BYD bids to redefine battery-electric performance

The new Ferrous battery technology is similar to current Lithium Ion technology, but is designed for more heavy-duty use. In addition to usable range, the batteries can be recharged to 50% of capacity in just 10 minutes.

The Ferrous technology is more easily recyclable than other battery types. It is also very durable - BYD estimates the battery packs are good for up to 2,000 charge cycles - or potentially 10 years of use.

BYD displayed a concept electric five-seater MPV, the E6, which is powered by the Ferrous batteries. BYD is also using the technology in its two plug-in hybrid models, the F3DM and F6DM, both of which were also on display. The F3DM went on sale in China in December, making it the first mass-produced plug-in hybrid vehicle in the world.

BYD chairman Wang Chaufu said a US launch was being prepared. "We will start to develop sales and distribution networks in North America. Our goal is to introduce BYD electric vehicles in the US in 2011 and set up our manufacturing facilities in the US when it is appropriate."

Chinese companies have made bold pronouncements about US launches before, but the auto industry is taking BYD seriously because of the presence of leading American investor Warren Buffett as a shareholder in the company.

Buffett's MidAmerican Energy Holdings company has invested $230 million in BYD, and MidAmerican chairman David Sokol has a seat on the BYD board. Sokol was at the press conference - he said his company's interest in BYD's technology extended beyond automotive uses.

"BYD has technologies that are effective in changing the carbon world," said Sokol. "They have impressed us." He said the high-capacity, fast charging Ferrous batteries could have any usesin power generation, for example as storage devices for electricity generated through solar or wind power.

Battery technology is BYD's core business - it supplies a large portion of the world's mobile phone and laptop batteries. The company diversified into the car business in 2003. BYD is expected to debut the ferrous technology in Europe at the Geneva Show in March.

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Credits: JRC