China Auto Thread

[Yommie]

Yuanhang Y6 all-electric sedan with 1,020 km range launched, price starts at 45,100 USD

The Yuanhang Y6 offers four cruising ranges: 620 km, 720 km, 810 km, and 1,020 km, available in rear-wheel and four-wheel drives.

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Yuanhang Y6 all-electric sedan with 1,020 km range launched, price starts at 45,100 USD​

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Dong Yi Chen

December 28, 2023


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On December 28, Yuanhang Auto officially launched its Y6 all-electric sedan with a price range of 329,800 – 529,800 yuan (45,100 – 73,000 USD). Consumers can choose from a total of five models: two single-motor rear-wheel drive and three dual-motor four-wheel drive. Yuanhang Auto is a high-end electric vehicle brand under the Dayun Group. The Y6 is the first sedan launched by the brand.


The dimensions of the Yuanhang Y6 are 5270/2000/1500 mm, and the wheelbase is 3130 mm. Depending on the configuration, the rim size options are 19-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch, with the corresponding tire specifications being 245/55 R19, 265/40 R21, and 265/40 ZR21. Four exterior body colors are offered: green, gold, black, and white.

As an EV, the Yuanhang Y6 adopts a grille-less design and a fastback shape, paired with frameless doors, hidden door handles, and through-type taillights.


The interior is available in green and beige colors. The most eye-catching is probably the large vertical 17.38-inch central control screen, which is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon third-generation 8155 chip and matched with the AliOS smart cockpit system. At the same time, there is a 70-inch AR-HUD (augmented reality head-up display system), a 10.3-inch full LCD instrument panel, a two-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, and a 27-speaker audio system.
Other configurations include a level 2 advanced driving assistance system, keyless entry, multi-layer soundproof glasses, 256-color interior ambient lighting, electrically adjustable seats, and seat heating/ventilation/massage. It is worth pointing out that autonomous parking can be realized via the front and rear parking radars.
Furthermore, the rear armrest can be lowered to form a two-seat layout and comes with a multi-function touch screen.

The powertrain configuration is available in single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive. All models have a top speed of 205 km/h.
Rear-wheel drive

• 250 kW and 400 Nm rear electric motor
• 5.9 seconds to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h

Four-wheel drive

• Dual electric motors: 500 kW/745 Nm or 520 kW/850 Nm
• 3.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h

All models are equipped with ternary lithium battery packs, available in three capacities, providing four cruising ranges:

Model	Battery Capacity (kWh)	Cruising Range (km), CLTC
Four-wheel drive	88.42	620
Rear-wheel drive	88.42	720
Four-wheel drive	100	720
Rear-wheel drive	100	810
Four-wheel drive	150	1,020

Under fast charging, it takes 30 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.
Source: Yuanhang

 

[Yommie]

Zeekr 007 launched with the world’s fastest charging – 610 km range in 15 minutes

Zeekr 007 received 51,569 orders in 40 days prior launch.

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Zeekr 007 launched with the world’s fastest charging – 610 km range in 15 minutes​

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Jiri Opletal

December 27, 2023


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Zeekr launched the Zeekr 007 sedan to compete with the Tesla Model 3. The EV has 800V charging, a maximum range of 870 km, and an acceleration of 0-100 km/h 2.84 seconds. The price starts at 209,900 yuan (29,400 USD). Zeekr also announced 007 received 51,569 orders in the last 40 days.

The launch price of the base model is 20,000 yuan (2,800 USD) lower than the presale price, which was 229,900 yuan. The new EV will start deliveries on January 1, mass production began last week.
007 has two battery options: Zeekr’s in-house developed 75 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Golden Battery, which provides a maximum 688 km CLTC range. The company claims it has the best range among all LFP-powered sedans.

READ ALSO
https://carnewschina.com/2023/12/14...ge-500-km-in-15-minutes-and-withstand-1000-c/

Zeekr launches 800V Golden Battery, can charge 500 km in 15 minutes and withstand 1000°C​

With Golden Battery, Zeekr 007 can add a 500 km range in 15 minutes. Its peak charging power is 500 kW, and the maximum charge rate is 4.5C. At -10 °C, the fast charging speed increases by 25%. It is also capable of 16C short burst discharge in 3 seconds.
The second option is CATL’s 100 kWh Qilin battery, which has more expensive NMC chemistry with better energy density, providing a maximum range of 870 km. Thanks to 800V architecture, the battery can add 610 km in 15 minutes, which is the best among mass-produced EVs, according to Zeekr.
On the exterior, 007 has a massive 90″ LCD screen that can show messages to other road users and pedestrians. The car also allows the driver to talk to pedestrians or make funny preset noises, as the EV has a loudspeaker.

Zeelr used this feature during the launch as the street leading to the event was decorated by dozens of parked 007, whose LCD strips were saying “Show time” and navigating the way to the venue.

Zeekr 007 is a mid-size sedan built on the PMA2+ platform. The dimensions are 4865/1900/1450 mm with a wheelbase of 2928 mm. It adopts the brand-new design language called “Hidden Energy,” created by team of Stefan Sielaff, the former Bentley designer who now works as Vice President of Global Design at Geely.
The 007 has the exact 310 kW silicon carbide rear motor as the Zeekr 001 FR (the performance version of 001 with 1,274 hp). There are two power train options: RWD with this 310 kW (440 Nm torque) motor and AWD with an additional 165 kW front motor, providing a maximum output of 475 kW (637 hp) and 710 Nm peak torque.
READ ALSO
https://carnewschina.com/2023/09/01...0-km-h-in-2-07-seconds-can-perform-tank-turn/

Zeekr 001 FR launched with 1,247 hp. 0-100 km/h in 2.07 seconds, can perform tank turn​

The RWD can accelerate 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, while the Performance AWD in 2.84 seconds.

