BYD to sell F3DM hybrid before year-end

Shanghai, July 9 (Gasgoo.com) BYD Auto Co of China will launch its F3DM hybrid by the end of this year, probably at the southern China city of Shenzhen, a company official told local sources last weekend.

"BYD will start to sell the F3DM hybrid by the end of this year and now we are still giving road tests to the car," said Xia Zhibing, general manager of BYD Auto Sales Co, adding that it will be sold through BYD's existing sales channel.

BYD exhibited its hybrid vehicles, the F6DM and the F3DM, at the Beijing auto show (Auto China 2008) in April. Equipped with BYD's proprietary iron-based Li-ion rechargeable battery, the cars feature "plug-in hybrid vehicle" functionality, which allows them to be recharged from a household power outlet.

The hybrid car will initially be more expensive by 50,000 yuan ($7,150) than the base model, according to earlier media sources.

BYD F3DM hybrid to go on sale by the end of 2008