Chinese BYD EV

[TEG]

Slightly old news (http://www.chinacartimes.com/2007/10/11/byd-to-mass-produce-electric-car/)

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2007/10/byd-f6.jpg

[TEG]

http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/autoblog_china_dsc00099.jpg
http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/dsc09524.jpg
http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/dsc09527.jpg
http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/dsc09521.jpg

http://www2.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2004-02/04/content_302935.htm

[Cobos]

Is this another case of, the reason we haven't heard anything about these too good to be true batteries are because they ARE too good to be true?

:-)

Cobos

[DDB]

Hmph...I'll believe the F6 when I see it (and it's not an NEV). Moreover, the F6 IMO resembles the Javlon. Let's hope this time next year we're looking back at 2008 saying "this was the year of the electric car" rather than, "this was supposed to be the year of the electric car" as 2007 was supposed to be--with the Roadster, Phoenix SUT, ZAP Cross-X, the list goes on.

[TEG]

the F6 IMO resembles the Javlon.

I think they were going after the Lexus LS460 look myself...

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2007/10/byd-f6.jpg
http://www.newarabia.net/images/motoring/Lexus_LS460.jpg

[DDB]

I think they were going after the Lexus LS460 look myself...



Looks I agree. But I'm talking about the whole package...a Chinese-manufactured EV that supposedly exists with practical sedan stats due to go on sale within 6-9 months.

[DDB]

This is a new Chinese Player that apparently goes 60 miles all electric and then kicks over into hybrid drive. I guess it is CHEAP to produce, as in $6,000 for transmission plus battery pack. Looking forwarding to these Chinese players like this and the Javlon.

GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Concept Site » BYD F6DM Plug-in Electric Hybrid (http://www.gm-volt.com/2008/01/14/byd-f6dm-plug-in-electric-hybrid/#comments)

[TEG]

Yes, I mentioned their EV models before (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/electric-cars/741-chinese-byd-ev.html) in this forum.

[DDB]

Yes, I mentioned their EV models before (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/electric-cars/741-chinese-byd-ev.html) in this forum.

Forgot about that. I'm looking forward to the competition because these battery packs from China are CHEAP. Of course, you get what you pay for. More here:

Detroit 2008: BYD exposes the F6-DM plug-in hybrid - AutoblogGreen (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-byd-exposes-the-f6-dm-plug-in-hybrid/)

[Michael]

It mentions that the BYD battery uses Lithium IRON similar to A123's battery. Would this be adding another environmental issue (the IRON) as far as recycling? I wonder if this would mean that the solution proposed for battery technology by LG Chem would be somewhat better environmentally?

[DDB]

Saw this article and what caught my eye was this quote:

"Wang hinted that the automaker will bring its new all-electric version of its E6 model sedan (http://wot.motortrend.com/6237544/auto_news/byd_china_looking_to_build_euro_hybrids_by_2010/index.html#) that features a 248 mile range to Geneva in 2009. The all new sedan is currently used as a taxi in the busy streets of Beijing, China."

Wonder if that's true. Anyone been to China lately? I find that one hard to believe, but you never know.

BYD China looking to build Euro hybrids by 2010 | Automotive News Blog - Wide Open Throttle (http://wot.motortrend.com/6237544/auto_news/byd_china_looking_to_build_euro_hybrids_by_2010/index.html)

[DDB]

Someone posted the news about Warren Buffet's stake in BYD, but I think this whole article is worth posting, with 4 models that may be coming to market by the time the Volt is on the road:




China's BYD Gets a Boost From Warren Buffett Investment (http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/09/chinas-byd-gets-a-boost-from-warren-buffett-investment.html)
September 29, 2008
By Michelle Krebs
http://www.autoobserver.com/BYD%20e6%20-%20272.JPGChina's fledgling battery maker-turned-automaker got a huge shot in the arm Monday when a unit of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway announced it will buy a stake in company.
Buffett's MidAmerican Energy Holdings will pay $230 million for a 10-percent stake in BYD to support its "green" technologies, the company said told Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/) news service.
The deal gives MidAmerican a foothold in the Hong Kong-listed company, which is developing electric-hybrid cars it expects to start selling in China later this year, Europe and Israel by 2010 and North America thereafter. It gives the Chinese company a much-needed boost in funding for further development and credibility.