The 007 cabin is run by Zeekr OS 6.0 and features a 35.5″ AR-HUD and rotatable 15.05″ LCD with 2.5k OLED resolution and 21 Dolby Atmos speakers. It is all powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 chip. Zeekr claims it is the first mass-produced EV with vehicle-mounted satellite communication. Geely operates its satellite network.

Talking ADAS, 007 will be equipped with highway Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP), and later, Urban NZP will launch public testing in June 2024. The self-parking function will start public beta testing in March 2023, and Zeekr calls it “the most down-to-earth smart parking.”
007 has many sensors for input into NZP, including lidar, 12 high-definition cameras, 5 millimeter wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic radars. Nvidia Orin X chip, with a computing power of up to 508 TOPS, is processing it.
The 007 price range is 209,900 – 299,900 yuan (29,400 – 42,000 USD) and here are some interesting configurations:

• RWD 75 kWh
  • 688 km range
  • 209,900 yuan (29,400 USD)
• RWD 75 kWh Smart (with ADAS)
  • 688 km range
    • 229,900 yuan (32,200 USD)
    • RWD 100 kWh Smart (with ADAS)
    • 870 km range
    • 259,900 yuan (36,400 USD)
• AWD 75 kWh
  • 616 km range
  • 229,900 yuan (32,200 USD)
• AWD 100 kWh Smart (with ADAS)
  • 770 km range
  • 259,900 yuan (36,400 USD)
• AWD 100 kWh Performance (with ADAS)
  • 660 km range
    • 299,900 yuan (42,000 USD)

The 75 kWh is Zeekr’s LFP Golden Battery, and the 100 kWh is CATL’s NMC. All versions except AWD Performance come with standard LFP and can be upgraded to NMC for 30,000 yuan (4,200 USD), with a recent time-limited discount for 20,000 yuan.
Zeekr also cares about its charging network. It produces a V2 600 kW liquid-cooled fast charger unveiled in September, and last week, it revealed a more powerful V3 800 kW charger. The V2 can add 300 km of range in 3 minutes. Both fast chargers are manufactured by Geely’s subsidiary VREMT and have a Zeekr badge.

Zeekr operates 401 fast charging stations in China with 2,261 charging poles, each with a minimum of 360 kW of power. In 2024, Zeekr expects to have 1000 charging stations, and by 2026, the company wants to have 10,000 charging poles, according to its “thousands of stations and tens of thousands of poles” plan.
The young EV maker also announced a 1515 plan last week. All Zeekr owners will be 15 minutes away from being able to charge in 15 minutes. Zeekr wants 90% of its owners under 1515 plan conditions in three years. Charging should be as convenient as going to the convenience shop, Zeekr claims.
Zeekr 007 AWD Performance wears fancy “Kungu Yellow.”

 

[Yommie]

BYD Yuan UP all-electric SUV will have 301 km and 401 km ranges

The Yuan UP is set to be BYD's smallest SUV to date.

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BYD Yuan UP all-electric SUV will have 301 km and 401 km ranges​

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Dong Yi Chen

December 27, 2023


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BYD’s upcoming Yuan UP pure electric SUV will have two cruising ranges: 301 km and 401 km (CLTC), according to the latest catalog of new energy vehicle models exempted from vehicle purchase tax released by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The Yuan UP has already been declared earlier this month by the Chinese MIIT and is expected to be officially launched in 2024.


Currently, the SUV models on sale under BYD’s Dynasty Series include the Yuan Pro, Yuan Plus, Song Pro, Song L, and Tang. Positioned as a compact SUV, the BYD Yuan UP measures 4310/1830/1675 mm, and the wheelbase is 2620 mm, making it BYD’s smallest SUV model to date that sits on e-Platform 3.0. For comparison, the Yuan UP’s length is the same as that of the Yuan Pro, but the wheelbase is 85 mm longer than that of the Yuan Pro. At the same time, compared with the BYD Dolphin, Yuan UP has a body length that is 85 mm longer but has an 80 mm shorter wheelbase.

The notable design elements include a suspended roof effect, an optional panoramic sunroof and luggage racks, and semi-hidden door handles. In addition, the BYD Yuan UP will run on either 16-inch or 17-inch rims.


The powertrain will be equipped with a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that outputs either 70 kW or 130 kW. The battery will come from BYD’s Blade lithium iron phosphate battery pack, available in 32 kWh and 45.1 kWh capacities. Its top speed is 160 km/h.
The BYD Yuan was first released in 2016. In November this year, 42,323 vehicles were sold under the BYD Yuan series, making its 2023 cumulative sales 386,899 units, according to the carmaker. Furthermore, 500,000 units of the Yuan Plus (also known as the Atto 3 in the overseas market) were sold in just 20 months since its launch in February 2022, becoming the fastest new energy SUV by a Chinese brand to achieve this milestone.
We’ll continue to watch closely for more information about the car, stay tuned!

Source: Chinese MIIT, BYD

 

[Yommie]

BYD received an L3 autonomous driving test permit in China

BYD is the first companny to obtain this permit in China.

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BYD received an L3 autonomous driving test permit in China​

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Jiri Opletal

December 27, 2023


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BYD received a testing license for level 3 (L3) autonomous driving on high-speed roads. The company said they were the first automaker in China to obtain the permit.

In the press release, BYD said that they received the permit on July 21 in Shenzhen; however, they communicated it only as of today. BYD didn’t clarify why.
Shenzhen-based automaker highlights that L3 doesn’t mean full self-driving. L2 – L4 autonomous driving still requires drivers to complete some driving functions. Only L5 is fully self-driving. “It is too early to talk about this concept at present,” BYD says.

