BYD F3DM

The BYD F3DM is a plug-in hybrid compact sedan manufactured by BYD Auto with an all-electric range of 40 to 60 miles (64 to 97 km) and a hybrid electric powertrain that can extend the range an additional 300 miles (480 km). The F3DM is the world's first mass-produced plug-in hybrid automobile and went on sale to government agencies and corporations in China on December 15, 2008. During its first year in the market the F3DM plug-in sold only 48 vehicles. Sales to the general public began in Shenzhen in March 2010, and 417 units were sold during 2010. Cumulative sales in China reached 2,279 units through December 2012, and only 11 units were sold in Europe through October 2012.

A testing program was launched in the U.S. on December 2010 with the participation of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). The F3DM was expected to go on sale in the U.S. in 2012 at a price of US$28,800 before any government incentives. In October 2011 BYD announced that retail sales will be delayed due to the lack of charging infrastructure.

In April 2012 BYD announced that due to its low sales, the F3DM will be replaced by the BYD Qin (pronounced “Chin”) plug-in hybrid, which was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.