What are they? BYD may not be a household name in America, but that may change. In the mean time, the company is known at Warren Buffets house. Hes become an investor. The Chinese carmaker can take credit for the worlds first mass-production plug in gasoline-electric hybrid car, the F3DM, introduced in the fall of 2008.
At the Detroit auto show, BYD (Build Your Dreams) showed the four-door sedan, which bears more than a passing resemblance to a last generation Toyota Corolla and is about the same size. The F3 DM uses a Ferrous battery and can be completely recharged in seven hours using a household 110-volt outlet, or can take a 50 percent charge in 10 minutes using a quick-charge station. Combined with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine, BYD claims the car produces the equivalent of 160 horsepower, and can accelerate from 0-60 in 10.5 seconds. The F3 DM (DM stands for dual-mode) can be driven on electric power only, with a claimed 62-mile range.
The company showed another plug-in hybrid, the larger F6 DM, which will be familiar to owners of the last-generation Honda Accord. Also displayed was an electric car, the E6, with a claimed 250-mile range using ferrous batteries.
What is new or notable? BYD, a major supplier of cell phone batteries, says their ferrous batteries contain no heavy metals, are completely recyclable, and can last ten years.
When will they be available? 2011.
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