China Auto Thread


BYD Seagull safety and cold weather performance​


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Mark Andrews

March 12, 2024


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BYD Seagull electric car on display at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.

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With small cars like the BYD Seagull people always in their minds have doubts about how safe they are. Thanks to the official WeChat account of China Automotive Evaluation we now know the BYD Seagull recently completed evaluation in accordance with the “Special Evaluation Regulations for Micro Electric Vehicles”, and the evaluation results have now been announced after being reviewed by the Automobile Evaluation Management Center of China Automotive Center.

Not only does this testing tell us more about the safety of the BYD Seagull but it also gives us more information about how the car’s range and charging perform under different temperature conditions.
Although there is still no official C-NCAP score Autohome reports that the recent tests were based on the framework of C-NCAP and CCRT evaluation systems, and are mainly used for professional testing and rating of micro electric vehicles, including three categories: use safety, battery life charging, and collision safety.

BYD Seagull electric car on display at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show.
Crucially the BYD Seagull received a 3A rating of excellence in the test with an average score rate of 92.2%. The score consists of three elements: safety of use which received 91.8%, battery life charging 90.3% and collision safety 94.5%. Safety of use consists of at least five criterion. First of all the BYD Seagull is 100% safe to charge, also the given distance for braking in the wet is 34.1 meters and for purpose of the test that seems to be the distance required to go from 80 km/h to 20 km/h.
Tests were also carried out to measure range at different temperatures. The BYD Seagull has a nominal range of 405 km using the CLTC cycle. However tests showed that this reduced to 394 km at 23°C. At low temperatures the loss was far worse, the car showed range of 243 km at -7°C, and at this temperature AC charging speed was 6.98 kW/h.

Crash safety results gave the BYD Seagull scores of 78.79%, 100% and 87.10% respectively in the frontal collision, side collision and whiplash tests.

Since the BYD Seagull launched last year the car has become the brand’s best seller. The 2024 version, the Honor Edition, launched on March 6 with a total of three versions priced from 69,800 to 85,800 yuan (9,700 to 11,950 USD). Power comes from a 55 kW motor and the BYD Seagull comes with a choice of 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh battery packs, giving CLTC ranges of 305 km and 405 km respectively. Batteries are of course the famous Blade battery.
 

BYD introduces the refreshed e2 Honor Edition, starts at 12,400 USD​


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Naveed Rastegar

March 13, 2024


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March 13th marks the addition of a new member to the BYD “Honor” family. The BYD e2 Honor Edition was officially launched, featuring two models with a CLTC (China standardized testing) pure electric range of 405 km and an official price range of 89,800 (12,400 USD) to 96,800 yuan (13,400 USD). This edition refreshes the previous e2 launched in April last year. The most notable difference is the price, with its starting model being 1500 USD cheaper than its predecessor. This is indicative of the ongoing price war in China’s EV sector.

The BYD e2 Honor Edition is part of the BYD Ocean series. It comes equipped with more than 12 core features, including blade batteries, a heat pump air conditioning system, an NFC car key with smartphone connectivity, and fast charging capability.

The BYD e2 Honor Edition continues the design language of the Ocean series with a newly designed closed front grille, slim headlights, and a three-section lower intake grille. The side profile features a sleek body shape with side skirts that run from the front to the rear, accentuated by decorative trims. The dimensions of the new e2 are 4260/1760/1530 mm, with a wheelbase of 2610 mm, making it slightly longer than the previous model.


The interior of the e2 Honor Edition maintains a minimalist style. The new intelligent rotating pad has been upgraded to a 10.1-inch screen (Comfort model) or a 12.8-inch screen (Luxury model), equipped with DiLink smart connectivity and intelligent voice interaction systems. The entire lineup also features an 8.8-inch full LCD instrument cluster.

Regarding standout features, the BYD e2 Honor Edition offers VTOL discharge technology, enabling external discharge of up to 3.3 kW. Additionally, users of the e2 Honor Edition can use the NFC car key on their smartphones to lock and unlock the vehicle.

The vehicle has e-platform 3.0 and an integrated eight-in-one electric powertrain system. It is reported that the high integration and enhanced power density of the system significantly improve overall efficiency. Standard across the lineup, the heat pump system regulates the battery pack temperature using direct cooling and heating technology, even in low-temperature winter conditions, increasing the driving range by over 10%. In terms of performance, the e2 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power output of 70 kW.


In terms of safety, the e2 Honor Edition features the standard high-safety LFP blade battery that combines battery safety with system energy density. The vehicle structure utilizes a 3H high-strength design, with high-strength steel accounting for over 50% of the structure.
Source: PC Auto
 

Study shows BYD Seal and Dolphin are two of the world’s safest cars​


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Mark Andrews

March 13, 2024


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BYD Seal tops safety report

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Many people still have lingering doubts about the safety of Chinese cars partly as a result of the hangover of some pretty terrible early crash test results in the early 2000s and even some more recent results like the MG 5 gaining a 0 rating in the Australian ANCAP test. However, results just out of a study by Compare the Market Australia rank the BYD Seal and Dolphin as the safest cars available globally with the Seal taking first place and the Dolphin taking second.