Recently, lots of companies received L3 testing permits in China, including some foreign brands:

• Jiayu
• Avatr
• Mercedes-Benz
• BMW
• Arcofx
• Changan’s Deepal
• SAIC’s IM

Editor’s comment​

BYD has historically been more focused on hardware than software. Wang Chuanfu, BYD’s founder and CEO, is a famous cost cutter, so inside their cars, you won’t find dozens of screens, but rather lots of physical buttons; also, don’t expect any high-end ADAS, but rather quality battery (BYD is originally a battery maker) and fair enough price. BYD is traditional, even in its sales channels. No direct sales models with an online store, but a conventional dealership network.
This is now changing. BYD launched premium brands YangWang and Fang Cheng Bao, tapping the direct sales models and pushing hard into the R&D of autonomous driving systems. They started cooperation with Baidu and VW-backed Horizon Robotics to develop autonomous driving SW and, in May, announced DNP ADAS to compete with Tesla’s Autopilot. In July, it introduced the “God’s Eye” independent driving system, and the first car to feature it was the Denza N7 SUV.

 

[Yommie]

Volkswagen-backed JAC Yiwei EV powered by sodium-ion battery starts mass production in China

JAC Yiwei is world's first mass produced electric vehicle with sodium-ion battery.

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Volkswagen-backed JAC Yiwei EV powered by sodium-ion battery starts mass production in China​

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Jiri Opletal

December 27, 2023


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JAC Yiwei EV with sodium-ion battery. Credit: JAC

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JAC Yiwei EV rolled off the production line in China, being the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle equipped with a sodium-ion battery. The deliveries will begin in January 2024, JAC announced.

The Yiwei EV hatchback will have a cylindrical sodium-ion pack from Beijing-based HiNa Battery and adopt JAC’s UE (Unitized Encapsulation) module technology. UE is also known as a honeycomb design because of its appearance. It is another battery structure concept like CATL’s CTP (cell-to-pack) or BYD’s Blade battery.
JAC’s honeycomb structure battery. Credit: JAC
Yiwei is a new EV brand under Anhui Jianghuai Automobile (JAC), established in 2023. JAC’s parent company, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Holdings (JAG), is 50% state-owned, and 50% belongs to Volkswagen Group. The German automotive giant acquired its stake in 2020 in an unprecedented move to invest in China’s state-owned car maker.

E10X at the car show. Credit: Yiche
It sparked many controversies, and VW’s JV partners in China, SAIC, and FAW, declined to comment on the move. In July 2023, Volkswagen invested 700 million USD into another Chinese EV maker, Xpeng, and received a nearly 5% stake in exchange and access to its E/E Edward platform.
Hefei-based JAC is also a former contract manufacturer of Nio cars.
In February 2023, JAC announced they were the first automaker to put the lithium-free sodium-ion battery on an electric vehicle. That EV was a Sehol E10X hatchback, and the Na+ battery had the following specifications:

• 25 kWh capacity
• 120 Wh/kg energy density (single cell 140 Wh/kg)
• 3C to 4C charging (10% – 80% in 20 minutes)
• 252 km range for E10X
• HiNa NaCR32140 cell

Sehol was a brand under Volkswagen Anhui JV, which VW transferred to JAC in 2021. When the Yiwei brand was launched in May 2023, JAC announced that it would ditch the Sehol brand, and all vehicles are being rebadged to JAC or Yiwei.
The pictures JAC released today tell us that the new sodium-ion-powered EV is the Sehol E10X. JAC hasn’t yet confirmed the name of the new car under the Yiwei brand; it could be Yiwei E10X, but we have to wait for JAC’s confirmation.
JAC recently pushed a lot into sodium-ion batteries R&D. During the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023, the company showcased its first car under the Yiwei brand called Yiwei 3, which was equipped with a sodium-ion battery. However, the EV launched later in June, only with a classic LFP lithium battery, and promised the Na+ variant would come later.

The Yiwei 3 is a compact hatchback that competes with Wuling Bingo, BYD Seagull, or ORA Funky Cat. It has two power train options, both front-wheel drive: 70 kW and 100 kW motor. The maximum cruising range is 505 km CLTC with a 51.5 kWh battery.
Xia Shunli, chairman of Yiwei, said: “Sodium-ion batteries will become an important battery type, complementary to LFP batteries, and a low-cost solution that promotes the popularization of mass electric vehicles to masses.”

Editor’s comment​

Sodium-ion batteries are expected to play an essential role in the battery mix in the future. Their best-case use is stationary energy storage, two-wheelers, and entry-level EVs. They are cheaper than LFP, don’t need lithium, and perform better in winter conditions. On the other hand, they have lower energy density. In China, many automakers are pushing into sodium-ion development; BYD recently announced a 30 GWh sodium battery plant in Xuzhou in a joint venture with tricycle giant Huaihai Group. The total investment reaches 10 billion yuan (1.4 billion USD). Another player is CATL, which has already shown us some prototypes but hasn’t announced the mass production plans yet. We will keep an eye on it.

 

[Yommie]

LEVC L380 MPV battery options unveiled. Up to 675 km range

The LEVC L380 is a 5.3-meter-long MPV with eight seats inside. It will launch internationally next year.

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LEVC L380 MPV battery options unveiled. Up to 675 km range​

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Denis Bobylev

December 27, 2023


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The Chinese MIIT revealed the battery and range options of the LEVC L380 electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) from Geely. Its top-trim level version has a 116-kWh ternary NMC battery from CATL for 675 km of range. Let’s get to the details.

LEVC is an abbreviation that stands for London Electric Vehicle Company. Its predecessor is the British London Taxi Company, founded in 1919. In 2012, Geely acquired it, and LEVC focused on manufacturing BEVs and EREVs (extended-range electric vehicles). Its model line currently comprises a single car called TX. Soon, LEVC will launch one more model, the L380 multi-purpose vehicle. Its name is a reference to the biggest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380.