Newcomer Grows Fast
BYD has been one of the more intriguing companies to watch in China - one with immense promise. BYD, which translates to Build Your Dreams, is a young company, established in 1995 as a battery maker. It quickly became one of the world's largest producers of rechargeable batteries. It claims to have about 30 percent share of the world's cell phone battery market.
In 2003, BYD got into China's then burgeoning car business by buying bankrupt government-owned automaker Qinchan. With a presence at world auto shows from China to Europe to Detroit, BYD Auto has laid out an ambitious plan to sell its cars, including electric and hybrid ones, around the globe.
A North American Beachhead
BYD Auto currently is being wooed by states in the U.S. for a port of entry, a test market for its electric-car fleet, a distribution hub and a possible manufcturing base for its hybrid and electric cars.
Earlier this month, Oregon government officials, including the state's governor and Portland's mayor, met with BYD Auto executives to discuss the possibility of BYD using its port and eventually establishing a manufacturing base in the state. BYD executives told Portland media that Michigan, Idaho and California are also in the running.
http://www.autoobserver.com/BYD%20F3%20225.JPGBYD executives told Portland reporters they plan to sell two models in the North American market: the F3DM and the F6DM. The cars, which likely will sell for $25,000 to $30,000, are manufactured in China. In the future, BYD plans all-electric models, like the F3e and F6e, which have been displayed at auto shows.
The automaker claims its "dual mode" plug-in hybrids - a range-extending concept similar to that of General Motors' Chevrolet Volt - run on battery power for the first 60 miles (GM is claiming the Volt will do 40 miles). A gasoline engine only kicks in after that for a range of 260 miles. Plugging into a conventional outlet or a special charging station, which the city of Portland is installing, recharges them. BYD claims it uses a chemistry that offers better performance than conventional lithium-ion batteries with less risk of overheating, a major problem with such batteries.
Buffett Connection
The investment by Warren Buffett's company not only gives the Chinese automaker a financial boost for further development but credibility enhancement. Chinese auto companies have not been up to par in terms of vehicle quality, often making them the butt of jokes at international auto shows.
Buffett, in a statement issued Monday, praised BYD's chairman, Wang Chuanfu, for his "extraordinary managerial record."
MidAmerican Chairman David Sokol added that BYD's technologies will be an integral part of the future for the care of the environment especially relating to global climate change.
"The news is positive as the investment is big," Frederick Wong, analyst at BNP Paribas in Hong Kong told Reuters.
Buffett's investment in BYD is the second major one in recent days. Last week, Israel's Clal Industries and Investments, a unit of conglomerate IDB Development, signed a deal to import electric cars from BYD and sell them in Israel.
Photos by BYD
1 - BYD displayed the F6e at last spring's Beijing auto show.
2 - The F3 is among the first models BYD plans for export.

China's BYD Gets a Boost From Warren Buffett Investment - Auto Observer (http://www.autoobserver.com/2008/09/chinas-byd-gets-a-boost-from-warren-buffett-investment.html)

[vfx]

SHANGHAI, China — Battery maker turned car company BYD Co. has launched China's first homegrown hybrid vehicle for the retail market, seeking an edge over its crisis-stricken international rivals.

BYD presented the vehicle, known as the F3DM, in a ceremony in the southern city of Shenzhen, where local officials have pledged to buy some of the cars in support of the project.

The vehicle can run up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) on its electric engine, and when it runs low on power shifts to a back up gasoline engine. Its battery can fully charge in nine hours from a regular electrical outlet, or much faster at BYD's own charging stations, the company said in a statement.

The car will sell for 149,800 yuan ($22,000), about the same as many Chinese-made mid-sized cars, it said.

Although the car is just now hitting the market, BYD claims to have leapfrogged larger automakers to be the first company to commercialize plug-in hybrid technology, which allows the batteries of the F3DM _ DM stands for duel mode _ to be recharged without any special infrastructure.

General Motors Corp.'s own plug-in electric car, the Chevrolet Volt, is due to roll out in late 2010. Toyota Motor Corp. also is pushing to get a plug-in electric vehicle to market in 2010, while Ford Motor Co., says it is five years away from producing them in significant numbers.

Still, developing a safe plug-in has been a major challenge for automakers, and it was unclear what sort of standards the BYD vehicle had met.

BYD, a private company based in Shenzhen, started out as a maker of rechargeable batteries. Its foray into electric car manufacturing drew broader attention recently when MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., a unit of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc., invested in a 9.9 percent stake in the company.

Story continues below

Encouraged by government support for alternative fuel technologies, BYD _ whose name stands for "build your dreams" _ has pressed ahead with developing electric vehicles, despite weakening sales in China and elsewhere.

The company has said it plans to export the cars to the United States, but its vehicles must first meet stringent U.S. safety standards _ a requirement that so far has deterred other, better-known local automakers.

Eager to limit its fast-growing dependence on the crude oil imports needed to fuel its growing legions of autos, and to limit choking emissions, China is pursuing a medley of programs aimed at putting new energy buses and other vehicles on the roads.

Last week, China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the U.S. Department of Energy agreed to collaborate on alternative fuel vehicles, focusing on battery performance, testing and evaluation _ areas bound to dovetail well with BYD's own approach.

[TEG]

That is great news. I hope they are safe and reliable vehicles.

[Bob Smith]

Great news for EV's! Hopefully this car does not take sales from Tesla's sedan if it comes to our shores. It will probably attract a different range buyer I assume.

