Chinese manufacturer BYD shows e6 electric car 2009detroit
BYD e6. Click image to enlarge

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Detroit, Michigan – Chinese automaker BYD unveiled its e6 electric car today at the 2009 Detroit auto show. The five-passenger e6 will be marketed as a family-oriented crossover vehicle.

The pure-electric e6 features BYD’s revolutionary battery technology — called the Fe battery. The range per charge is expected to be a remarkable 249mi (400km). Performance is surprisingly brisk, with 0-60 mph (0-96km/h) acceleration in less than 8 seconds and a projected top speed of 100 mph (161 km/h).

What sets the e6 apart from other pure electric vehicles is its size and performance. With current battery capacity limited, most other manufacturers have elected to focus on small, lightweight EVs that stress efficiency over performance and range.

While the range of many electric vehicles is restricted by their battery capacity, making it inconvenient to travel long distances, the BYD e6, with its high-efficiency Fe battery, can go up to 249 miles (400 km) on a single charge, claims the company. That makes the e6 suitable for daily commutes, around-town chores and even long journeys. The Fe battery pack in the e6 can be quick-charged to 50 per cent of its capacity in 10 minutes, and 100 per cent of its capacity in 60 minutes.

BYD also showed its F3DM and F6DM hybrid electric sedans, plus the more conventional F6 CVT sedan and F0 subcompact hatchback.

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