LEVC L380 battery options​

The information about the L380 battery options was revealed by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in the Catalogue of New Energy Vehicle Models Exempted from Vehicle Purchase Tax.

The entry-level LEVC L380 has a 100 kWh ternary NMC battery from CATL. This pack weighs 581 kg. It powers a 200-kW (268 hp) electric motor from VREMT (Geely’s subsidiary). With this battery on board, the LEVC L380 can run up to 570 km on a single charge.

The second battery option has a 116-kWh battery pack, similar to the Zeekr 009 MPV. It weighs 679 kg and powers the same e-motor made by VREMT. This version of L380’s range reaches 675 km per charge. Previously, LEVC said the L380 could charge 200 km in 10 minutes. It will require 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.

More on LEVC L380​

Fan image made by Sugar Design
The LEVC L380 is a huge MPV based on the SOA platform derived from SEA architecture. Its dimensions are 5316/1998/1940 mm dimensions, with a wheelbase of 3185 mm. Inside, the L380 has up to 8 seats with a 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 layout. LEVC has already announced that the L380 will sell internationally. However, it isn’t clear if it will sell in the UK.

Source: MIIT

 

[Yommie]

Freezing temperatures in northern China give hybrid EVs a one-up over pure electric

With new energy vehicles accounting for over 30% of auto sales in China even those who previously doubted the efficacy of electric cars in cold weather are taking a closer look

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Freezing temperatures in northern China give hybrid EVs a one-up over pure electric​

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Naveed Rastegar

December 27, 2023


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This December has brought record-freezing temperatures to parts of northern China. The sudden chill has rehashed an old debate about EVs performing poorly in cold climates. With EV technology improving rapidly, sales growing steadily, and general public sentiment towards EVs improving, could this icy winter slow down the success of this new automotive technology in China? Recent articles from various media outlets take a closer look at the issue in China and suggest that electric hybrids (PHEVs) may be advantageous over pure electric vehicles (BEVs).

On popular domestic automotive media outlet 99 Car Talk, an article tackles this issue and receives feedback from drivers. Comments like “charging is crazy slow when the weather is cold” are often found, while others poke fun at EVs, saying “electric cars covered in snow are like useless ice sculptures.” Of course, this issue isn’t new, but Chinese media outlets continue to report similar user experiences.
Li Auto L9 is looking cool in the snow.
Beijing last week had unusually low temperatures and Beijing News reported instances of owners complaining of insufficient charging infrastructure to account for slower charging and “reduced battery performance.” On December 25th, an extensive article on TMT Post voiced familiar complaints of cold weather-induced “half range” or “mileage anxiety.”

Chinese carmakers are aware of these concerns and now often test their vehicles thoroughly in cold weather climates, for example, the popular AITO M7 was seen cold-weather testing before its launch. Early this year, the Voyah Dreamer underwent winter testing in Mongolia and encountered severe problems in the harsh winter conditions.
Zeekr 001 is having fun in the snow.
While no immediate solution to this problem is on the horizon, the article by 99 Post suggests that cold weather climates may be better suited for hybrid electric vehicles over pure battery electric vehicles. Though sales data suggests that BEV sales are improving over PHEVs, it’s clear that a case has been made for PHEVs in colder regions.
Sources: 99 Car talk, Beijing News, TMT Post

 

[Yommie]

Aito M9 from Huawei launched in China at 65,750 USD. Li Auto L9 rival

The Aito M9 is a full-size SUV available in EV and EREV versions. It speed up to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, and has a mixed range of 1,402 km.

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Aito M9 from Huawei launched in China at 65,750 USD. Li Auto L9 rival​

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Denis Bobylev

December 26, 2023


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The Aito M9 is a flagship SUV from Huawei and Seres. It is a 5.2-meter high-end vehicle with six seats inside. It is available in EREV and EV versions with a price range of 469,800 – 569,800 yuan (65,750 – 79,750 USD). The M9 targets petrol-powered SUVs from legacy brands such as BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. This beast will also rival Li Auto L9, Nio ES8, HiPhi X, and Hongqi E-HS9.

Aito is a joint project between Huawei and Seres. In this JV, Seres manufactures Aito vehicles, while Huawei acts as a major parts and software supplier. Moreover, the Chinese tech giant is responsible for selling Aito vehicles. They are available for purchase in Huawei flagship stores across China. The Aito model line comprises three models, M5, M7, and M9, that entered the Chinese market today.

Aito M9 exterior​

The exterior design of the Aito M9 follows the design language first adopted by the Luxeed S7 sedan baked by Huawei. Its features are triangular headlights joined by an LED strip. It has retractable door handles and a slightly slanted roofline. The M9’s D-pillars have the HIMA logo on them. It is the name of a Huawei store focused on selling cars. The Chinese tech giant plans to open 800 showrooms in 2024.

Aito M9 is available in five body colors
According to Aito, the M9’s drag coefficient is 0.264 Cd for the EV version and 0.279 Cd for the EREV. Aito compared their SUV’s aerodynamic performance during the launch with the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. But this comparison is irrelevant because the mentioned models from legacy brands are petrol-powered. However, it is an impressive number for the SUV with dimensions of 5230/1999/1800 mm and a wheelbase of 3110 mm. For clarity, the Li Auto L9’s drag coefficient is 0.306 Cd.
Another feature of the Aito M9 SUV is its headlights, which Huawei makes. They can act as a projector, demonstrating images and videos. The headlights can also direct rays to prevent blinding other road users. According to Aito, their accuracy reaches 1.2 meters. And these headlights can not only recognize cars, but also pedestrians. The M9 also adopts the Huawei ADS 2.0 driving assistance system.

Aito M9 interior​

The Aito M9 has six seats with a 2 + 2 + 2 layout. Every seat is wrapped in Nappa leather. The center console of the Aito M9 has three screens. The main driver’s screen has a diameter of 15.6 inches. The front passenger’s monitor offers a 16-inch diameter. The instrument panel is 12.3 inches in diameter. It also has a 75-inch AR-HUD. This system is powered by Huawei’s Harmony OS system.