[DDB]

Lyle over at GM-Volt.com really digs and gets some interesting responses. I had not considered the possibility of BYD purchasing the Saturn brand along with its vast dealer distributorship. Interesting thought and a quick way to get the 60 mile E-Rev over here:

Is BYD Auto Considering Purchasing Saturn? Tell Them What You Think | GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site (http://gm-volt.com/2009/02/24/is-byd-auto-considering-purchasing-saturn-tell-them-what-you-think/)

[pgwoosley]

Fortune Article about Berkshire Hathaway investing in Chinese BYD Chinese plug-in hybrid company.
Why Warren Buffett is investing in electric car company BYD - Apr. 13, 2009 (http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/13/technology/gunther_electric.fortune/index.htm)

[doug]

I merged a few short threads here about BYD.

Also have to repost the best BYD story ever:
Jalopnik - Detroit Auto Show: World Exclusive Surreal, Illegal Test Drive Of Chinese Hybrid Through Cobo Arena - 08 Detroit Auto Show (http://jalopnik.com/344806/detroit-auto-show-world-exclusive-surreal-illegal-test-drive-of-chinese-hybrid-through-cobo-arena)

[DDB]

If BYD has only sold 80 of these things AND it's true that the 60 mile AER is limited to NEV speeds of about 31 mph, I think this vehicle is DOA:

BYD FD3M, World’s First Mass Produced Electric Car, Not Catching on in China | GM-VOLT : Chevy Volt Electric Car Site (http://gm-volt.com/2009/04/13/byd-fd3m-worlds-first-mass-produced-electric-car-not-catching-on-in-china/)


And Doug, I agree, funniest BYD article to date.

[DDB]

Fortune Article about Berkshire Hathaway investing in Chinese BYD Chinese plug-in hybrid company.
Why Warren Buffett is investing in electric car company BYD - Apr. 13, 2009 (http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/13/technology/gunther_electric.fortune/index.htm)


...lot of impressive numbers, but has anyone reliable actually driven the thing for a reliable review?

[domenick]

If BYD has only sold 80 of these things AND it's true that the 60 mile AER is limited to NEV speeds of about 31 mph, I think this vehicle is DOA:


This version of F3DM won't be coming to America. They are using it to work the bugs out and will have something nicer for the US market. They may have only sold 80 but they aren't available to the public yet, only to Government agencies or entities. An Australian show drove one (Dateline, I think) and they thought it was pretty decent. They didn't check the all-electric range though. I think the company is getting some pressure from the government for some reason. I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the original article since there weren't any actual sources named. As for less than 60 miles of range, even if it only got 40 (like the Volt) it would considered a pretty good deal in the low $20's or less.

[vfx]

Shanghai Show and news.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/21/business/global/21auto.html?fta=y

Is the Future of Electric Cars in China? | 4VF News - Daily News Channel (http://www.4vf.net/is-the-future-of-electric-cars-in-china/)

[dpeilow]

REPORT: BYD pushes American EV launch ahead to 2010 — Autoblog Green (http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/report-byd-pushes-american-ev-launch-ahead-to-2010/)

[TEG]

REPORT: BYD pushes American EV launch ahead to 2010 — Autoblog Green (http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/report-byd-pushes-american-ev-launch-ahead-to-2010/)

Hmm. A different model than the sedan that was originally expected.
http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/byd-e6.jpg

[johnr]

Hmm. A different model than the sedan that was originally expected.
Looks like the same one to me. They always were planning on two models: the all-electric E6 crossover, and the range-extended F3DM sedan. It's a good sign that they expect to be ready to enter the US a year earlier. They're probably feeling the competition from some of the big names now too, who are all aiming for 2010-2012.

[domenick]

They also (will) have the F6Dm.

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:PX5ObwS-ohHUvM:http://www.evworld.com/press/byd_f6dm.jpg

[DDB]

Hmm. A different model than the sedan that was originally expected.


Okay, we have a $40,000 price point (approx), range of 186 miles and speed of 99 mph which IMO is not bad considering what is on the market today, set for release in 2010. WHERE ARE THE TEST DRIVES? Warren, these should be all over the place :confused:

I'm still in the "I'll believe it when I see it category."

[doug]

China goes big in green car race | Marketplace From American Public Media (http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/09/01/pm-green-cars/)


China goes big in green car race
http://images.publicradio.org/content/2009/09/01/20090901_byd_china_18.jpg
China is getting serious in the clean-energy car race with big investments in low-emissions vehicles. Scott Tong reports.

[johnr]

The hardest thing for a Chinese car maker to overcome to enter the US market successfully has got to be the safety tests. If they can't get a 5 star rating they're history. Even then they'll have to overcome the old perception that "made in China" = junk... which isn't necessarily true - most everything is made in China nowadays.

Hopefully they don't make any major mistakes on the way in. As much as I'd like to have the US lead in the EV industry, more than anything I'd just like to have EV's take over, and if a Chinese company can lower the price so it's affordable to the mainstream and really catches on, then good for them!

