NAIAS: China Carmaker BYD on the Main Floor with a Hybrid

By Jim Brennan

UDMan

You know things in Detroit are depressing when a small Chinese car builder is taking up premium space on the main floor. BYD is showing off their gas electric hybrid called the F3DM. This car will have the ability to plug in to a standard 110V household current, or it can do a “quick charge” at a charging station. This is more of an electric vehicle than the Prius or Insight hybrids, as it can run about 50 miles on just electric power before the gasoline engine is needed.

The car itself looks like a 10 year old Corolla, with the interior that looks similarly outdated. Each of the three vehicles are dressed in the same light blue hue that seems to be in favor with other eastern car companies. Look for this car to be introduced during the first half of 2011 at a price that will undercut the Chevrolet Volt by almost $20,000. Will this be China’s entry into the North American Market? With BYD being the worlds leader of Lithium Ion batteries, I wouldn’t bet against them.