Beijing '08 Preview: BYD e6 electrifies family hauling
by Alex Nunez on Apr 17th 2008 at 12:58PM 
When Auto China (a.k.a. the Beijing Motor Show) opens next week, BYD will pull the wraps off its e6, an EV crossover/MPV with a front end similar in appearance to the JDM Honda Odyssey. Unlike Honda's people-mover, the e6 runs exclusively on batteries. Its operating range is stated as being 300 km (186 miles) on a full charge. Said batteries, we're assuming they're lithium-ion (the translation from Autoblog Chinese is a little dodgy), can be charged via a 220V outlet. If a quick-charger is used (details of which are not yet available), 15 minutes gets the driver an 80% charge. A completely respectable zero-to-100 km/h (62 mpg) time of ten seconds is achievable, along with a maximum speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). The e6 battery pack lives under the rear seats, where BYD says provides they're well-protected in the event of a crash. BYD says that the e6 could go into production within two years. We'll look for more updates when the show gets underway.
[Sources: AutoblogGreen via Autoblog Chinese, Autoblog Spanish]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Doug Danzeisen 1:06PM (4/17/2008)
A Game Change or totally unrealistic "Concept?"
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John Johnson 1:05PM (4/17/2008)
The technology sounds great. But it'll probably crinkle like a soda can in an accident.
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mk 2:05PM (4/17/2008)
I am sure that is good for a pile of lithium based batteries.
Not that chinese lithium batteries have ever burst into flames just by merely being exposed to an oxygenated atmosphere, or anything. No external ignition source is required.
And we all know that quick chargers are always safe, and never cause high capacitance cells to short circuit and explode, or anything, either.
Sorry, not buying it. The thing is, we'll likely never hear about it if it isn't safe, thanks to the Chinese State Media.
Thanks, I'll stick to "safe" gasoline.
Mirko Reinhardt 2:29PM (4/17/2008)
Most cellphone batteries are made in China, and BYD is the market leader. If you have a Nokia or Motorola phone, the battery in it is most certainly made by BYD.
Red 1:22PM (4/17/2008)
"MPV with a front end similar in appearance to the JDM Honda Odyssey."
Similar? Holy sh*t they pulled the headlights right off the dayum thing. Not to mention the entire shape. Wow.
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Cameron 2:03PM (4/17/2008)
+1
I hope there are riots in the street when China starts selling cars in the USA.
jgp 1:22PM (4/17/2008)
Hey it's the Impreza grill!
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Anti-believer 2:09PM (4/17/2008)
This is a copy of the Honda Airwave.
Look it up.
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Tragedy 6:49PM (4/17/2008)
More like the Honda Partner.
Lupo 5:13PM (4/17/2008)
my goodness, it's nearly identical, they just added a plastic grill
no no 9:14PM (4/17/2008)
how does this look like a Honda Airwave or Partner ?
David Wright 6:19PM (4/17/2008)
America seems always ready to mock. And is going to be seriously shocked when shiploads of Chinese cars begin offloading at US ports two years from now.
Unfortunately the US reaction is likely to be to scream for protection.
Come on America, embrace battery power instead of sneering at it. It's coming. Be proactive in establishing joint ventures - or get left behind.
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Jorgos 2:17PM (9/27/2008)
Please note that the lithium batteries in this car use a new, different chemistry (known as ferrous, or phosphate lithium) which is not prone to thermal runaway. This is far superior to the current crop of computer and cellphone batteries.
The Chevy Volt will use the newer lithium technology as well. BYD is actually one of the manufacturers of this type of battery. Ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_iron_phosphate_battery
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