Chinese automaker BYD, which stands for 'Build Your Dreams', has just presented what they claim as the world's first mass-produced plug-in
hybrid electric vehicle .Sales actually began last month in China, and the company is planning to offer the car in North America in 2011.
Powered by a 102-hp electric motor, the F3DM can travel up to 100 km on battery power. After that, a 1.0-litre gasoline engine kicks in to replenish the battery pack. The car can be plugged into a normal 110-volt home socket and be fully recharged in 9 hours, according to BYD. Battery life is estimated at about 2,000 cycles.BYD is selling its F3DM PHEV compact sedan for about $21,700 US, which is roughly half the price the
Chevrolet Volt is expected to cost when it appears next year.In addition, the company will also offer the e6, a battery-powered mid-size crossover with space for 5 passengers and a range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge.
BYD Auto has been producing cars for only five years.
photo: Matthieu Lambert