First Pictures

By Conor Mills

29th December 2008

CHINA’S answer to Chevrolet’s Volt is on the charge! Named the F3DM, this new electric family car is set to rival the forthcoming US model when it makes its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

The F3DM is expected to weigh in at £15,000 – nearly half as much as the Volt. As well as electric power, it can run on a combination of battery technology – via a ferrous oxide cell – and a 1.0-litre petrol unit, giving it hybrid capabilities.

When propelled by electric power alone, its range is 20 miles longer than the Volt’s, at 62 miles.

It will be no slouch, either, with 405Nm of torque. A full charge from a household plug will take more than seven hours, or three hours at a high-power charging station. The F3DM hits the US in 2010, and is due here soon after.

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