[dpeilow]

Agreed.

We went through this "=junk" phase with Japanese and Korean companies in the past. Nowadays the opposite is true.

One Chinese company has already pulled this off in the networking world. I'm posting this through one of their own branded products right now. I'm sure the Chinese car companies can do the same thing.

[vfx]

YouTube - Warren Buffet Testing BYD E6 Pure-electric Car (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET_xwu_wa7o&feature=related)

@ 1:00 Nice to see an EV Grin
@ 1:40 English interviews start


Note the Related Videos have more BYD to watch

[dpeilow]

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Harrabin's Notes: Electric promise (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8315947.stm)

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46577000/jpg/_46577696_cimg0199.jpg


BYD says that its new E6 electric car due out before the end of the year will do 250 miles (400km) on a single charge.

This is a very big number. The Tesla electric sports car does almost as much, but has little room for anything else in the car but the battery.

The E6 is roomy with space for five passengers and a good-sized boot. The battery tucks under the back seat.

It needs 7-8 hours with a domestic plug to charge the car but BYD - it stands for Build Your Dreams - says a specially developed fast charging point with a lead the diameter of a fire hose will fill up the car in just one hour.

You can get half a charge in only 10 minutes.


The E6 will sell for £30,000 and is aimed initially at the eco-conscious California market. When the price comes down with mass production, it'll be rolled out properly in China.


8 hours on 230V/13A domestic supply = 24kWh. So either the domestic charging or the range of 250 miles claim is a little bit suspect.

[Serge]

8 hours on 230V/13A domestic supply = 24kWh. So either the domestic charging or the range of 250 miles claim is a little bit suspect.
FWIW, BYD Website (http://www.byd.com/showroom.php?car=e6) lists domestic outlet as 10A @ 220V (under Specifications). Range is prominently featured on manufacturer's website, while full recharge time from domestic outlet is not, so I would treat the latter as suspect. Interestingly, the interviewer asks Rebecca Wang to confirm range, but not recharge time.
GCC, which is pretty good with fact-checking, lists (http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/08/byde6-20090822.html) power consumption at 290 Wh/mile (likely city cycle, taking Roadster's low 200's for "gentle" driving cycle as a point of comparison), so usable pack capacity must be at least 290 * 250 = 72.5 kWh. At 90% charging efficiency, domestic outlet recharge time is 72.5 kWh * / .9 * 2.2 kW = 36.6 Hrs.
To get 36 kWh into a pack in 10 min requires 36 kWh / 1/6 hr = 216 kW at 100% efficiency. Not sure of efficiencies at such high rates, but at 90% that's 240 kW. That makes sense, given how thick the charge cable in the video is. Waste heat would equal 24kW / 6 = 8 kWh, so comparable to one nice refrigerator (IIRC, "two nice refrigerators" waste ~14 kWh).

[dpeilow]

BBC NEWS | Business | Nokia recalls 14m phone chargers (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8350570.stm)

Sorta related...

[TEG]

"Filling stations" for electric automobiles installed in Shenzhen - People's Daily Online (http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/90860/6855124.html)

China's largest electric charging stations for electric automobiles were put into service at the Universiade Center in Shenzhen's Longgang District December 28. The first batch of electric charging stations and poles in Shenzhen are composed of 2 charging stations and 134 charging poles with a combined charging capacity of 2,480 kVA. This is another major move for Shenzhen to accelerate its development of new energy automobiles and a low-carbon economy.

In terms of charging time, the BYD E6 electric car for example, needs just 2 hours to be charged under the express charging mode and can run up to 300 kilometers.

[TEG]

BYD raises 2010 sales target because of all-electric E6, gov't stimulus plan — Autoblog Green (http://green.autoblog.com/2009/12/30/byd-raises-2010-sales-target-because-of-all-electric-e6-govt-s/)
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2008/04/byd_e6_1024-(4).jpg

[johnr]

China never ceases to amaze me. When they get started on a project, they'll work hard on it and have it finished before it would have even reached planning commission stage here in the U.S. Their recently completed high speed rail project is just one example - and now it looks like the electric car will be for sale on their home turf even earlier than originally planned this year. But it appears Nissan will beat them to it in the U.S.

[vfx]

This is a series of serious announcements.