Another feature of the Aito M9 is the Huawei sound system, which comprises 25 speakers. It can be optionally equipped with four more 10-inch screens for the second and third-row passengers. The trunk of the Aito M9 has a capacity of 716 L. It also has 41 storage spaces in total.

Aito M9 powertrain and price range​

The chassis of the Aito M9 is made of aluminum. Moreover, its body-in-white is 80% made of this metal. The M9 has an air suspension and a CDC system on board.
The EREV version of the Aito M9 has a 1.5-liter ICE that acts as a generator. It has 4WD with two e-motors for 365 kW. They are powered by optional 42-kWh or 52-kWh ternary NMC batteries from CATL. Depending on the battery, the all-electric range of the Aito M9 is 225 – 275 km. The mixed range is 1,362 – 1,402 km. Its zero-to-hundred acceleration time is 4.9 seconds.
The all-electric version of the Aito M9 offers two electric motors for 390 kW and a CATL’s ternary pack for 97 kWh, good for 630 km. It speeds up to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The Aito M9 is available in four trim levels:

• M9 EREV Max – 469,800 yuan (65,750 USD)
• M9 EV Max – 509,800 yuan (71,350 USD)
• M9 EREV Ultra – 529,800 yuan (74,150 USD)
• M9 EV Ultra – 569,800 yuan (79,750 USD)

Source: Aito, Autohome

 

[Yommie]

Jiyue 07 from Geely and Baidu officially unveiled, winning Red Dot Award 2023

The Jiyue 07 is a mid-size sedan that stands on the SEA architecture. Instead of LiDARs, it relies on cameras.

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Jiyue 07 from Geely and Baidu officially unveiled, winning Red Dot Award 2023​

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Denis Bobylev

December 26, 2023


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The Jiyue 07 electric liftback from Geely and Baidu was officially unveiled in China. It received the iF Design Award 2023 and became the Red Dot 2023 car design winner. This sedan will enter the Chinese market in 2024. Previously, we assumed it would be called Jiyue 02. It stands on Geely’s SEA architecture and adopts self-driving tech from Baidu.

Jiyue 01
Jiyue was founded as Jidu in 2021 as the joint venture between Baidu and Geely. The “Chinese Google” had 55% of the shares in this JV. However, it failed to get mass-production permission, so the company was restructured. Its name was changed to Jiyue, and Geely now holds 65% of the stake, taking care of manufacturing. Baidu is responsible for software, ADAS, and connectivity. The first Jiyue model is the 01 SUV. In 2024, this brand will launch its second car, which is the Jiyue 07.

More about Jiyue 07​

The Jiyue 07 is based on the Jidu Robo-02 concept. It is a mid-size liftback with sleek styling, wide wheel arches, and a low beltline. Instead of door handles, the Jiyue 07 has buttons on B and C-pillars. So, it has powered doors. Its front end has Y-shaped headlights, similar to the Jiyue 01 SUV.


The Jiyue 07 has a large panoramic roof. From the side, this sedan has an active spoiler and a single taillight unit. The car in the official images has five-spoke rims with aerodynamic covers installed.

Jiyue has announced today that the 07 liftback received two design awards. First, it has won the 2023 Red Dot Design Award. Alongside the Jiyue 07, 16 cars were awarded by Red Dot in 2023: Deepal SL03, Peugeot 408, Neta S, Genesis G90, etc. The Jiyue 07 also received the iF Design Award 2023.

Jiyue 07 specs​

The Jiyue 07 stands on the SEA architecture, which also underpins every Zeekr model, Polestar 4, Volvo EX90, Volvo EX30, etc. Its powertrain is similar to the Jiyue 01 SUV. Its entry-level version has a single e-motor for 200 kW and a 71.4-kWh LFP battery. The 4WD spec offers 400 kW and 100 kWh NMC pack.

The Jiyue 07’s self-driving system relies on cameras and radars. But this EV has no hip LiDAR sensors. In China, the Jiyue 07 will rival the Xiaomi SU7, Tesla Model 3, BYD Han, etc. It will enter the market in mid-2024.
Source: Jiyue

 

[Yommie]

Li Auto wins top spot in high-end SUV sales in November

Li Auto is a best in class.

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Li Auto wins top spot in high-end SUV sales in November​

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Naveed Rastegar

December 26, 2023


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Driving around the urban streets of China, it is easy to see that Li Auto is a popular SUV brand. In November this year, Li Auto sold 41,800 SUV vehicles making it the best-selling SUV maker in a price segment above 300,000 yuan (about 41,00USD). All three models of Li Auto’s SUV lineup, the L7, L8, and L9 are priced above this threshold. This isn’t the first time that Li Auto earned the top spot in this category.

This impressive achievement marks the eighth consecutive month that Li has managed to outsell all other brands above the 300,000 yuan price threshold. The second best-selling SUV car maker in the category was BMW with 29,200 sales and the third was Mercedes Benz with 21,800 units sold. The next best Chinese automaker on the list was Nio coming in 6th place in November with 9,700 units sold.
Li Auto also performed well in the over 200,000 yuan (about 27,000 USD) category, placing second in sales. First was Telsa with its popular Model Y selling 65,400 units and third place went to BYD with 29,700 units sold. Chinese automakers dominated this price category with Xpeng, Nio, Geely, and several other brands rounding out the top 10. With an ambitious goal of selling 50,000 units in December, it will be interesting to see if Li Auto can continue to dominate in these price classes til the end of the year.