The two cars joined the Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander and Tesla Model Y in the top five. “The BYD Seal and Dolphin demonstrated high safety scores against the strictest 2023 testing criteria from Australasian and European safety authorities, in addition to universally standard safety assistance systems globally,” said Adrian Taylor, Compare the Market’s Executive General Manager of General Insurance.
In the study by the car insurance experts 32 models available in most of six markets were examined across six data points. Countries looked at were Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the United Kingdom, United States and Canada and these markets are covered by three different safety authorities. To gain an overall safety rating the ratings of the three individual agencies were analyzed under Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global NCAP). In addition the study looked at whether key safety assistance systems were universally available on each model.

BYD Seal (Atto 4) long range electric sedan being driven on the road in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province China.BYD Seal (Atto 4) long range electric sedan being driven on the road in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province China.A BYD Seal (Atto 4) electric sedan in a glamping field in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province China.BYD Seal
Along with ANCAP, Euro NCAP and NHTSA rating the remaining data points were reversing camera, AEB and lane assist and whether these three items were standard on the base model in all the studied countries.
Not all the models were available in every market such as with the BYD Seal and Dolphin not being available in North America and so to take this into account indexed scores from the other two safety bodies were averaged to produce an assumed score.
BYD Dolphin small electric hatchback car being driven on the road in Putuo District, Shanghai, China.BYD Dolphin small electric hatchback car being driven on the road in Putuo District, Shanghai, China.BYD Dolphin small electric hatchback car being driven on the road in Putuo District, Shanghai, China.BYD Dolphin
Helping the BYD Seal and Dolphin rank so high was that they are both tested using the latest safety criteria. Cars tested using criteria from 2022 or earlier were penalized which meant that although the Tesla Model Y had a higher individual safety score than the two BYD cars the Tesla lost 25 per cent due to being tested using 2020-2022 criteria.

Both BYD models received five stars in the 2023 versions of ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing. Helping them top the ranking was the inclusion of items like the 360° camera, lane assistance and AEB as standard in the Australasian and European markets.

Editor’s note:​

This news follows shortly after tests showing the safety of the BYD Seagull. It shows that BYD is not only a serious player in the EV market but is also a safe one. Back in 2022 I visited BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters and saw the safety test facility which is state of the art and one of the largest in China.
Source: Compare the Market
 

Nio’s Onvo L60 coupe-SUV leaked in China, to compete with Tesla Model Y​


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Jiri Opletal

March 13, 2024


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Nio's Onvo L60, codenamed Alps DOM

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The first EV under Nio’s new mass-market brand, codenamed Alps, leaked in China without camouflage. The spy shots revealed a coupe-SUV with an N-shaped logo and English letters ONVO. The model codename was DOM; spy shots reveal it will be called L60.

Nio didn’t officially confirm the name of its new brand. However, the Onvo logo was leaked last year when Nio patented the name. The Chinese name is 乐道 (Ledao). Local media published a screenshot of Nomi, Nio’s in-car assistant, confirming the new name.

Onvo L60 will sit on the new NT3 platform and feature a swappable battery. The powertrain hasn’t been revealed yet, but CarNewsChina expects it will have a single rear-wheel-drive motor. The battery capacity is also unknown – all Nio cars on the market have a 75 kW or 100 kW option. As Onvo will be a mass-market brand, it will most likely offer lower-capacity packs. Chinese outlet Autohome speculates the packs might be 60 kWh and 90 kWh.

Onvo logo patent images from 2023.
Based on spy shots, we can see there are two high-definition cameras on the sides of the windshield; the lidar is missing.
Onvo will focus on the 200,000 – 300,000 yuan (27,800 – 41,700 USD) market segment, positioned right under Nio-badged cars. William Li, Nio’s founder and CEO, revealed that Onvo will be unveiled in the second quarter, launched in the third quarter, and deliveries will start in the fourth quarter.
In 2025, Nio will launch another brand, codenamed Firefly, positioned under Onvo and focusing on small cars for the European market. The first EV under the Firefly brand was recently spotted roadtesting in heavy camo. It will compete against VW ID.3, Zekr X, or BYD Yuan UP.


Onvo will have its own independent sales network, and after-sales will be shared with current Nio’s aftersales system. Onvo L60 will take on the Tesla Model Y, and Li even appealed to customers who want to purchase the Tesla SUV to wait for the Onvo L60 launch. CarNewsChina previously published spy shots of the new Onvo in camouflage with the writing on the rear windshield saying “Better than Model Y.”
William Li also previously announced that the Alps/Onvo first SUV will be 10% cheaper than Model Y while featuring additional comforts such as a refrigerator, TV, or large sofas.
 

