BYD at North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), Detroit, MI – Henry Li, General Manager for Auto Exports for BYD sat down with me at the 2009 Detroit auto show.
Warren Buffett’s MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. has invested about $235 million purchasing roughly 10% of BYD. Buffet is the second-largest investor, behind the entrepreneur of BYD, a man named Wang Chuan-Fu. Wang Chuan-Fu, a chemist and government researcher, started BYD in 1995 in Shenzhen, China.
The new all-electric BYD e6 was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. BYD plans to launch the e6 in the United States in 2010.
Build Your Dream (BYD) is known for its batteries. BYD calls its lithium-ion ferrous phosphate battery the Fe battery. The Fe battery will power the e6 with an expected range per charge cycle of 330 km (205 miles ) in cruising mode, an estimated acceleration time from 0-100km/h (0-60mph ) in less than 14 seconds and with a projected top speed of 140km/h(87mph).
So, where are they today? Listen as Li talks about where they are today and when they will come to the United States.
|
e6 Specifications | |
|
Length |
4554mm (179.3in ) |
|
Width |
1822mm (71.7in ) |
|
Height |
1630mm (64.2in ) |
|
Wheelbase |
2830mm (111.4in ) |
|
Track |
1556mm/1558mm (61in/61in ) |
|
Curb weight |
2295kg (5060lbs) |
|
Capacity |
5 seats |
|
Gradeability | 30% |
|
Maximum speed |
140km/h (87mph ) |
|
0-60mph |
Less than 14 seconds |
|
Front motor power/torque |
75kw/450Nm (101hp/332lb-ft) |
|
Rear motor power/torque |
N/A |
|
Combined power/torque |
N/A |
|
Type |
Permanent-magnet type synchronous motor |
|
Power management system |
Intelligent central management system |
|
Power outlet |
DC380/100A |
|
Range(Cruising mode) |
330km (205 miles ) |