Li Auto was one of the first Chinese SUV makers to introduce a big, bold yet sleek-looking luxury electric-powered SUV to the Chinese market, giving it a first-mover advantage. However, hot on the heels of Li is the Aito brand with its popular M7 SUV (slightly under the 300,000 yuan price threshold) which sold over 17,000 units in November (outselling all individual Li Auto SUVs), and with its soon-launch M9 flagship, the Chinese SUV maker competition is heating up.
It was reported earlier this month that Li Auto reached a milestone of 600,000 vehicles sold. According to an article in the highly distributed publication of the Shanghai Observer, Li Auto is the first Chinese automaker to reach 600,000 units of smart PHEV-type vehicles (plug-in hybrids).
The Li Auto SUV line up
With pre-orders already pilling in and the launch of Li’s first all-electric Mega MPV on the horizon with deliveries scheduled for early next year, we will see how Li performs in the other categories as well.

Source: Shanghai Observer

 

[Yommie]

China EV sales in week 51: BYD 63,900, Tesla 18,500, Nio 4,100

The whole market was up in massive end-of-year sales push except Xpeng and Denza.

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China EV sales in week 51: BYD 63,900, Tesla 18,500, Nio 4,100​

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Jiri Opletal

December 26, 2023


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Edit: The article was updated with sales breakdown to models.

In week 51 of this year, December 18-24, the market was up in a massive end-of-year sales push, except for Xpeng and Denza, which were down about 20%. BYD grew 24%, Tesla was mostly flat with 1% growth, and Nio grew 21%.
The weekly data were published by Li Auto, and they represent weekly sales. The background data are weekly insurance registrations. The numbers are rounded and present new energy vehicles (NEV), the Chinese term for BEVs, PHEVs, and EREVs (range extenders). To be completely precise, it also includes hydrogen vehicles (FCEVs), but their sales are almost non-existent in China.

BYD registered 63,900 vehicles last week, up 23.60% from 51,700 the week before. From December 1 to 24, BYD registered 180,000 cars in China.
BYD needs to sell 320,000 vehicles globally in December to fulfill its annual target of 3 million. Between January and November, BYD sold 2,683,374 cars globally. About 90% of BYD sales are in China, and 10% are overseas. The registration numbers in this article refer only to registrations in China.
To fulfill its annual target, BYD started massive promotions and discounts for customers who buy their cars between December 1 and 31.

BYD sells BEV and PHEV, but insurance registration doesn’t show the ratio. It is usually 50:50, with the trend leaning towards BEVs. In November, BYD sold 301,903 electric vehicles, of which 43.47% were PHEVs and 56.36% were BEVs. BYD ceased production of ICE vehicles in April last year.
BYD sales breakdown (key models only):

• Song Plus: 10,400 (+22% WoW)
• Qin Plus: 9,400 (+25% WoW)
• Seagull: 8,700 (+18% WoW)
• Dophin: 6,200 (+20% WoW)
• Yuan Plus (Atto 3): 6,200 (+10% WoW)
• Han: 4,100 (+19% WoW)
• Seal: 2,700(+14% WoW)
• Song L: 770 units

BYD sub-brands:

• Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 (Leopard 5): 1,300 (+32.7 WoW)
• YangWang U8: 400 (+8.1%)

Tesla registered 18,500 EVs last week, up 1.09% from 18,300 the previous week. Between December 1 and December 24, Tesla sold 60,200 vehicles in China.
Tesla sold 82,432 China-made vehicles in November. 65,504 were sold domestically, and 16,928 were exported from the Giga Shanghai factory for overseas markets.
Tesla sales breakdown (main models only, no S and X)

• Model Y: 14,400 (flat from the week before, 0% WoW)
• Model 3: 3,800 (+26.2% WoW)

Nio registered 4,100 EVs last in China, up 20.59% from 3,400 the week before. Between December 1 and 24, Nio registered 12,000 EVs in China.
Nio’s December target is to deliver 15,000 – 17,000 EVs, and based on the insurance registration trend, they will reach the upper limit of that target or even overcome it.
In November, Nio delivered 15,959 EVs.
Nio sales breakdown:

• ES6: 1,600 (+17% WoW)
• ET5/ET5T: 1,300 (+26% WoW)
• EC6: 640 (+19%)

Li Auto was first among EV startups and registered 12,100 vehicles last week, up 7.08% from 11,300 the week before.
Li Auto sales breakdown:

• Li L7: 4,900
• Li L8: 3,800
• Li L9: 3,400

The company aims to break the 50,000 monthly deliveries record for the first time in December. Between December 1 and December 24, the company registered 36,400 vehicles.
Li Auto sells only in China, so they must register 13,600 units this week to achieve its goal.
Li Auto sells only three models, all SUVs and electric range extended vehicles (EREVs). EREV is a type of plugin hybrid, where a small ICE only works as a power generator for the battery and is not connected to the wheels.
Li Auto plans to launch its first all-electric vehicle – Li Mega MPV – by the end of December, with deliveries to start in February, according to a company statement from last month.

The week 51 wasn’t good for Xpeng. The company registered only 3,900 EVs, down 18.75% from the week before. Between December 1 and 24, Xpeng sold 12,500 EVs in China.
On December 18, Xpeng introduced temporary discounts on their best-seller and Tesla Model Y competitor, Xpeng G6. The electric SUV got a 10,000 yuan (1,400 USD) haircut if bought before month’s end. This brings the price of the G6 base model under the psychological 200k yuan level to 199,900 yuan.
Xpeng G6 was responsible for 44% of all Xpeng’s sales in November, selling 8,750 units.
Xpeng sales breakdown:

• G6: 1,500 (-15% WoW)
• G9 830 (mostly flat)
• P7i 830 (+15% WoW)
• P5: 380 (-70%)

