Daimler-BYD JV introduces new DENZA 400 EV for China; up to 400 km on full charge
23 August 2016
Daimler has extended its portfolio of new energy vehicles (NEV) with the introduction of the DENZA 400, the company’s “Made in China, for China” electric vehicle from joint venture Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co., Ltd. (BDNT).
The DENZA 400 features improved battery density achieved through an upgraded production process that increases the battery’s capacity from 47.5 kWh to 62 kWh while maintaining the original size. With an upgraded range of up to 400 km (249 miles), most Chinese consumers, who generally drive 50 to 80 km per day, will only need to recharge their DENZA 400 once per week.
The DENZA 400 is propelled by a 135 kW peak / 68 kW (rated) motor delivering 300 N·m (peak)/ 177 N·m (rated) torque. The base DENZA is fitted with an 86 kW (peak) / 68 kW (rated) motor delivering 290 N·m / 177 N·m.
The vehicles are manufactured at BDNT’s independent production line at the BYD base in Shenzhen. The new flexible production line will increase capacity based on future market demand.
The first generation of DENZA was launched in 2014 as the premiere offering from the first Sino-German joint venture dedicated to electric vehicles in China. DENZA sold nearly 3,000 units in its first year in 2015.
Already offering safe, reliable and convenient electric vehicles from and for China, the DENZA 400 with upgraded range offers our Chinese customers a further improved driving experience,” said Hubertus Troska, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China. We are confident about the future prospect of new energy vehicles in the country. Daimler will continue to invest in research and development of efficient and eco-friendly new energy vehicles, which represent a key pillar of our China growth strategy.
—Hubertus Troska, Member of he Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Greater China
In addition to electric vehicles, Daimler’s strategy in China to reduce emissions and promote environmental responsibility includes an increasing offering of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
In 2013, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to offer gasoline, diesel and hybrid models at the same time in China. The E 400 L Hybrid was the first locally-produced hybrid from a premium brand, while the smart electric drive (electric power consumption combined 15.1 kWh/100km/ CO2 emissions combined 0g/km) was the first imported premium all-electric vehicle from Europe.
Interesting what about price? Only for China?
Posted by: Account Deleted | 23 August 2016 at 07:19 AM
I'd be more than happy to buy a 250-mile (Tesla range) for the same price as a LEAF (mine has 38% of the battery capacity of this Daimler).
I suspect either safety-standards and/or production volume constraints (battery production) are keeping this vehicle as a China-only vehicle for now, but I'm sure that'll change in a few years.
Posted by: Floatplane | 23 August 2016 at 11:17 AM
Quality at a reasonal price and range of 400 kms.This is game changer. If price is right electric cars will start replacing gasolene.solar electricity can replace polluting costly terrorism inducing petroleum.
Posted by: Nirmalkumar | 24 August 2016 at 12:56 AM
As soon as we can do without crude oil from the Middle-East and North Africa, the soonest we can get rid of Daech/IS Islamic terrorism, their supporters and associated GHG and pollution. We could let them have their civil-religious wars for decades.
More efficient longer range electric (HEVS-PHEVs-BEVs and FCEVs) vehicles are the answer.
Small prop planes (eventually up to 70+ passengers, trucks, buses and locomotives could also be electrified with near future FCs. Large ships could be electrified with small mass produced NPPs.
Posted by: HarveyD | 25 August 2016 at 12:01 PM