BYD to bring F3DM electric sedan to Detroit show

Last month, Chinese automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD) shocked the world by putting its extended-range, plug-in electric vehicle, the F3DM sedan, on Chinese roads for about $22,000, years before Chevrolet will put its similar Volt electric vehicle on the road. Now, BYD has announced that it will be bringing that car to the Detroit Auto Show next week along with its E6 electric crossover.

BYD is one of several Chinese automakers hoping to break into the U.S. market, and may use the F3DM (for Dual Mode) as part of its opening salvo, should the company actually go through with plans to sell here. According to BYD, the F3DM can travel 62 miles on electricity only before its gasoline engine kicks in thanks to its advanced lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged in nine hours from a standard electrical socket. Whether the F3DM or its electric cousin, the E6 crossover, will perform as well as BYD says and meet U.S. crash standards remains unknown. The E6 reportedly has a 268-mile range.

BYD hopes to launch its hybrids in Europe by 2010 and predicts it will be able to sell 5,000 copies per year there. In addition to the E6 and the F3DM, BYD also builds a larger F6DM hybrid sedan. We'll find out more about the cars and BYD's plans at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next week. Stay tuned to Motortrend.com for complete show coverage live from Detroit.