BYD (Build Your Dreams) is fast turning into the Chinese electric car specialists. The latest battery powered model, the smart-looking E6 crossover, was launched at today's Shanghai show.
The Focus-sized car is powered by BYD-developed batteries and has a 200 mile range in urban conditions, while it will run to 300 miles at a constant 30mph. The company claims this is the world’s best figure.
With a 0-60 sprint time of less than eight seconds it should offer pretty sprightly performance too.
BYD insiders revealed to Autocar that the E6 was part of the company's ambitious plans to be a 'total provider of power' in China, meaning that it wants to control electricity generation, battery manufacture and the vehicles to use them.
By next year the company claims that the bulk of its cars will be either hybrid or fully electric, with many of them eventually being sold in Europe.
BYD S8
BYD also launched the new S8 coupe-cabrio at Shanghai. Its looks owe a lot to the Mercedes SL but it's best to think of it as a Chinese alternative to the Focus or 308 CC.
It's a full four-seater powered by a 2.0-litre 103kw engine, going through a Mitsubishi five-speed manual 'box. Like most European CCs it has a fully automated electric folding metal roof.
Chas Hallett
Shanghai motor show
Audi Q7: chunkier - and greener, Bertone's Corvette ZR1 concept, New V12 for BMW 760Li, BMW X5 M shown in China, Brilliance goes electric, Buick eyeing Chinese market, BYD's E6 battery crossover, Chang'an E301 concept, Chinese to eclipse US car sales, Geely's new model blitz, Geely's Rolls-Royce clone, Great Wall's striking new 4x4, Official photo: New Jaguar XJ, MG6 to go on sale in the UK, Peugeot's three-wheel concept, Porsche Panamera, Roewe N1 will be sold in Europe, New small Rolls is called 'Ghost', Chinese VW Passat launched
Add your comment