BYD has officially launched its Qin model in China, a new hybrid car intended to target key world markets. European availability of a similar but probably renamed model is planned for early 2015.
The dual mode Qin can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 115 mph with a claimed overall fuel consumption of up to 177mpg. The Qin can be driven in pure electric mode for up to 44 miles, which BYD claims is the longest achieved by a PHEV (at least twice the range of some competitor models). For long distance journeys the car uses a 1.5TID petrol engine in an effort to eradicate ‘range anxiety’ associated with battery power vehicles.
When the first 100 Qin cars were put on sale on line in China, BYD set a record for new car sales. All 100 cars were purchased by eager buyers in just two seconds – thought to be a record in the car industry. About 95,000 people had visited the BYD e-shopping mall, 6,000 actually registered and 23,405 were online when the sale began.
The new car utilises the same technology as in the original BYD F3DM model. As a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) the Qin can be recharged using a common household socket. The Qin also generates electric recharging power during deceleration – either by means of engine braking or via the foot brake – typically contributing 2.5 to 3 kWh every 62 miles.
BYD expects to launch the Qin in Europe in early 2015.
Source: BYD
