The chances of the world’s first compact battery operated sedan, which is not reliant on charging stations, seems still a long way off. The new-style vehicle, named F3DM and produced by Shenzhen-based BYD Auto, has sold only 80 units since its launch last December.
Auto Biz Review says twenty of these vehicles were purchased by the Shenzhen government, while those left are being used by China Construction Bank’s Shenzhen branch.
The president of BYD Auto Wang Chuanfu confessed, claiming they are insensitive to the vehicle’s high label price of 149,800 yuan, or 21,917 U.S. dollars.
Apart from the high price, BYD further confessed that the lack of charging stations for F3DM’s, no favourable policies in the new field and also a stagnant auto market have all made F3DM difficult for further expansion.
Moreover, battery charging will take nine hours if using a household power supply. This time-consuming problem could cause buyers to think again.
Battery reclaim is another problem. According to BYD, no detailed and proper plan has so far been announced on the battery reclaim.
Nevertheless, the launch of the BYD F3DM is an undeniable encouragement for the future of electric cars, since it will accelerate the development of supporting facilities which of course is vital for the prevalence of this type of vehicle.
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