BYD Auto Considering California for Factory to Build e6 Plug-in Electric Crossover
By Scott Doggett March 10, 2010
China's BYD Auto is considering establishing an assembly plant and North American sales headquarters in California.
The state is seen as a good base for the company in the U.S. following the planned commencement of sales of its e6 all-electric crossover model (pictured) in the U.S. market from early 2011.
BYD executives told reporters at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show last week that it is thinking ahead to overseas assembly facilities in regions where it will be selling cars - including Europe and North America.
The company, which was founded in 2003, also used the Geneva show to announce plans to work with Daimler on a new electric model to be sold in China. And just this week BYD announced its intention to sell EVs in Israel next year.
Analysts say that California has been hard-hit by the recession and the planned closure of NUMMI - the state's last remaining car plant - may mean that local authorities are especially keen to woo BYD. California is also likely to be a sales hot spot for the firm's electric cars.
Some reports suggest that officials from the Los Angeles area have already met with BYD officials, but other potential locations in the state remain very much in the mix.
According to BYD's Website, the zero-emissions e6: can receive a quick charge (presumably from a 220/240-volt outlet) to 50 percent capacity in just 10 minutes; is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 miles an hour in 8 seconds; has a top speed of 100 mph; and can travel 249 miles on a single charge.
The Website also says that four power offerings are planned for the e6: 75 kilowatts (101 horsepower), 75+40 kilowatts (101+54 horsepower), 160 kilowatts (215 horsepower) and 160+40 kilowatts (215+54 horsepower). The "+" signs indicate the presence of two electric motors.
The five-seat e6 is expected to sell for about $40,000 in the U.S.
Renowned investor Warren Buffett has invested $230 million in BYD - his Berkshire Hathaway investment company owns a 10 percent stake.
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