2nd Green Revolution

Chinese battery maker-turned-ambitious-automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) made some noise recently at the Detroit Auto Show. Scheduled to arrive in the U.S. later this year, their E6 electric vehicle has been the target of much speculation. With an “Fe battery” that may be lithium ion phosphate instead of the usual lithium ion, the Discovery Channel reports that the automaker’s battery is fully recyclable, lasts 10 years, and can move the car 205 miles on a single charge. Pricing for the car may be announced later this spring.

While the car has passed crash tests in China, passing the much more rigorous U.S. safety tests remains a challenge for the company. Notable for the boast that its battery acid is drinkable, BYD established its auto division in 2003 and is already the fourth largest car company in China. It has its sight set on being the world’s biggest automaker by 2025. These are bold pronouncements to be sure but they’ve already piqued the interest of several prominent investors, including Warren Buffett. The real question is now whether the company can match the hype it has generated. Building dreams is one thing; building reality quite another. I do hope they’re successful, however. The increased competition means that the Big Three cannot afford to get complacent again. It should also result in better, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly cars for consumers.

- Justin Manger

[Picture Credit]