One automaker might be in trouble despite not seeing it from the chart. Neta didn’t reach the top 10 of Li Auto’s list. That means they sold less than 1,700 EVs, the lowest reported results, belonging to Voyah. Neta is struggling to leave the 2-3k weekly delivery in 2023, and despite manufacturing budget EVs with fair enough quality, it might be one of the price war victims in 2024. Between December 1 and 24, Neta sold 5,800 EVs in China.
BYD’s brand Denza registered 2,300 vehicles last week, down 17.86% from 2,800 the week before. Denza is a former joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz, which the latter exited in 2021 and kept only a 10% stake. BYD is now entirely in charge of operations. Denza sells three cars: Denza D9 MPV and N7 and N8 SUVs, which might have some cannibalization with BYD badged cars. For example, Denza N7 is a sister car of BYD Song L.
Zeekr registered 2,800 EVs last week in China, up 27.27% from 2,200 units the week before. Zeekr also sells three cars in China: the Zeekr 001 SUV fastback, the Zeekr 009 MPV, and the Zeekr X SUV. Those will be joined by the Zeekr 007 sedan, which will launch tomorrow.
Huawei’s brand Aito, which is manufactured by Seres, registered 6,000 vehicles last week, up 9.09% from 5,500 the week before. Aito is on fire recently as it introduced massive discounts on its lineup, and the Aito M5 and Aito M7 started selling well. The upcoming Aito M9 got 20k pre-orders in November and will start deliveries in February. Huawei used its deep pockets to make once struggling Aito a serious player in China’s EV race.
Aito sales breakdown

• Aito M7: 5,000 (+9% WoW)
• Aito M5: 1,000 (+11% WoW)

Volkswagen sold 6,800 EVs of its ID. series last week, up 28.30% from the week before. VW will launch the 2024 annual facelift of ID.3 on January 1, leading to discounts on current stock EVs. FAW-VW launched ID.7 Vizzion in China on December 15, which received only 300 orders in three following days, according to the report.

 

[Yommie]

Geely’s Dragon Eagle-1 first China-made automotive-grade chip is on more than 200,000 vehicles

So far, Dragon Eagle-1 can be found on the Lynk & Co 08 SUV, Lynk & Co 06 EM-P SUV, and Livan 7 SUV.

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Geely’s Dragon Eagle-1 first China-made automotive-grade chip is on more than 200,000 vehicles​

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Dong Yi Chen

December 25, 2023


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On December 25, SiEngine announced that its Dragon Eagle-1 automotive-grade 7-nanometer cockpit chip is now on more than 200,000 vehicles since the chip’s first release in December 2021. So far, Dragon Eagle-1 can be found on the Lynk & Co 08 SUV, Lynk & Co 06 EM-P SUV, and Livan 7 SUV, which are all part of the Geely Auto Group; and has received orders from other manufacturers including FAW for more than 20 vehicle models.


Dragon Eagle-1 is China’s first automotive-grade 7-nanometer system-on-chip (SoC) cockpit chip, which is an integrated circuit that compresses all of a system’s required components onto one chip. As small as the size of a fingernail (83 mm²), it has 8.8 billion transistors and 87 layers of circuits. In layman’s terms, that is equivalent to 8.8 billion small houses and 87 floors. Furthermore, Dragon Eagle-1 has an 8-core CPU, 14-core GPU, programmable NPU, ISP, VPU, and DSP clusters.

About SiEngine​

The company behind the Dragon Eagle-1 chip is SiEngine, which is a joint venture between ECARX and ARM China, established in the Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone in September 2018, dedicated to the design, development, and sales of advanced automotive electronic chips, according to the company website. ECARX is an automotive technology provider co-founded by Eric Li (Li Shufu), who is also the founder and chairman of Geely, in 2017. ARM is a chip design company under Softbank, headquartered in Cambridge, UK. As of June 30, 2022, ECARX held a 30.97% equity interest in SiEngine. As SiEngine’s important shareholders, ECARX and ARM China also provided core support for SiEngine’s early IP design and tape-out.

In both 2022 and 2023, SiEngine received three capital investments, including a strategic investment from FAW, Series A financing led by Sequoia China and followed by investors from diversified industrial chains, and Series A+ financing with participation from Teda Venture Capital and Haier Capital. Currently, SiEngine’s Chairman is Shen Ziyu, who also serves as Chairman and CEO of ECARX and Xingji Meizu, a subsidiary of Geely. So SiEngine is technically a chip company owned by Geely.

Source: SiEngine

 

[Yommie]

Skywell’s Skyworth Skyhome debuts in Hong Kong

Skyworth Skyhome Debuts in Hong Kong

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Skywell’s Skyworth Skyhome debuts in Hong Kong​

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Adrian Leung

December 25, 2023


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Recently awarded a gold medal at the 2nd Hainan International Designer Competition for its design, Skywell’s Skyworth Skyhome prototype debuted at the International MotorXpo (IMXpo) held in Hong Kong. Skyworth vehicles are also sold under the brands of Elaris and Imperium overseas.

Skyworth Auto is a brand under Jiangsu Skywell Autobomile founded in 2018 by Stephen Wong, who is also a founder of the Skyworth Group.

The Skyhome EV sits on the new CE architecture. It has two e-motors on board for 460 kW (617 hp). It can achieve 0 – 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The new EV supports 800V charging, reaching 490 km on a 10-minute charge. A single-motor model will also be available.


The side profile of the prototype has a sloping roof design. The frameless suicide doors open to show no physical B-pillars. The retractable cornice wings can tilt upward to increase 5% resistance as emergency braking is applied. Although Skyhome’s official dimensions have not been released, the large sedan is similarly sized to the Avatr 12 and the Zeekr 001. The lack of B-pillars raises concerns about its structural rigidity. However, it is still a prototype. Whether this will be incorporated into the mass-production model is yet to be determined.

At the Skyworth booth, they explained the reasoning behind the Skyhome name. It is to provide a home-like environment. It features a 4’9” screen on an ergonomic dashboard, a yoke-style steering wheel, immersive ambient lights, and a panoramic sunroof. Side mirrors were replaced by cameras.