Mini Aceman revealed in China and will debut in Beijing​


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Mark Andrews

March 13, 2024


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Mini Aceman

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The Mini Aceman has been revealed by a government regulator in China and will likely debut at an event in Beijing on the eve (April 24) of the 2024 Beijing Auto Show. It will be the second car produced by Spotlight Automotive the joint venture formed by BMW and Great Wall Motor (GWM) following on from the all-electric Mini Cooper.

Further details of the Mini Aceman and Aceman S were revealed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) including pictures and critical specifications.
Size wise the two versions are identical with width of 1754 mm and height of 1515 mm and a wheelbase of 2606 mm. Curiously there are two lengths listed as 4076 and 4094 mm for both the two cars and the difference is purely in the front and rear overhangs. Examination of the listings tells us that the greater length is due to optional front and rear bumpers which increase the car’s length.

Mini Aceman
The Mini Aceman slots in between the Mini five-door and the Mini Countryman. While the style is very identifiably Mini the front headlight cluster is no longer round but angular. In keeping with being an EV the new car adopts a closed front face with only a thin air vent at the bottom. The Aceman S gains a silver skid plate and accenting along with an ‘S’ badge.
Mini Aceman S
Like the headlights the sides of the car are that bit more angular than we’re used to with Mini styling and the car has a floating roof thanks to the blacked out pillars and mirrors. At the back the roof has a spoiler and the car of course has the iconic split Union Jack lights. Wheels come in 17, 18 and 19-inch varieties.
Various options shown in MIIT listing information
The Mini Aceman has a 135 kW electric motor and a 40 kWh battery pack which should be good for a range of around 300 km, top speed is 160 km/h. The Mini Aceman S is faster with a top speed of 170 km/h thanks to a more powerful 160 kW motor. Range is also up at around 400 km due to the larger 54.2 kWh battery pack. Both batteries are ternary lithium (NCM) and none too surprisingly come from Great Wall subsidiary Svolt.

Spotlight Automotive who produce the Mini Aceman was established with a registered capital of 1.7 billion yuan (232.7 million USD) in 2019 to accelerate Mini’s electrification strategy by manufacturing future fully-electric Mini models at a factory in the city of Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province. GWM and BMW each hold 50% of the shares of the joint venture. The cooperation model between the two parties can be summarized as a “joint venture without joint venture”, whereby they jointly develop and produce cars, but the products are sold separately through their respective sales networks.

Editor’s note:​

Spotlight Automotive seems to be one of the strangest JVs in China. BMW already had a JV with Brilliance (now 75% owned) and there seemed to be little point in the second JV. It also took ages to get off the ground by Chinese standards and actually produce anything. Also the deal was inked just before the requirement for a JV partner was lifted for manufacturers of EVs, as subsequently exploited by Tesla.
 

Volkswagen ID.UNYX coupe-SUV revealed in China as Cupra Tavascan sibling​


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Jiri Opletal

March 13, 2024


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Volkswagen ID.UNYX

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All-electric Volkswagen ID.UNYX has been revealed in China by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for the first time. It is a sister car of Cupra Tavascan, and the all-wheel drive model packs two e-motors with 250 kW (335 hp) output and a ternary NMC battery from CATL.

ID.UNYX will be manufactured by Volkswagen Anhui, a joint venture (JV) between Volkswagen and former Nio’s contract manufacturer Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group, better known as JAC. The JV was established in 2017, with both parties holding even shares, but in 2020, Volkswagen raised its stake in the company to 75%.

Cupra Tavascan is manufactured in the same Volkswagen Anhui plant as ID.UNYX, however, is for export only, while ID.UNYX will be dedicated to the domestic market.

Volkswagen ID.UNYX will come in two variants:
  • AWD with 170 kW rear motor and 80 kW front motor with combined
  • power 250 kW
  • RWD with a single 170 kW motor
ID.UNYX is a four-door, five-seater on the MEB platform. Its dimensions are (L/H/W) 4663/1860/1610 mm, and its wheelbase is 2766 mm. The curb weight is 2,266 kg for the AWD version and 2,166 kg for the RWD version. The EV drives on 21-inch wheels, and the maximum speed is limited to 160 km/h for both versions.
The new EV will officially launch later this year, and the submitted application for a sales license hints the car will be unveiled formally soon – possibly at the Beijing Auto Show in April.
 

Zeekr MIX revealed in China​


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Mark Andrews

March 13, 2024


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Zeekr MIX

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The Zeekr MIX has been revealed by a government regulator in China and is really quite a different looking car. Chinese media don’t seem to know what to make of it with some referring to it as an SUV and others as an MPV, we’re going to call it an MPV. It will be the fifth production model from the Geely backed all-electric Zeekr brand. What we are wondering is whether MIX is the English word ‘mix’ or is it actually 1009 as in the Roman numerals?