BYD e6 EV goes 205 miles between charges, coming to the US in 2010 (http://www.gizmag.com/byd-e6/13864/)
Unlike some other electric vehicle manufacturers, BYD has actually been selling cars to real, live consumers for the past two years. In 2009, BYD sold 450,000 units in China, and expects to sell around 800,000 this year. The big news, however, is that they plan to start selling the e6 in North America in 2010 - a full year ahead of schedule.



http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/lrg/byd-2.jpg
[The] battery...reportedly gives the e6 a range of 205 miles per charge, an estimated acceleration time of 0 to 60mph in under 14 seconds, and a top speed of 87mph... real-world performance, in other words. It can also be recharged from a household outlet, regaining 50 percent of its capacity in just ten minutes.



http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/lrg/byd-3.JPG

BYD now has a US base in California, and the e6 is currently undergoing certification to allow it to be sold in that country. The company is also seeking a third party to help with the development of a network of charging stations. There’s no word yet on price, although operating costs should be about a third of those for a gasoline-powered car.

http://www.gizmag.com/pictures/lrg/byd-6.JPG

[TEG]

...It can also be recharged from a household outlet, regaining 50 percent of its capacity in just ten minutes...

Oh no, not this again!

How many houses have 440V 400A outlets?

[vfx]

Yeah, I selectively read around that one. Sigh....

[johnr]

Shenzhen taxi drivers to drive BYD e6 soon (http://news.alibaba.com/article/detail/business-in-china/100243149-1-shenzhen-taxi-drivers-drive-byd.html)

Chinese car and battery maker BYD Co. has delivered the first batch of 100 electric vehicles e6 to Shenzhen Taxi Company Ltd.

[vfx]

Tesla's faith in America - Video - Business News (http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2010/01/12/n_tesla_musk_autoshow.cnnmoney/)

Elon and the Model S are featured.

Poppy is growing on me. :smile:

[TEG]

Warren Buffett: All Cars Will Be Electric By 2030 (http://earth2tech.com/2009/11/30/warren-buffett-all-cars-will-be-electric-by-2030/)

[vfx]

Office in CA

http://go.emaildirect.com/_p_ga4x2nq3yjfubuqxgaruzkwxudvuzjuxyavuzjtsta4z6ukxya4b2ntfj68xxyaer4lkngafr88wx gs5vjulnndu6s_p_/trouble.htm

[AndrewBissell]

Hyperbole never ceases:


Like California, BYD has been a leader in green; ... introducing the first electric car independent of specialized charging stations in the world, the e6, in 2010 to the city of Shenzhen, China.

I know that Tesla Roadsters recharge "independent of specialized charging stations" - if we assume "introduced" means customer deliveries - since 2008. And that is just one example - I am sure we can reel off example after example right back to the dawn of motoring (hard to imagine all those 1900s EVs needed "charging stations")!

[vfx]

That tripe got me too.

As for history though...

http://www.evnut.com/images/chargers/1912_charging.jpg

[DaveD]

Unfortunately, the marketing/business people so desperately want to use the word "first" in their press releases that they'll use the pathetic "first [insert qualifiers here] electric vehicle in the world" pattern to do it. But, it's also unfortunately true that many people believe this kind of marketing garbage. Is it any wonder that technical people generally hate marketing people? :biggrin:

[tdelta1000]

I don't think we will see these cars here unless Mr. buffet sink more money into the company. What are the numbers on the BYD EVs?

[vfx]

Investor speak

http://www.angelnexus.com/o/web/21690

[qwk]

http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1053395_2012-byd-e6-electric-crossover-to-cost-35000-200-mile-range

[qwk]

BYD R&D ripoff?

http://www.chinacartimes.com/2010/02/11/the-%E2%80%98truth-about-byd-replication-cost-cutting-and-car-production/

[vfx]

Everyone does this. Porsche bought 1.5 a Roadster with great fanfare.

I remember the Lancia Beta was bought by american auto manufacturers in droves. It had a lot of new ideas in drivetrain and suspension design that the US had been grappling with at the time.

From Wiki

...However, in the Beta the engine and gearbox were fitted transversely in line. This Fiat-inspired configuration not only enabled neat engine bay packaging, but also, by tilting the engine 20 degrees rearwards, the Lancia engineers achieved improved weight transfer over the driven wheels and towards the centre of the car, as well as lowering the centre of gravity....
On the front-wheel drive Betas, Lancia designed a particularly original independent rear suspension with MacPherson struts attached to parallel transverse links that pivoted on a centrally mounted cross member bolted to the underside of the floorpan. An anti-roll bar was fitted to the floorpan ahead of the rear struts with both ends of the bar trailing back to bolt to the rear struts on each side. ... Unfortunately the design was never patented by Lancia, and consequently inspired similar rear suspension system layouts in other manufacturers' vehicles during the 1980s and 1990s.

The uncommon part is of the BYD story is this
...
BYD isn’t shy about its business practices...

[domenick]

BYD say their batteries show no range deterioration after a year of taxi service (http://alturl.com/vhmf4). Couple new pics of the bus and e6.

http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/byd-e6-taxi2.jpg

[Doug_G]

Another curious BYD venture...

Electric bus to be assembled in Windsor (http://www.driving.ca/ottawa/Electric+assembled+Windsor/4791140/story.html?cid=megadrop_story)


Buses are often assembled in facilities known as "CKD plants," or Complete Knock Down. They have no robots, little tooling, and may not even have a paint shop. They receive shipments of complete vehicle kits which are assembled using local labour to circumvent import duties.

