After Gutenberg

4 Comments

1. jcwinnie
   Posted 2008-1-14 at 9:17 pm | Permalink

   True to their word, BYD Auto, a subsidiary of China-based BYD Group, introduced its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology at the North American International Auto Show, according to a report from Green Car Congress.

   The F6DM (Dual Mode, for EV and HEV), a variant of the front-wheel drive F6 sedan that BYD introduced into the China market earlier this year, actually offers three modes of operation: full battery-powered EV mode driving its 75 kW, 400 Nm motor; series-hybrid mode, in which a 50 kW, 1.0-liter engine drives a generator as a range-extender; and parallel hybrid mode, in which the engine and motor both provide propulsive power.

   
   The Dual Mode technology that BYD rolled out at NAIAS is similar to systems offered in North America and Europe.

   The FD6M starts out in EV mode. At medium speed it will shift to range-extending series hybrid mode, and at high speed it will shift to full parallel mode. In addition to the 100 km of EV range, the HEV modes add another 330 km of range, for a total vehicle range of 430 km (267 miles).

   The F6DM uses a 20 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, based on BYD’s own production cells (which the company calls its Fe cells). The pack, which runs down the center console, has a lifetime of 2,000 cycles. A 100% recharge with household 220 VAC takes approximately 9 hours. BYD says that the pack can achieve a 50% recharge in 10 minutes.

   The 1,800kg vehicle has a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). It is Euro 4 compliant, according to BYD, and emits 70 g CO2/km.

   Although BYD initially used Mitsubishi engines, it now makes its own. BYD also designed the motors, control systems and software for the DM technology.

   BYD plans to begin selling the F6DM in China this fall, at approximately a $6,000 premium to the non-hybrid F6. The plug-in hybrid technology represented in the FD6M is relatively low-cost, according to BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu, and could be applied to any of the BYD line (F3, F3R, F8) for the same $6,000 cost increment.

   Chairman Wang said that he hoped to have DM technology on sale in the North American market in three to five years.

   BYD is relatively young, being founded in 1995. The provider of IT components and batteries now has some 100,000 employees. In 2003, BYD Group acquired the Tsinchuan Automobile Company, which became the basis for BYD Auto.

   BYD currently has two automotive assembly manufacturing plants in Xi’an and in Shenzhen, and R&D and testing center in Shanghai, and a mould plant in Beijing. The company currently has production capacity of 300,000 units per year.

2. jcwinnie
   Posted 2008-1-15 at 6:50 pm | Permalink

   In response to a GCC story about Chery and SAIC buying batteries from Johnson Controls – SAFT, GCC commentator Henrik, says it is as one might expect.

   Chinese BYD will not jump to supply any competitors to their auto business with their $300 per kWh nanotech lithium packs. They will likely use their price advantage in batteries to increase their automotive sales faster than their Chinese competitors.

   For sure Saft is not charging $300 per kWh it is more likely to be $1000 per kWh or $1500.

   To which, GCC commentator DC responded, “Whoa Henrik, BYD is at $300/kWh? Nice!”

3. jcwinnie
   Posted 2008-3-6 at 10:02 am | Permalink

   At Geneva Motor Show, reports Mike Millikin, BYD unveiled a second plug-in hybrid model, the F3DM, and announced plans to begin sales in Europe in 2-3 years.

   

   Wang Chaunfu, BYD’s Chairman, said that the company planned to introduce a dual-mode sedan in Europe as early as in 2010.

   “Battery technology is our core competency, and we think we are well-placed against GM and Toyota,” he said, adding that BYD’s dual-mode car could be driven 110 km on electricity before recharging.

   The F6DM shown in Detroit uses a 20 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, based on BYD’s own production cells (which the company calls its Fe cells). The pack, which runs down the center console, has a lifetime of 2,000 cycles. A 100% recharge with household 220 VAC takes approximately 9 hours. BYD says that the pack can achieve a 50% recharge in 10 minutes.

4. jcwinnie
   Posted 2008-8-23 at 5:19 pm | Permalink

   Canadian Treehugger Michael Graham Richard informs that BYD plans to sell their Chinese-made electric cars and plug-in hybrids in Israel.
   

   BYD is one company we’ve been keeping an eye on for a while. So far we know about two plug-in hybrid sedans, the BYD F6DM and the smaller Corolla look-alike F3DM, and one electric car, the BYD E6.

   We already know that the company wants to sell some of its vehicles in Europe by 2010, but now we learn that Israel is going to get a sneak preview: “BYD plans to sell BYD E6 Electric and Plug-in Hybrid F6DM in Israel, a country that strongly supports environmental technologies,” a BYD executive in charge of the company’s export operations said.

   BYD F6DM Technical Specifications

   What we know so far about the F6DM plug-in hybrid:

   “Top speed should be 100 mph (160 kph), with a range of 62 miles (100 km) in all-electric mode and 267 miles (430 km) total after the gas engine kicks in. A fully electric version called the F6E is planned for 2009. [...] the lithium iron phosphate battery is said to be safer, less expensive, without heavy metals, completely recyclable and should be rechargeable to 70% in 10-minute at special charging stations. It can also be recharged more slowly with a home charging station, of course.”

   BYD E6 Technical Specifications

   What we know so far about the BYD E6 electric car:

   “A 5 seater with an acceleration of 0 to 100 kph of around 10 seconds. Top speed should be top speed of 160 kph (100 mph), and the battery pack, which is located under the rear passenger seats, will be based on BYD’s own lithium-ion iron phosphate technology. Range per charge is expected to be 300 km (186 miles).

   But most impressive of all:

   “BYD projected the battery had a life of 2,000 cycles, for a lifetime range of about 600,000 km (373,000 miles)”

   Charging of the battery will take the night with 220V, but the E6 electric car can also take a fast charge that can bring the battery to 80% SOC in about 15 minutes.”