In our last newsletter we referred to the Chinese car maker BYD in relation to the story about plug in hybrid cars. The concepts mentioned may have sounded far fetched; for example that BYD has a goal to be the world’s largest car maker; that plug in hybrids (PHEV) could solve the electricity grid management issues when using renewable energy sources. It may not be so far off as one might think! Numerous news outlets report (Jan 2010) that BYD plans to start selling its cars in Australia.
In January last year, BYD unveiled the F3DM hybrid, powered by a 1.0 litre petrol engine and an electric motor. With a combined output of 124kW and 400Nm of torque, BYD claims the F3DM can achieve a driving range of around 580km.
BYD is in early discussion with potential importers, but that the lack of right-hand-drive models in the company’s line-up will delay its aspirations in the Australian market until around 2012 or 2013
Dec 2009