[TEG]

Chinese car company sets up shop in Glendale - Glendale News Press (http://www.glendalenewspress.com/news/tn-gnp-0315-byd,0,3970865.story)

...BYD hopes to sell as many as 20,000 cars in the U.S. next year, about 4% of what it sold in China last year...
...The company’s all-electric E-6 can go nearly 200 miles without a charge and will sell for about the same price as a Nissan Leaf...
http://www.glendalenewspress.com/media/photo/2011-03/319992880-14181207.jpg

[dpeilow]

cars21.com EVs take off in Chinas local public transport - ELECTRIC CHINA WEEKLY No6 (http://www.cars21.com/content/articles/77220120314.php)

[Kipernicus]

Hertz NYC Rental Fleet May Soon Include Chinese EVs


It appears Hertz will provide Chinese automaker BYD a push in its efforts to enter the U.S. market. The two companies have inked a deal to add the BYD e6 electric car to Hertz’s rental fleet in New York City.

The BYD e6 EV was on display at Hertz’s booth at the 2012 New York auto show, providing NYC residents a glimpse of what will be roaming their streets in the near future. The New York Times reports that the BYD e6 could enter Hertz’s NYC fleet by the end of this year, should it pass all the necessary certification.

“We feel the E6 is clearly ready for the American market,” Hertz senior vice president Rich Broome told the newspaper. “The performance, style, and size are all very good.”

Hertz currently offers the BYD e6 for rent in Shenzhen, China, where the company receives a number of attractive incentives from the government. In the U.S., the e6 should be cheaper than the $58,000 MSRP the car carries in China, where BYD hopes to have 1500 rental cars on the streets by the end of 2012. The e6 has a range of 150-190 miles per charge depending on driving conditions and the 60-kilowatt-hour battery pack will only need 30 minutes to fully recharge when connected to a D.C. fast-charging station.

BYD hopes to offer the e6 to American consumers once it feels the charging network has improved. The company has set up its North American headquarters in downtown L.A and provided a fleet of e6 EVs to the Los Angeles City Housing Authority in 2010.

AutomobileMag (https://rumors.automobilemag.com/hertz-nyc-rental-fleet-may-soon-include-chinese-evs-125777.html)

NY Times (http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/11/with-help-from-hertz-byd-e6-makes-inroads-in-javits-and-shenzhen/?src=recg)

[Kipernicus]

I find it interesting that the BYD has a 60kWh battery but sub 200mile range. What's different about a Model S with 60kWh battery that nets it 230 mile range? Aerodynamics? PEM engineering? speed and testing conditions?

[Robert.Boston]

Complete guess: a combo of superb aerodynamic on the Model S and better battery pampering, which allows safe access to a broader range of the batteries' SOC.

[Larry Chanin]

Hertz collaborates with Chinese carmaker BYD to rent EVs in the US (http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/hertz-collaborates-with-chinese-carmaker-byd-to-rent-evs-in-the-us/)




Chinese cars may be coming to America soon, but only as rentals. Hertz recently allied itself with Chinese automaker BYD (“Build Your Dreams”), renting electric cars in the city of Shenzhen. The American company plans to expand the program to other cities in China and, eventually, the U.S.

The car in question, the E6, is a midsize hatchback. It costs the equivalent of $58,000 in China, although, according to the New York Times (http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/11/with-help-from-hertz-byd-e6-makes-inroads-in-javits-and-shenzhen/?src=recg), it may be cheaper in the United States. It will be ready for sale in the U.S. by the end of the year. “We feel the E6 is clearly ready for the American market,” said Hertz senior vice president Rich Broome, “the performance, style, and size are all very good.” The E6 sports a large, 60 kilowatt-hour battery pack that can go roughly 185 miles between charges, a figure that eclipses the Nissan Leaf’s 80-100-mile range. However, the E6 is a new car from a country that is new to the motor industry, so build quality and reliability are unknown quantities. This car completely lacks anything even resembling style.


Larry

[dpeilow]

# BYD Qin is a ‘dual-mode electric vehicle’ and it has two ways of powering the wheels: pure electric mode (EV ) and hybrid mode (HEV). -- BYDCompany (@BYDCompany)

[rabar10]

BYDCompany (@BYDCompany)
# BYD Qin is a ‘dual-mode electric vehicle’ and it has two ways of powering the wheels: pure electric mode (EV ) and hybrid mode (HEV). --

ABG - BYD Brings Denza EV, Qin Plug-In Hybrid to Beijing (http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/byd-brings-denza-ev-qin-plug-in-hybrid-to-beijing/)

The Qin has an all-electric range of 31 miles and uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that puts out 223 kW of power and 440 Nm (295 pound-feet) of torque. The Qin's 0-62 mile per hour time is 6.9 seconds and top speed is 115 mph. All this with 118 MPGe.

