Specs on BYD E6
Range - up to 330 kms
Acceleration – 0 to 100kph 14 secs
Top Speed – 140 kph
(regulated)
Seats – 5 adults
Pure Electric
Charge Time – 1 hours
QuickCharge – 10 mins
(50% capacity)
75kW – 160kW electric motor
Drivetrain – all wheel drive
Price
Around USD $40,000
In Brief
BYD (Build Your Dream) is a Chinese company that has grown from a rechargeable battery company of 20 employees in 1995 to over 130,000 employees in 2009.
BYD Auto produces a range of vehicles including the all electric E6 due for release 2010. The E6 uses lithium iron phosphate batteries. BYD currently exports cars to South America, Africa and the Middle East but plans, according to its Group President Wang Chuanfu, to become the number one manufacturer in China by 2015 and globally by 2025!
This is some goal for a company that sold its first car in 2003 but BYD has attracted the attention of the likes of Warren Buffett, American trading guru whose company Berkshire Hathaway bought 10% of the company. This investment may have more to do with energy storage systems rather than simply EVs however.
The E6 specs are impressive and with a range of 400kms it offers a very competitive alternative to petrol driven vehicles. It also has a quick charge time to 50% capacity of a mere 10 minutes. At a reputed price in the low $20,000 range the E6 will be a hard act to follow in the EV market. The batteries, lithium ion ferrous phosphate, are 100% recyclable.
There are still questions about the finish and technology of BYD’s vehicles but the BYD story is so impressive and the leadership of its Group President so inspiring it must be taken seriously.
