Detroit 2009: BYD e6 is world's first production dual-mode plug-in hybrid crossover

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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, China, Green, Crossovers/CUVs

Click above for high-res gallery of the BYD e6 crossover

The "BYD" in BYD Autos stands for Build Your Dreams, and this Chinese company is dreaming big huge. BYD is bent on becoming the world's largest automaker, and in order to achieve that goal, it's launched a series of ambitious projects that it hopes will reach the streets before larger, well-established carmakers. At the Detroit Auto Show, BYD stepped onto center stage with plenty of interesting product, including the world's first dual-mode plug-in hybrid. The F3DM was released in BYD's home market earlier this month, and in Detroit it debuted the world's first production plug-in hybrid crossover, the e6. Both vehicles could bit the American and European markets by 2011, but for the time being, they're only available in China.

As we told you last month, all of these impressive developments have been made possible with the help of a $230 million investment from Warren Buffet. Much like the upcoming Chevy Volt, the BYD F3DM and F6DM sedans and the e6 vaniet rely on an electric motor and an on-board battery pack to provide motive force for the first 60 miles, after which a normal gasoline-powered engine kicks in to keep the party going. The e6 features BYD's "Fe" battery which receive a 50% recharged in a claimed ten minutes. Granted, the remaining 50% requires another hour or so, but half a charge is good for about 125 miles, which should ease customers' range anxiety. The e6 has a simple but pleasant shape and adequate room inside, so if the price is right, it could attract a broad demographic of buyers -- and that's what BYD is counting on. Check the e6's press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BYD E6

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

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Detroit 2009: BYD e6 is world's first production dual-mode plug-in hybrid crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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