Daimler and Chinese partner BYD have lifted the veils off their Denza electric vehicle at the Beijing Auto Show. The production model combines Daimler’s expertise in car manufacturing with BYD’s battery technology.
Built exclusively for China by the Shenzhen BYD Daimler New Technology Co. joint venture at a production facility in Shenzhen, the Denza will be aimed at both private and fleet customers.
The vehicle is powered by an 86 kW (115hp) all-electric engine that provides a maximum speed of up to 150 km/h (93 mph) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of peak torque. Driving range is up to 300 kilometers (186 miles), and battery charging can be done at any household power outlet, public charging facilities or special wall boxes. The latter can be installed at homes or in offices at the request of Denza customers. Charging times range from seven hours to less than an hour.
The Denza EV has been designed around its 47.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery which is framed by a lightweight aluminium case with extrusion profiles. Located at the safest place in the car, underneath the body, the battery is disconnected automatically in case of an accident and quickly discharges to levels below critical values if needed.
The Denza offers room for five passengers and has a trunk volume of 460 liters (16.24 cu-ft). The vehicle will be available in two distinctive lines. The “Lifestyle” version brings 18-inch light alloy wheels, genuine leather seats and an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen. The “Executive” version adds a powerful Harman-Kardon-Soundsystem, Xenon Lights with an adaptive front lighting system, and an onboard Navigation system.
Scheduled to launch in September 2014 with a starting price of RMB 369,000 ($59,250), the Denza is eligible for central and local subsidies totaling in a price reduction for the customer of up to almost RMB 120,000 ($19,268).
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