The infotainment system is powered by Qualcomm 8295 chipset running Skyworth’s Xiaowei GPT. The rear passengers can experience a flexible TV screen with a mini-fridge.

Skyhome needs a home-run at home. Skyworth sells models EV6 and HT-i in China. Compared to the same time last year (from January to November), EV6 sales have dropped 36% from 14168 to 9125 vehicles. HT-i was released in January 2023. It only sold 7727 units till October 2023.
At IMXpo, Skyworth claimed the Skyhome is 90% production-ready. It will head into full production in 2024, planning to bring it outside China. Stay tuned for future updates.
Sources: Skywell, Yiche

 

[Yommie]

Chery Fengyun A8 plug-in hybrid sedan with 1,400 km range pre-sale starts at 18,200 USD

Earlier in September this year, Chery brought back the Fengyun series to focus on new energy vehicles. The first model is the Fengyun A8.

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Chery Fengyun A8 plug-in hybrid sedan with 1,400 km range pre-sale starts at 18,200 USD​

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Dong Yi Chen

December 24, 2023


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On December 24, Chery officially announced the pre-sale price range of its upcoming Fengyun A8 PHEV sedan at 130,000 – 150,000 yuan (18,200 – 21,000 USD). The Fengyun A8 is the PHEV version of the Arrizo 8 model that was unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April this year. The new car is expected to launch on January 3, 2024.

Earlier in September this year, Chery brought back the Fengyun series to focus on new energy vehicles and plans to launch 11 models in the next two years. The first model is the Fengyun A8.

The exterior features a large polygonal front grille, through-type taillights, a hidden exhaust outlet layout, and a roof spoiler. The car logo can also be lit up.

The Fengyun A8 measures 4780/1843/1487 mm, and the wheelbase is 2790 mm. From the side, chrome-plated decorative strips are added to details such as the side window edges, exterior mirrors, and side skirts.
The car runs on 17-inch rims with tire specifications of 215/55R17.

The interior is equipped with a 24.6-inch dual-screen comprising of an instrument panel and a central control screen that comes with a built-in Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, paired with a multi-function three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Other configurations include 10 airbags, ambient lighting, a Sony brand audio system, wireless charging for mobile phones, a large panoramic sunroof, and a level 2 advanced driving assistance system that supports adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
The powertrain comes from Chery’s Kunpeng Super Performance Electric Hybrid C-DM system consisting of a fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI hybrid engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor, mated to a DHT150. The engine outputs 115 kW and 220 Nm while the motor outputs 150 kW and 310 Nm. Its 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time is 7 seconds. In addition, its 18.3 kWh lithium battery pack provides a pure electric cruising range of 106 km (WLTC) and more than 1,400 km comprehensive range (WLTC). Under fast charging, it takes 19 minutes to replenish the battery from 30% to 80%.
Source: DongCheDi, AutoHome

 

[Yommie]

BYD’s YangWang U6 sedan spotted during road tests in China. EQS and Nio ET9 rival

YangWang U6 is a huge, luxurious sedan with the best aerodynamics of all mass-production cars.

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BYD’s YangWang U6 sedan spotted during road tests in China. EQS and Nio ET9 rival​

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Denis Bobylev

December 23, 2023


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The YangWang U6 high-end NEV sedan from BYD was spotted in China during road tests. It is a luxurious sedan with the lowest drag coefficient among all mass-production cars. This beast will become the third model under YangWang, aiming to compete with the BMW i7, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and the recently revealed Nio ET9.


For those new to our website, we will specify that YangWang (eng.: Look Up) is a high-end NEV brand under BYD. It was launched in early 2023. Its first model is the YangWang U8 off-roader with four electric motors and a sticker price of over 1 million yuan (140,000 USD). Recently, YangWang has applied for a sales license for the U9 supercar. In 2024, this newborn brand will launch a high-end sedan.

YangWang U6 spy shots​

In June 2023, the YangWang U6 was seen in one of the BYD’s service zones. However, it was in the early testing stages and didn’t even have headlights. Now, this beast of a sedan was spotted on streets next to the Denza N7 EV during road tests. The U6’s front end has a sloped bonnet line and distinguishing-looking “carving forks” (as we at CNC call them) headlights.


The YangWang U6 has cameras instead of side-view mirrors to reduce the drag coefficient. According to the Academic Annual Conference Of the Automotive Aerodynamics Committee of China, its wind resistance is just 0.195 Cd. For clarity, the current most aerodynamic vehicle is the Geely Galaxy E8 with 0.199 Cd. The runner-up is the Mercedes-EQ EQS with 0,200 Cd.

Other features of the YangWang U6 styling are retractable door handles, a sharp front-end setup, and a LiDAR sensor from RoboSense, a BYD-backed hi-tech company. RoboSense supplies hardware to IM Motors, Rising Auto, GAC Aion, YangWang, Denza, Xpeng, Lotus, Exlantix, Livan, Wey, etc. Most likely, the U6 gets the M1 LiDAR with a range of 200 meters and a horizontal field of view of 120 degrees.

Inside, the YangWang U6 adopts the design language of the U8 SUV. It has a three-screen layout with a 23.6-inch digital instrument panel and a front passenger screen. The driver’s screen has a vertical layout and a diameter of 12.8 inches. We can also notice a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters behind it. The Face-ID sensor sits on the A-pillar and monitors the driver.

YangWang U6 additional information​

The YangWang U6 was previously revealed in EU patent images. It will possibly adopt the U8’s powertrain with four e-motors. It will be available with EV, PHEV, and EREV powertrain options. Its price tag will be around 800,000 yuan (110,000 USD). Mercedes-EQ EQS, BMW i7, and the upcoming Nio ET9 will be the main competitors of the U6.
Source: Weibo, RoboSense