5 Things You Should Know about the FD3M, China's First Mass-Produced Electric Plug-in Car

The battery pack lifespan

Toyota increased the Prius Nicad battery lifespan by limiting its electric only mode range (its computer restricts the amount of current discharge) - most PHEV conversions extend the electric only range (usually to a max of 40 to 80 miles) by adding another battery pack which is allowed to fully drain before recharging. These add-on PHEV conversion battery packs will have a shorter actual lifespan than the Prius main battery ( 6 to 8 years for the PHEV addon battery pack vs. 14 to 18 years for main Nicad battery) before they need to be replaced. An easy way to tell what the engineers have done is to check the lifespan of the battery pack warranty. To avoid ever having to payout on the warranted the estimated lifespan of the battery should be about double the length of the battery warranty period. The F3DM uses one main LiFePO4 battery chemical configuration battery pack which from what I understand is about 25% bigger than the Chevy Volt. The F3DM battery chemistry has a long life, a high energy density, and it resists overheating. Reportedly the battery is able to drive the car about 128-109km on electricity until the ICE kicks in to recharge the batteries and keep the electric motors running.

Walter Lee of MD @ Dec 25, 2008 15:11:48 PM

Any EV may be a sensible choice

In 2009 the gas prize may tripple again.

Consumers have a choice byy a chinese EV, or have them build in the inused factoeries of Ford, GM and Chrysler.

Then US workers can improve the chinese designs to US standards.

Laifd off workers can even start a business converting these BYD type to US standards, today

Henk Daalder Dutch EV @ Dec 25, 2008 14:10:35 PM

this comment is weird, I know, but I'm serious

3-ton vehicle? .... => Commercial driver's license.

commonsenseisrare of @ Dec 24, 2008 10:20:20 AM

fd3m

Good enough for Buffett, Good enough for me.

Terry Landgraf of IN @ Dec 24, 2008 08:16:58 AM

looking for data on F3DM

I will be interested in seeing how these units perform. I REALLY want to know how these things hold up to collisions. Not much sense in meeting a 3 ton SUV and leaving a widow - just to save a few bucks in fuel. Being "recycled" before my time is not MY idea of saving a planet.

jeff of NM @ Dec 21, 2008 11:37:36 AM

The Chinese F3DM plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle made by BYD

Look out, America! If the F3DM arrives on our shores before 2010, and sells for the estimated price of $21,000, then the Chevy Volt and a lots of other future highway capable electric vehicles and future plug in hybrid electric vehicles will be in for an extremely competitive opponent.

I hope the threat of this competition acts as a lightning rod to get American manufacturers moving. No more foot dragging, please!

Jim Calvert of OH @ Dec 21, 2008 00:06:12 AM

BYD Coming To America

These cars have been engineered to beat or surpass American crash standards because they have been planning on marketing them in America right from the beginning.

They have passed the crash tests with flying colors and these weren't little pussy crash tests either done by the insurance institute. These cars maintained a sound body integrity better than most American cars.

If Americans give the Chinese factories plans for crappy products the factories will make crappy products for them . If the American plans call for a high quality product then the factories will make the quality product that was ordered.

The Chinese know the difference between poor and excellent quality and it is BYD's intention to only build the highest quality product possible,

Keith of CO @ Dec 20, 2008 07:04:53 AM

US autmaker monopolies ...

will do all in heir might and budget to destroy the success of BYD launch in America.

And then they want $30 billion of taxpayer's money to destroy a competitor who would benefit the average consumer who will save loads of money with their low-cost cars.

Watch for lefties and illiberal Democrat socialists with their union parasites and freeloaders to cry foul and prhibit BYD from selling to Americans. They will call it "unsafe".

The people will then have to suffer with the crappy detroit and expensive Japanese cars.

Mohsen of MA @ Dec 20, 2008 02:12:19 AM