Chinese automaker debuts M-Byte electric car for CES 2020
Chinese car company Byton is ready to electrify CES 2020 as it unveiled a production version of its M-Byte vehicle on Sunday at Mandalay Bay.
The electric-powered SUV starts at $45,000 and has a 250-mile range. It is slated to go into full production later this year and going on sale in China. U.S. sales of the M-Byte are slated to begin in the second half of 2021, beginning in California and online.
One of the most prominent features of the M-Byte is its massive 48-inch long dashboard screen. The screen can display various things including photos, weather, sports scores, stock prices and directions, with the possibility of displaying multiple items at once.
A smaller tablet is built into the steering wheel for the driver to control the various functions on the dashboard screen, as well as climate and other features. A passenger tablet is located in the center arm rest area, additional screens are located on seat backs of both the passenger and driver seat.
Byton hopes to contend with electric carmaker Tesla, which has three electric vehicles for sale, providing motorists another luxury model in the EV space, according to Dr. Daniel Kirchert, CEO and co-founder of Byton.
“I know from talking with customers from all over the world, the market is ready (for a new electric vehicle company),” Kirchert said. “In a world where Tesla has prominently taken its place during the past years, people are constantly telling they are ready for an alternative option in choosing a new premium electric vehicle.”
Various partnerships were announced during the event including one with CBS Viacom for television programming and movies to stream in the vehicle and one with Electrify America to openg up thousands of charging stations across the U.S.
The prototype M-Byte was introduced at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, leading to the unveiling of the production ready model.
“It’s been quite a ride,” said Ding Qingfen, chief of staff for Byton. “From the inception of our vision to the creation of the world’s first smart device on wheels… the concept model was presented on this stage just two years ago is now fully ready for volume production.”
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.
The @BYTONcars M-BYTE production model unveiled. Will start at $45,000. Has a 250-300 mile range. #ces2020 #ces #vegas #byton pic.twitter.com/6bW21XBKqj
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) January 5, 2020