BYD and Daimler Sign Joint Venture Contract to Develop Electric Vehicles in China
27 May 2010
BYD Company Limited and Daimler AG signed a contract creating a 50:50 research and technology joint venture called “Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. Ltd,” that will develop an electric vehicle for China. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 1 March.(Earlier post.)
BYD and Daimler will invest RMB 600 million (about US$88 million, €72 million) to use as registered capital for the joint venture. The new generation of electric vehicles developed by the joint venture will capitalize on Daimler’s know-how in electric vehicle architecture and safety as well as BYD’s expertise in battery technology and e-drive systems. The vehicle will be marketed under a new brand jointly created and owned by Daimler and BYD.
Together with Daimler we are making excellent progress identifying opportunities to utilize the strengths of both companies to create a new brand of electric cars for China. This is a unique and exciting initiative and together we are pushing hard to bring this new electric vehicle to market as soon as possible.
—Wang Chuanfu, Chairman and President of BYD Company Limited
Our new joint venture is well positioned to make the most of the vast potential of electric mobility in China. We are fortunate to have excellent joint venture partners in China and the establishment of this research and technology center with BYD adds another dimension to our growing presence in this important market.
—Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG
Chairman Wang and Dr. Zetsche signed the joint venture contract today in Beijing. Engineers, designers and other executives from both companies established working teams after the signing of the MOU to begin working on the vehicle concept. The business license for the new joint venture is subject to relevant government approval.
Daimler recently launched the smart fortwo electric drive and this year will introduce two Mercedes-Benz electric cars: the B-Class F-CELL with fuel cell technology as well as the battery electric A-Class E-CELL.
BYD, in addition to being a major advanced battery manufacturer, is the fastest growing Chinese automotive manufacturer. BYD introduced its F3DM dual-mode hybrid electric vehicle to the world in December 2008 and started direct sales to individual customers in March 2010. The company recently launched the e6, a pure electric vehicle and established itself as the first manufacturer in China to commercialize taxi business with its e6. (Earlier post.)
This is an important JV for future high quality EVs built in China under the Mercedes brand. BYD can certainly supply lower cost batteries, associated control systems, e-drive train and e-accessories while Mercedes can supply high quality body design highly acceptable to the USA market. A very smart move to reduce local objections to made in China future EVs.
Posted by: HarveyD | 27 May 2010 at 09:03 AM
This venture can supply credibility to the electric automobile. Additional credibility would be added with the requirement that every electric vehicle have at least a tiny range extender engine generator. Such a machine is useful for increasing sales by eliminating range anxiety even if never used, and it will prevent people from paying too much for battery capacity that will seldom or never be used.
Anhydrous ammonia liquid in canisters can be used to operate such engines where it is desired to have a ZERO CO2 emission vehicle.
The ZEBRA battery and its new brother the DURATHON from GE could become very cheap when the automation required for production in large numbers is implemented. They are perfectly suited for Plug-in-Prius type vehicles where there is an acceleration battery and an energy battery and and engine. Their very long life allows their use as grid support batteries during and especially after their use in automobiles. The surviving cells can be repackaged with others for used batteries of any size for UPS systems and grid support. The recyling in this way is much more profitable than turning them into forks and knives. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 27 May 2010 at 10:55 AM
HG: It seems that GM is seriously considering much smaller 2-cyls and/or small rotary type engines (15 hp) for second generation Volts in 2013. That may be the best compromise for one decade or so or until batteries performance are at least 3x current at 1/3 the price.
You could go a long way with a Volt if you start your small genset on the very first leg and let it run, even during coffee stops unless you plug it in for a quick charge.
Posted by: HarveyD | 27 May 2010 at 04:40 PM
What a good idea to help the worlds ballance of payment problems with not only money issues but also the knowledge transfer with will lead to more balance of payments issues.
Well done guys
Posted by: gotto besaid | 02 July 2010 at 09:24 PM