---
title: "China’s Byton Begins Testing Prototype M-Byte Electric Crossover"
description: "Byton has completed the first prototype of its M-Byte electric crossover, and plans to start testing soon."
date: "2018-08-30"
modified: "2018-08-30"
authors:
  - name: "Stephen Edelstein"
    job_title: "Weekend Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/stephen-edelstein"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/tech/23264/chinas-byton-begins-testing-prototype-m-byte-electric-crossover"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Aurora Innovation"
  - "Byton"
  - "China"
  - "Electric Cars"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "Startups"
  - "Tech"
---

# China’s Byton Begins Testing Prototype M-Byte Electric Crossover

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Chinese electric-car startup Byton will soon begin testing a prototype of its first production model, a crossover based on [the M-Byte concept](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/17451/chinese-startup-byton-reveals-its-electric-suv-concept-at-ces-2018>) that debuted at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show.

The initial prototype was built at Byton's factory in Nanjing, the company said in a statement. Byton plans to begin cold weather testing this winter. [*TechCrunch*](<https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/27/chinas-byton-is-sending-its-electric-suv-prototypes-to-the-u-s/>) reports that the startup wants to build 100 more prototypes by the end of the year and ship some to the United States.

While Byton does have a research facility in California, the U.S.-bound vehicles will be handed over to Aurora Innovation, according to *TechCrunch*. Aurora is partnering with Byton [on autonomous-driving tech](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/18308/byton-will-get-self-driving-car-tech-from-aurora>), although such automation likely won't be available on the M-Byte at the start of production. Run by veterans of Google, Tesla and Uber, Aurora also has deals to supply tech [to Hyundai and Volkswagen](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/17355/aurora-will-help-hyundai-and-volkswagen-develop-self-driving-cars>).

At the time of Byton's M-Byte concept reveal, the company said it would produce two versions: one with 272 horsepower and 250 miles of range, and another with 476 hp and 325 miles of range. Those figures won't trouble a Tesla Model X or the promised Faraday Future FF 91, but the M-Byte may be cheaper as Byton previously quoted a base price of $45,000. It will also allegedly feature more lavish infotainment tech.

The concept's interior was dominated by screens, including one on the steering wheel. All of that glass was backed by a sophisticated infotainment system that used facial recognition and a cloud platform. It's unclear how much of this will make it into production, or if drivers [will be able to pay attention](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/14905/infotainment-systems-are-causing-more-crashes-aaa-says>) if it does.

Byton plans to begin delivering cars to Chinese customers by the end of 2019. It then plans to launch in the U.S. by mid-2020, and in Europe later that year. A second production model based on the K-Byte sedan concept, which made its U.S. debut at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance last week, will likely follow the M-Byte crossover.

Like many other electric-car startups, Byton is trying to ramp up production very quickly. Byton does at least have its Nanjing factory, and in June it announced the completion of a [$500 million funding round](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/21436/electric-car-startup-byton-secures-500-million-in-funding>). Investors include Chinese state-owned automaker FAW Group and battery maker CATL.

## Author
Stephen has always been passionate about cars, and managed to turn that passion into a career as a freelance automotive journalist. When he's not handling weekend coverage for The Drive, you can find him looking for a new book to read.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/SAEdelstein>)