[rabar10]

But back to the EV part:

Daimler-BYD electric-vehicle brand to be called Denza (http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/06/daimler-byd-electric-vehicle-brand-called-denza/)

Daimler and BYD are looking to capitalize on a China EV market expected to surge during the next few years. Green technology firm Pike Research said in a report last year that China will account for more than 550,000 EV sales in 2015, up from about 30,000 in 2010, and the country will overtake Japan as the largest battery-electric vehicle maker in the Asia-Pacific region.

[AnOutsider]

BYD intros dual-mode electric Qin vehicle, Remote Driving key for outside-the-car operation -- Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/24/byd-dual-mode-electric-qin-vehicle-remote-driverless-f3-plus/)


As if that weren't enough, the outfit's showcasing a new Remote Driving Controller for its F3 Plus, which enables owners to perform a variety of driving functions -- moving it forward / back, turning left / right and traveling at a "restricted speed" -- without having the owner inside of the vehicle. Naturally, we're anxiously awaiting a test unit of our own. Or, for a wave of lawsuits -- whichever comes first.

Interesting

[markwj]

As if that weren't enough, the outfit's showcasing a new Remote Driving Controller for its F3 Plus, which enables owners to perform a variety of driving functions -- moving it forward / back, turning left / right and traveling at a "restricted speed" -- without having the owner inside of the vehicle. Naturally, we're anxiously awaiting a test unit of our own. Or, for a wave of lawsuits -- whichever comes first.


"KITT, meet me out back"?

[domenick]

Need to throw a picture up in here so peeps know what we talkin about.

http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/byd-daimler-denza-concept-628.jpg

[rabar10]

Mod note: posts related to protection of EV technology, defining regions of sale, GPS tracking, etc. -went here- (http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/showthread.php/8321-EV-tech-protectionism-market-regions-GPS-etc).

[jinghuiqi]

Improve Your Experience | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ellie.qi#!/events/222352937878921/)

[jinghuiqi]

Changsha, China – May 21 “National, Environment Protection, International – Changsha BYD New Car Off-line Ceremony and Yuhua Environmental Protection Science and Technology Industry Park’s Tenth Anniversary Exhibition” was held in environmental protection science and technology industry park in Changsha City, Hunan Province. Zhou Qiang, Party Committee Secretary of Hunan Province, Xu Shousheng, Governor of Hunan Province, Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD and other related leaders attended the event. Mr. Zhou Qiang announced the new car’s emerging.

The off-line of BYD’s senior car 6B in Changsha declared that BYD Changsha had been formally put into production for passenger vehicles. And Changsha became the 3rd passenger car production base after Shenzhen and Xi’an plant. BYD Changsha plant is located in Yuhua industrial zone (Hunan environmental protection sci-tech industrial park) which enjoys the resource superiority of convenient location, transportation, energy, and labor. At present, main products in BYD Changsha plant are traditional fuel cars including, M6, F0, 6B and pure electric bus series. The installation of the four processes (stamping, welding, painting and assembly) for traditional gasoline cars can be completely finished there. The major products of Changsha plant, the electric bus also had substantial development. It is not only used as the public transportation in China’s major cities, but also in Europe, North America, South America, Australia, Singapore and so on. According to the BYD’s plan, the capacity of Changsha BYD in 2012 will reach to 50000 sets of passenger cars and 1500 sets of pure electric bus.

6232

As a new model, BYD’s 6B assembles the ideas of technology, quality and responsibility. Meanwhile, with the advanced technologies following the strictest standards, the product’s technology and quality have been improved drastically. 6B has a fashion, sporty appearance and is equipped with a 1.5 TI turbocharged engine and DCT double automatic clutch transmission.

Another particular focus is the new configuration “i” including network platform “i” and “i” robot. BYD “i” system has advanced design concept as “i security”, “i efficiency”, “i enjoy”, “i link”. BYD “i security” can direct accident rescue, provide instant vehicle information and provide diagnostic reports regularly, etc. “i efficiency” improves your driving efficiency by networking the “Car Cloud”. It includes two functions: Cloud key and Cloud control. Car owners can use their smartphone to remote unlock and lock, turn on the air conditioner, or even locate the car. “i” also comes the concept of “i enjoy” and “i link”, which expand the vehicle’s entertainment function and information platform. It can provide 24 hours all round information service and has many functions such as “i” Chatting. Also you can use the embedded terminal equipment to download or upgrade applications and music in the BYD application store to improve your driving experience.

6233
The robot “i” can exchange the information with the user by different expressions, actions and languages. In addition, it can 360° scan the inside and outside of the car, making driving smoother and safer.
Based on the core competence, as well as the supercharged engine, intelligent configuration and raising quality, 6B is highly expected to bring great performance in the market.

