BYD Launches F3DM Plug-in Hybrid

15 December, 2008 07:36:00

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BYD Auto has launched F3DM world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid electric car two years ahead of the competition.

The car is expected to retail for 149,800 yuan ($21,900) in China and will make its way to the U.S. in 2010 and will show the car at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show next month.

The F3DM (DM for dual mode) model is equipped with the world's first dual hybrid power system, for the driver to switch between EV (Electric Vehicle) and HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) modes.

Drivers alternate between the two power modes by flipping a switch: the electric mode is optimal for city driving, as gas engines are more wasteful under constant acceleration and deceleration, and the gas-electric mode is more appropriate for travel on highways and outside of cities.

BYD’s dual-mode powertrain was shown on the F6DM plug-in hybrid concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.

The F3DM is capable of traveling 100km (62 miles) on electric power provided by the battery to meet daily driving needs with combined total mileage of 300km (186.4 miles).

The F3DM powertrain combines 50 kW 3-cylinder, 1.0-liter aluminum engine with 330V, 40 Ah Li-ion pack, and has a combined maximum output of 125 kW.

Top speed is over 150km/h (93.2 mph) and it takes less than 13.5s to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (62mph).

The battery takes up to seven hours to charge with a regular plug, and up to 15 minutes to be 80.0% charged at a special recharging station. BYD says that the battery pack can be recharged about 2,000 times, sufficient for seven to 10 years of operation.

BYD Auto is planning to sell at least 10,000 units of F3DMs in 2009. The automaker plans to begin production of all-electric vehicles in 2009.

The company has also plans to sell cheap hybrids and electric vehicles in the U.S., Israel and Europe by 2010.

In September, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, announced that it would spend $230 million to buy a 10 percent stake in BYD.