2009 BYD e6, World's First Production Pure Electric Vehicle

Hybrids and EVs are undoubtedly extremely important for several large automakers around the world, partially thanks to the fact that analysts predicted a hybrid-oriented market for the next few years. And although several large companies struggle to design more advanced hybrids, Chinese automaker BYD developed what seems to be the world's first production pure electric vehicle, namely the e6, unveiled today at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The five-passenger vehicle will be marketed as a family crossover, the Chinese firm said in a statement for the press.

The vehicle is powered by an advanced battery pack, codenamed Fe, which provides an autonomy of 400 km, without neglecting engine performance. For instance, the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is done in less than 8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).

“What sets the e6 apart from other pure electric vehicles are 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,” BYD said.

“BYD, as a young brand with a rich history of IT development and cutting-edge battery R&D, has the drive and extroverted personality to take an unconventional approach and manufacture cars that embody the company's slogan, Build Your Dreams. That's the spirit and underlying philosophy behind the e6.”

Because it's especially addressed to families and particularly for city use, the e6 can be fully recharged in 60 minutes. And in case you're in a hurry, you can recharge 50 percent of the battery in nearly 10 minutes, BYD explained, praising the battery pack installed in the newly-released concept.