About BYD
BYD is ranked #1 at the top of Bloomberg’s and Business Week’s 2009 Tech 100 List (BYD Tops Bloomberg Businessweek’s 12th Annual Tech 100 List | Business Wire (http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100520006751/en/BYD-Tops-Bloomberg-Businessweek’s-12th-Annual-Tech) ) and is the leading manufacturer of advanced, environmentally-friendly battery technologies like the BYD’s Iron Phosphate battery used in BYD electric vehicles and electric buses. BYD’s solar panels and LED Lighting systems have CEC, TUV/CE and UL listings, and the company enjoys rapid growth in consumer electronics space and electrified transportation sector manufacturing under its BYD brand. BYD is the fastest-growing Chinese automotive and green energy technology enterprise. The Company trades on the Hong Kong Exchange (HKE) under the ticker numbers (HK.0285 – BYD Electronics) and (HK.1211 – BYD Company Ltd.), as well as on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange under the ticker number (002594 – BYD Company Ltd.). For more information, visit BYD Auto, Home (http://www.byd.com) , Improve Your Experience | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bydcompany) or email pr@byd.com .

[doug]

Looks like we kinda got spammed by BYD. But I suppose it's relevant here.

I merged the new threads and deleted the duplicate posts.

[stopcrazypp]

Looks like we kinda got spammed by BYD. But I suppose it's relevant here.

I merged the new threads and deleted the duplicate posts.

I remember they did the same thing when they were planning to launch the e6.

[SByer]

I find spam like that amusing, as it certainly illustrates how corporations completely mis-understand the impression such things give, and waaaay underestimate the value of genuine.

Though, really, I find the idea that someone thought the 'i' robot was a good idea just completely LMFAO - wiggle, wiggle. Design #fail, unclear-on-the-concept, etc.

[Doug_G]

6233

The robot “i” can exchange the information with the user by different expressions, actions and languages. In addition, it can 360° scan the inside and outside of the car, making driving smoother and safer.

Apparently Microsoft has sold them Bob technology...

[JRP3]

Oh crap: Car maker BYD shares fall after fatal taxi crash - MarketWatch (http://www.marketwatch.com/story/car-maker-byd-shares-fall-after-fatal-taxi-crash-2012-05-28) This is bad.

[rabar10]

Another article:

Drunk driver in GT-R Causes Fatal Accident in China - EV Taxi Catches Fire (http://www.autoevolution.com/news/drunk-driver-in-gt-r-causes-fatal-accident-in-china-ev-taxi-catches-fire-45436.html)


The accident took place at exactly 3:08 AM local time, and witnesses report the Nissan was going extremely quickly, at around 200km/h (125mph), when the driver lost control and slammed into the electric BYD E6, then into the other (red and petrol powered) taxi. The EV immediately caught fire, and all three people on board were killed, with one other person in the red taxi also getting injured, though not seriously.

[stopcrazypp]

Another article:

Drunk driver in GT-R Causes Fatal Accident in China - EV Taxi Catches Fire (http://www.autoevolution.com/news/drunk-driver-in-gt-r-causes-fatal-accident-in-china-ev-taxi-catches-fire-45436.html)

If the crash was really at highway speeds (GTR at ~200km/h, Taxi probably ~120km/h) and it slammed in the EV Taxi first, there would be no guarantee they would have survived the crash in the first place. As for the fire, it wouldn't even be news if that happened to a gas car.

[JRP3]

Right, but it is going to be news since it's an EV, and since BYD has touted it's cells as safe it raises some questions. I'm sure certain people are going to run wild with this.

[doug]

http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=6233&d=1337828124


Though, really, I find the idea that someone thought the 'i' robot was a good idea just completely LMFAO - wiggle, wiggle. Design #fail, unclear-on-the-concept, etc.

Apparently Microsoft has sold them Bob technology...

Stolen from the old Nissan Pivo concept.

http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/Pivo2.jpg

It doesn't show up in the later versions.

[tdelta1000]

Is Mr. Buffet still an investor of BYD??

[JRP3]

Reuters is reporting his involvement http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/28/byd-accident-idUSL4E8GS18320120528

[VolkerP]

Well the interesting fact is that within Chinese media a safety discussion was sparked. That is great news in itself! Consumers call for their stakes to be taken into respect. In the past, such problems were swiped under the carpet by governmental order. And sure will be in some future events - but times are changing.

[VolkerP]

German utility giant RWE to end cooperation with BYD, according to a cooperate speaker on Monday, June 11th. As a reason was cited that the BYD car failed to register with European Authorities in 2011 and the cooperation was not followed on thereafter. RWE wants to continue its push into electric mobility with other partners (namely Renault/Nissan) and is expanding its EV charging infrastructure network of currently 1700 charge points in Europe, and its EVSE business. The article speculates that the latest crash of a BYD e6 taxi, killing three occupants, was involved in the decision.

Full article in German here. heise online | Elektroautos: RWE beendet Kooperation mit chinesischer BYD (http://heise.de/-1615355)