd-hopes-to-quadruple-light-duty-plug-in-vehicle-sales-this-yea/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/byd-hopes-to-quadruple-light-duty-plug-in-vehicle-sales-this-yea/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/byd-hopes-to-quadruple-light-duty-plug-in-vehicle-sales-this-yea/#commentsFiled under: , ,

BYD E6 electric vehicle

Brooklyn Dodger fans were long known for their mantra, "Wait 'til next year." BYD appears to be following suit.

The Chinese automaker says it will more than quadruple light-duty plug-in vehicle sales next year, as demand will be fueled by a combination of government incentives and rising gas prices, the Wall Street Journal reports.

BYD, which sold about 1,700 light-duty plug-in vehicles in 2012, hopes to boost that number to about 8,000 this year. Electric bus sales are supposed to almost triple from 700 to about 2,000. The company should benefit from fleet sales as companies look to reduce refueling costs, as well as subsidies in China that can reach as high as $19,000 US (roughly) per vehicle.

Since December, BYD has won contracts to supply 49 of its E6 EVs to the city of Bogota, Colombia, for its taxi fleet, as well as for 500 E6s that will be used by the police force in Shenzhen, China. Last October, BYD reached an agreement with Greentomatocars to supply 50 E6s to that company's London taxi fleet. That's not quite 8,000, but a little here and a little there adds up.

BYD hopes to quadruple light-duty plug-in vehicle sales this year originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydchinae6electric vehicleevshenzhenFri, 01 Mar 2013 10:03:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20484274/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20484274/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/01/byd-hopes-to-quadruple-light-duty-plug-in-vehicle-sales-this-yea/20484274/article-detail.xml 20484274 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/byd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/byd.jpg <![CDATA[Word of China's Geely leading bids for Fisker draws criticism from senator]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/word-of-chinas-geely-leading-bids-for-fisker-draws-criticism-fr/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/word-of-chinas-geely-leading-bids-for-fisker-draws-criticism-fr/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/word-of-chinas-geely-leading-bids-for-fisker-draws-criticism-fr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Fisker Karma at speed

Money isn't the only problem Fisker Automotive has with making more Karma plug-in hybrids (see: battery supply), but the California startup may soon have the cash to help resume production of its $100,000 plug-in luxury sedan. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has the edge in taking a majority stake in the troubled automaker, according to two confidential insider sources close to Fisker.

Fisker executives have been holding meetings in China with Geely, owner of Sweden's Volvo, and with state-owned Dongfeng Motor Group Co. The two offers reportedly received by Fisker within the last three weeks were worth between $200 million to $300 million, and both would give a majority stake to the new investor, the sources told Fox Business. The companies involved have declined to comment.

While both Chinese companies are interested, Geely is "more serious" and "passionate" about Fisker and its technology, one of the sources said. The company is also able to move more quickly than Dongfeng, which is hampered by the multi-layered decision-making structure within its Chinese-government ownership. Southern California-based Fisker is under a tight deadline to find a suitor, which certainly favors Geely, the source said.

"Most of all, with Geely we're dealing with one decision maker," the individual said, referring to its charismatic founder and chairman, Li Shufu. Geely's leader is considered an important player in the transaction and has experience from his role in Geely's acquisition of Volvo from Ford Motor Company in 2010. Geely has also sent a team of engineers to Anaheim, CA, to evaluate Fisker and its technology, the sources said.

The deal would theoretically give Fisker the funds to start building its second and more affordable model, the Atlantic plug-in hybrid, which is expected to start at around $55,000 and could become Fisker's high-volume vehicle. It's been about seven months since production stopped on Fisker's only vehicle, the Karma, but Fisker's CEO said recently that it will be starting up again soon.

As with the A123 sale before it (which did go to the Chinese company Wanxiang), the potential Fisker deal is getting some political criticism. US Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) told Bloomberg, "Like A123, this looks like another example of taxpayer dollars going to a failed experiment. Technology developed with American taxpayer subsidies should not be sold off to China."

