China Beats The Big 3
China’s first mass-produced hybrid car goes on sale
China’s first mass-produced hybrid electric car hits the market on Monday, in a move aimed at driving the nation to the cutting edge of the world’s green auto industry.
The car is made by BYD Auto, a Chinese company backed by American Warren Buffett, who owns 9.9 percent of the firm.
The F3DM is also the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid car, meaning owners can charge it from home for the first time, as well as in specialized electric car charging stations.
The Household Charge Port and Quick Charge Port are seen on a F3DM electric vehicle. BYD F3DM, China’s first mass-produced electric vehicle by BYD Auto, is a gasoline-electric hybrid plug-in vehicle, using a small gasoline combustion engine to charge the car’s battery. When fully charged, it can run as far as 100 to 110 kilometers by electricity. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)
The car’s acceleration is impressive, going from zero to 60 in 10.5 seconds. The car’s top speed is about 100 mph, and it is capable of running for 60 miles before the batteries need recharging, which occurs automatically when the gas engine kicks in.
If you thought Wal-Mart impacted our market, wait till this car shows up. The United States is currently examining the F3DM to see if it meets the necessary standards for its domestic market.
Exports to the United States could begin in 2010, according to the report. Pricing is around $22,000.
Looks a lot better than a Prius, blows away the Smart Car, and has everything you’d want in a luxury sedan, for the price of a Honda Civic… think the Big 3 could possibly match this?
December 20th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Wow I bet they will demolish Yugo and Lada sales overnight!
December 21st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
For $22K this car will sell well.
January 19th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Anyone remember all the guffaws when Hyundai first brought the Excel to the USA? Folks said, “oh, wow, this is Korean junk”…… Well, look at their current luxury line, or the new crossover/small suv. They are taking no prisoners now, with growing market share in the U.S. in all segments. I am betting, given BYD’s state of product development, their labor costs and favorable regulatory environment in manufacture, and their leading position in the battery technologies, they should be a sure bet to rapidly advance in the US.