Flybo EV: Chinese Electric Smart Fortwo Clone Arrives In The U.S.

Knock (off), knock (off) – who’s there? It’s one of the -God knows how many, Chinese clones of the Smart Fortwo. So what else is new? Well, this Chinese carbon-copy has landed on the U.S. shores with sales kicking off within the next few weeks. For the time being the electric powered Flybo 6000ZK will be sold exclusively by the Great Lakes Auto Sales in Saginaw, Michigan with prices starting at $9,500. The Saginaw dealership was supposed to start sales of the Chinese made mini EV this summer but licensing negotiations with the distributor of the car Wuzheng North America, held up its arrival. –Continued after the jump

The 6000ZK is a two-seater EV that’s powered by a 72V 6500W electric motor. According to Flybo, the 6000ZK can achieve a top speed of… 25 mph (40 km/h) and it runs for about 70 miles (112 km) before its batteries drop dead. When that happens you simply plug it into any ordinary household electric outlet for about 8 hours to recharge the batteries. Can’t wait to hear what Mercedes-Benz / Smart has to say about this.

Via: Treehugger , Source: Saginaw News

6 comments

SuperSkyline89 // September 09, 2007

And there I was thinking that you couldn't make a Smart Car any uglier. Man was I blind! Please people, don't buy this piece of crap. Your only going to help the Chinese become the world's superpower faster. But you'll probably die during the test drive of lead poisoning so you won't be alive to see America be overthrown anyways.
Anonymous // September 10, 2007

I can't believe they are going to try and compete with Smart. This lame car goes 25 mph. Plus, I can't imagine it comparing to Smart's saftey features, regardless,Smart is so fun to drive and the culture surrounding the car is great
Paz // March 19, 2008

People should learn more about energy alternatives like electric cars. The new ones coming out are way better than gas cars. One of the main electric car companies, Zap, has delivered more than 100,000 electric vehicles (source: www.zapworld.com). EV’s cost 1 to 3 cents per mile to run, compare that to regular cars!
Paul // April 01, 2008

superskyline89 and anonymous need to open their eyes and take a look at what is happening with the environment. I am not fond of China's new dominance in manufacturing but this Chinese company is offering an immediate solution to reduce our carbon emissions problems and foreign oil dependence. U.S. automakers have offered us very little to reduce carbon emissions. They are still selling cars that get less than 25 mpg and are diddling around with hydrogen which will not be a viable solution for 20 to 30 years. The Flybo will not suit everybody's commute. Unfortunately, it doesn't suit mine but it is still a viable solution.
Anonymous // May 11, 2008

Don't count on Zap, they'll prove to be vapor-ware.

http://www.wired.com/cars/futuretransport/magazine/16-04/ff_zapped?currentPage=1
Anonymous // June 18, 2008

I'm in oregon, I was reading the review from superskyline89 and anonymous WOW! So hard….maybe last year I would said the same but today June 18th, 2008 the gas price go so high. I start looking for this electrical cars willing to invest 10k to 12k. This car looks very good but I try to see the feature. I don’t know where superskyline89 and anonymous are from but let me tell in Oregon is 4.19 dollars a gallon I drive around 17~20 miles a day. The forecast fro dec. 2008 is 5 dollars +- 12 cents. I hate paying for gas I have a hybrid Toyota prius I don’t want to use car in town or going to work this since it gives me good millage in highway, I will use my prius only to go long distance 40+ . I have 2 solar panels and 1 generator I only pay $3~10 per month in my house. I hate paying for electricity or gas so I create my own electricity. This Flybot will be perfect for Oregon. No worries about security, people here respect other drivers. We are kind and we take life easy. I show 2 of my friends about this car and they were really open to try something new. I will be the first buying this car in Salem, Oregon. I had seen more hybrids in the road and lately electrical small cars. I don’t mind driving one. Oregon and Washington are the best places to get and drive an EV safely.