Word of China's Geely leading bids for Fisker draws criticism from senator originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 fisker karma2014 fisker atlanticatlanticchinachuck grassleydongfengfiskerfisker atlanticfisker salegeelykarmali shufuWed, 20 Feb 2013 14:01:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20467865/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20467865/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/20/word-of-chinas-geely-leading-bids-for-fisker-draws-criticism-fr/20467865/article-detail.xml 20467865 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-karma-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/fisker-karma-628.jpg <![CDATA[Dongfeng Fengshen E30 electric vehicle coming to China next year?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/dongfeng-fengshen-e30-electric-vehicle-coming-to-china-next-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/dongfeng-fengshen-e30-electric-vehicle-coming-to-china-next-year/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/dongfeng-fengshen-e30-electric-vehicle-coming-to-china-next-year/#commentsFiled under: ,



While China's third-largest automotive group, Donfeng Motors, had been gearing up to produce mass quantities of electric cars by early 2012, the reality has been more of a hodgepodge of decisions. There's been a joint venture with Nissan to build a rebadged Nissan Leaf for the China market (pictured), though it seems only a small number of them have been produced so far. There may be a $350-million acquisition bid by Dongfeng for Fisker Automotive. There are also plans to start production of the Dongfeng Fengshen E30 EV - but not until next year.

The Fengshen E30 EV is a small electric city car that debuted as the Donfeng EJo2 at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2011. It became the Dongfeng EV1 in early 2012 and was shown at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2012 as the Fengshen E30. There's also a stretched version called the Fengshen E30L The Fengshen comes equipped with a 10.5-kilowatt electric motor, can reach a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour (about 50 miles per hour) and a range of 110 to 180 kilometers (about 68 to 112 miles) from a single charge.

The Fengshen E30 EV will be competing directly with the Roewe E50 EV that was launched in the Chinese market in November of last year. The price of the E30 EV is yet to be known, but the Roewe E50 is priced at 134,900 yuan (about $21,600 US) after 100,000 yuan in government subsidies. The E30 is slightly smaller than the Rowe E50, and it's likely to cost slightly less.

That assumes Dongfeng Motors actually does start manufacturing the Fengshen E30 EV. Dongfeng has a lot of experience rebadging other vehicles for the Chinese market, so perhaps the Chinese "Leaf" - officially called the Donfeng Nissan Venucia D50 - could provide the access point for mass producing EVs in that market by 2015?

Dongfeng Fengshen E30 electric vehicle coming to China next year? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinadonfenge30electric carevfengshen e30leafmicro carTue, 19 Feb 2013 18:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466326/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20466326/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/dongfeng-fengshen-e30-electric-vehicle-coming-to-china-next-year/20466326/article-detail.xml 20466326 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/dongfeng-nissan-venucia-d50_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/dongfeng-nissan-venucia-d50.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo parent Geely will work with Kandi on low-speed electric vehicles]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/volvo-parent-geely-will-work-with-kandi-on-low-speed-electric-ve/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/volvo-parent-geely-will-work-with-kandi-on-low-speed-electric-ve/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/02/08/volvo-parent-geely-will-work-with-kandi-on-low-speed-electric-ve/#commentsFiled under: ,

Kandi Technologies EVs

China's Geely Automobile Holdings, which bought Volvo three years ago, is still making news. This time, the vehicles in question are just a bit smaller. Geely and Kandi Technologies have announced that they will work together to further develop EV technology and increase sales.

For those with a knack for names, Kandi Technologies Group's Zhejiang Kandi Vehicles Co. and Geely's Shanghai Maple Guorun Automobile Co. have formed a joint-venture called Zhejiang Kandi Electric Vehicles Investment Co., in which each side has put up about $80 million. The purpose is to ramp up the development of neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), which analysts say could see a sales surge because of their relatively low price and the notorious street congestion and pollution of China's largest cities.

Last summer, Zhejiang Kandi Vehicles reached what was regarded as the largest-ever electric-vehicle distribution agreement in China when it agreed to sell as many as 20,000 EVs to the city of Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, as part of a vehicle-to-grid technology-testing program. Last October, the Kandi unit reached what was called a "definitive sales contract" to sell 5,000 of those EVs (batteries not included) to the city for about $31.6 million, or about $6,300 each. Plug In Cars notes that it's not verified whether the Kandi division has made good on those deliveries. Either way, those EVs are said to have a top speed of about 25 miles per hour and weigh about 1,600 pounds. In 2010, Geely acquired Volvo from Ford for $1.8 billion. Check out Kandi Technologies' press release below.

