Byton EV Begins Road Tests in China
Future Mobility Corp.’s Byton unit says it has begun testing its upcoming M-Byte electric crossover vehicle on test tracks and public roads near its Nanjing headquarters in China.
#hybrid
Future Mobility Corp.’s Byton unit says it has begun testing its upcoming M-Byte electric crossover vehicle on test tracks and public roads near its Nanjing headquarters in China.
FMC formed the brand last year and unveiled the M-Byte concept in January at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas. The company aims to start sales in China by the end of 2019, then spread to the U.S. and Europe in 2020.
Byton plans to build 100 pre-production prototypes in Nanjing by year-end. Ten of the vehicles will be shipped to the U.S., where they will be fitted with Level 4 self-driving technology developed partner Aurora Innovation Inc., company officials tell Tech Crunch.
In June, FMC raised $500 million for Byton in a funding round led by Chinese carmaker FAW, Ningde-based battery producer CATL and Tsinghua University’s Tus-Holdings investment arm.
The concept vehicle included a host of connected and automated vehicle technologies. Byton plans to offer two electric powertrain options, with the top-level package generating 470 hp and providing a 330-mile range.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Ford Maverick, Toyota Tundra Hybrid, and GM's Factory Footprint
GM is transforming its approach to the auto market—and its factories. Ford builds a small truck for the urban market. Toyota builds a full-size pickup and uses a hybrid instead of a diesel. And Faurecia thinks that hydrogen is where the industry is going.
-
Tesla Owners in Germany Ordered to Return Subsidy
Germany has ordered about 800 Tesla Model S electric cars owners to pay back a €4,000 ($4,700) government subsidy they received.
-
Honda to Make Hybrids in Thailand
Honda Motor Co. is preparing to launch production in Thailand of hybrid cars and the batteries that help power them.