BYD F3DM History

The BYD F3DM (Dual Mode) went on sale to government agencies and corporations in China on December 15, 2008 — making it the world's first modern mass-produced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It was announced to the broader public at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

The F3DM used a 16 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack for an all-electric range of approximately 60 km (37 mi), with a small 1.0-liter gasoline engine extending total range to roughly 480 km (300 mi). Despite its historic significance, sales were very low — only 48 units in its first year and around 3,284 cumulative through the end of production. Sales to the public began in Shenzhen in March 2010, and the model was phased out in October 2013, replaced by the BYD Qin.