Continue reading Volvo parent Geely will work with Kandi on low-speed electric vehicles

Volvo parent Geely will work with Kandi on low-speed electric vehicles originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaelectric vehiclegeelykandilow speedneighborhood electricvolvoFri, 08 Feb 2013 10:02:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20449914/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20449914/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/volvo-parent-geely-will-work-with-kandi-on-low-speed-electric-ve/20449914/article-detail.xml 20449914 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/kandi_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/kandi.jpg <![CDATA[Beijing scrapping dirty, old clunkers to reduce "heavily polluted" air]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/beijing-scrapping-dirty-old-clunkers-to-reduce-heavily-pollute/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/beijing-scrapping-dirty-old-clunkers-to-reduce-heavily-pollute/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/beijing-scrapping-dirty-old-clunkers-to-reduce-heavily-pollute/#commentsFiled under: ,

beijing window pollution

Air pollution in China's capital city is reaching sobering levels. The World Health Organization warns that levels for fine airborne particulates that pose the greatest health risks should go no higher than 25 for 24-hour exposure on the PM2.5 scale. On January 22, the official Beijing government reading near Tiananmen Square reached 258 at 4 a.m. The city rates it as "heavily polluted."

It was even worse at the US Embassy at that same time, where a sensor found that the PM2.5 level had reached 441. This was on a day when the city had ordered government vehicles off the roads as part of an emergency response to record pollution that hit Beijing earlier in January.

So, the city government is looking for solutions. To try and reduce air pollutants by two percent this year, Beijing will take 180,000 old vehicles off the roads and replace coal-burning heaters in 44,000 homes. The city is also promoting clean-energy vehicles among its departments, the public, street cleaners and trash collectors.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that top city official Wang Anshun spelled out the program at the opening of Beijing's legislative session. Beijing also plans to reduce coal consumption by 1.4 million tons and emissions from volatile organic compounds by 8,000 tons. About 450 heavily polluting plants will also be closed.

The city of Beijing appears ready and willing to take drastic actions to reduce pollution during a period of population growth, high-volume car sales, and a rapidly expanding industrial economy. The stakes are getting higher each year.

Beijing scrapping dirty, old clunkers to reduce "heavily polluted" air originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air pollutionbeijingchinaco2coalold carssmogtrafficWed, 30 Jan 2013 07:57:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20438509/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20438509/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/30/beijing-scrapping-dirty-old-clunkers-to-reduce-heavily-pollute/20438509/article-detail.xml 20438509 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/beijing-window-pollution_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/beijing-window-pollution.jpg <![CDATA[Mysterious Qoros hybrid debut set for Geneva Motor Show]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/qoros-hybrid-debut-geneva-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/qoros-hybrid-debut-geneva-china/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/qoros-hybrid-debut-geneva-china/#commentsFiled under: ,

qoros hybrid

Haven't heard of Qoros Auto? Not surprising, since it's an all-new Chinese brand. But it's about to make headlines with the launch of a hybrid crossover at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March, alongside its first actual production model. Qoros is itself a hybrid, a joint venture between top Chinese automaker Chery and an Israeli investment group.

The new Qoros hybrid - as yet unnamed - was designed by former BMW/Mini styling boss Gert Volker Hildebrand, for the Chinese and European markets.

The Qoros Hybrid Concept is one of three models to be built at a new factory in Changshu, China now under construction. The other two models are the conventional gas-powered GQ3 sedan and wagon built on the same platform. It is expected the hybrid also will share that platform, since Qoros production is focused on an "advanced modular architecture," according to the British magazine Autocar.

The factory will have an initial annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, which can be expanded to 450,000 if demand warrants. The GQ3 is scheduled to go on sale in China in mid-2013, and a few months later in Euorpe. The hybrid is due for release in 2014. In addition to the joint venture to build the Qoros brand, Chery has a partnership with Jaguar Land Rover to build cars in China.

Mysterious Qoros hybrid debut set for Geneva Motor Show originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cherychinaconceptgert volkerhybridjaguarplug-in hybridqorosqoros hybrid conceptMon, 28 Jan 2013 10:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20435999/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20435999/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/qoros-hybrid-debut-geneva-china/20435999/article-detail.xml 20435999 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/qoros-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/qoros-concept.jpg <![CDATA[A123 expects Wanxiang sale to be finished by Feb. 1]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/a123-expects-wanxiang-sale-to-be-finished-by-feb-1/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/a123-expects-wanxiang-sale-to-be-finished-by-feb-1/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/a123-expects-wanxiang-sale-to-be-finished-by-feb-1/#commentsFiled under: , ,

a123 batteries

The bankruptcy proceedings for A123 Systems are moving relatively smoothly toward completion, and it looks like Wanxiang America Corp. and Navitas Systems LLC should complete the transactions within the guidelines of the court-ordered asset purchase agreements by February 1, 2013.

Chinese parts manufacturer Wanxiang has been under pressure in Washington to keep A123 Systems a US-based company, which Wanxiang has said it will do. Under A123 Systems' new agreement, Wanxiang will acquire A123's automotive, grid and commercial business assets in the US, its cathode powder manufacturing plant in China and its equity share in A123's joint venture with Shanghai Automotive's battery systems division.

A123 Systems customer Fisker Automotive may have been in talks with Wanxiang recently on a trip to China, as the plug-in hybrid sports carmarker seeks investors.

In a separate transaction from the Wanxiang agreement, A123 has sold its government business, primarily military contracts, to Navitas Systems. Navitas is a Woodbridge, IL-based provider of energy-enabled system solutions and energy storage products.

More information on the background of the bankruptcy proceeded and investor transactions can be found on the A123 Systems website and the company's claims agent website, as well as the press release below.

Continue reading A123 expects Wanxiang sale to be finished by Feb. 1

A123 expects Wanxiang sale to be finished by Feb. 1 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a123a123 systemsbankruptcychinafiskerkarmali ionli ion batterieslithium ionwanxiangTue, 22 Jan 2013 16:15:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20434627/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20434627/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/22/a123-expects-wanxiang-sale-to-be-finished-by-feb-1/20434627/article-detail.xml 20434627 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/a123-systems-and-wanxiang_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/a123-systems-and-wanxiang.jpg <![CDATA[BYD adding to Shenzen's city fleet with 500 e6 electric police cars]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/byd-adding-to-shenzen-s-city-fleet-with-500-e6-electric-police-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/byd-adding-to-shenzen-s-city-fleet-with-500-e6-electric-police-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/01/19/byd-adding-to-shenzen-s-city-fleet-with-500-e6-electric-police-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Chinese electric carmaker BYD has won a contract to supply 500 E6 pure electric police cars to the city of Shenzen, China. For BYD, the deal signifies that the "promotion of BYD new energy vehicles has reached a new height."

The BYD e6 can reach a maximum speed of 140 kilometers per hour (about 87 miles per hour), if needed in a pursuit. The overall range on a fully charged BYD e6 is 300 km (about 186 miles), which satisfies the Shenzen police department's demands for vehicles that perform daily patrol and law enforcement. It also meets the city's goal of reducing CO2 emissions and pollution in the city, improving the city environment.

Shenzen is getting quite electrified, thanks to BYD. The automaker previously supplied additional e6 models to the city - 300 for taxi service. They've reached an accumulated fleet mileage of over 30 million km (18.6 million miles). In fact, one of these cars has already reached over 250,000 km (155,000 miles). BYD also supplied 200 electric buses which have accumulated over 10 million km (6.2 million miles). Shenzen is planning on adding 500 more BYD e6 electric taxis and 500 BYD electric buses to its public transport system.

Municipal and central government agency fleet acquisitions appear to be a big part of the Chinese government's strategy of meeting its "new energy vehicle" targets, and BYD is playing a leading role in the deployment. China wants to see five million plug-in electric vehicles on its roads by 2020.

BYD has launched the "Zero Down Payment, Zero Costs, Zero Emissions" program in the taxi and bus markets to ease adoption of the new technology. In the private sector, BYD offers the e6 and the dual-mode F3DM electric car. This year, BYD will be launching the F3DM with a second generation dual mode technology - code named "Qin" - to further accelerate its presence in China's private automobile market.

BYD is providing electric vehicles to fleet in other parts of the world. BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu and Greentomatocars, London's second largest minicab service, signed a deal last October to create London's first all-electric minicab fleet. BYD is supplying 49 e6 taxis to the city of Bogota, Colombia. It's the first all-electric taxi fleet in South America.

BYD adding to Shenzen's city fleet with 500 e6 electric police cars originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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