Further details of the Zeekr MIX were revealed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) including pictures and critical specifications. The car seems to be very similar if not the same as the previously spotted CM2E which is based on the M-Vision concept and is probably the private buyer’s version of the Waymo robotaxi.
The dimensions of the car are really quite unusual with a long wheelbase of 3008 mm but a relatively short length of 4688 mm, width and height are 1995 and 1755 mm respectively.


Design language of the MIX is similar to the Zeekr 007. There’s a through type light bar at the front controlled by 75 high-power chips and the headlights have a slender shape. The front is largely fully closed except for some thick black air intakes at the bottom which are very similar to the ones on the 007.
Black pillars and inserts help give the car a floating roof type design. At the moment there is quite a lot of speculation about how the doors are opened with not even hidden door handles visible. This speculation is furthered by the front seatbelts being fixed to the seats rather than the sides of the car. The door handles are a very clear difference from spy shots of the CM2E.
At the back the MIX has a simple design which echoes the front. From the options list we know top spec versions will gain Lidar.

MIIT pictures showing options available for the Zeekr MIX
Currently not much is known about the interior other than from spy shots. From these we can see the MIX has the Zeekr family steering wheel and a large center screen. We also know that the center console seems to have different configurations. Fast Technology are claiming that the front row can have a three-seat layout but the MIIT listings clearly state the MIX is a five-seat car and so this seems unlikely.
Spy shots of the Zeekr MIX interior
Power is 310 kW produced by a TZ235XYC01 electric motor which is the same as in the Zeekr 007. Batteries are ternary lithium (NCM) and from CATL but assembled by Geely in Sichuan Province. The car sits on Geely’s SEA-M platform.
We will bring you more information on this car as we get it. A debut is likely at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show and the Zeekr MIX will likely make its way to Europe in 2025.
Source:MIIT, Fast Technology, Autohome
 

Xiaomi SU7: further details and launch date emerge​


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Naveed Rastegar

March 14, 2024


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Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese consumer electronics giant, introduced its first electric vehicle (EV), the Xiaomi SU7, in December last year. Yesterday, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China released details of this vehicle’s RWD version, highlighting Xiaomi’s compliance with regulatory standards and setting the stage for the forthcoming market release slated for March 28th.

The SU7 RWD engine boasts a maximum power output of 220 kW and a torque of 400 Nm. Its rear-wheel drive configuration offers impressive acceleration, achieving the 0-100 km/h mark in just 5.28 seconds. The Xiaomi SU7 RWD version has a sleek and aerodynamic design. Xiaomi aims to maximize efficiency and performance with a low drag coefficient of only 0.195 Cd. Its battery has a 73.6 kWh capacity, providing a 668 km range under the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) standard.

The SU7 is slightly longer than the Porsche Taycan, which many compare to the vehicle. Its dimensions are 4997/1963/1455 mm, with a wheelbase of 3000 mm. The car has a fairly large 105-liter trunk and 517-liter boot space.

Inside the SU7 RWD version, passengers can expect a technologically advanced cabin. The vehicle features a 16.1-inch central control screen with a 3k resolution and a 7.1-inch instrument panel. Rear passengers are also treated to two additional screens. Xiaomi’s Pilot ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) integrates advanced technologies such as lidar, millimeter-wave radars, HD cameras, and ultrasonic radars, enabling various autonomous driving capabilities, including highway driving, self-parking, and car summoning.

Manufactured by BAIC Off-road Vehicle Co., a Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. Ltd (BAIC) subsidiary, the Xiaomi SU7 RWD version is set to hit the market on March 28, 2024. Lei Jun, the company’s CEO and founder, received some backlash among netizens when pricing wasn’t revealed. Fueling speculation about a higher price tag. Previously, Lei Jun said that some fans have unrealistic expectations about the price and to stop trolling with guesses as 99,900 yuan (14,000 USD) or 149,900 yuan (21,000 USD). CarNewsChina expects the price to be around 300,000 yuan (42,000 USD). We will find out soon enough, in a few weeks.

Source: MIIT and Baijiahao
 

Chery Fulwin T10 PHEV revealed in China​


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Mark Andrews

March 14, 2024


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Chery Fulwin T10 revealed

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The Chery Fulwin T10 PHEV has been revealed by a government regulator in China. It has taken us by surprise as we assumed that the Fulwin T9 shown last month was the PHEV version of the Chery Tiggo 9, the T10 however seems to be yet another version but is slightly bigger than both the base car and the Fulwin T9.

Further details of the Chery Fulwin T10 were revealed by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) including pictures and critical specifications. What we can tell is that the Chery Fulwin T10 has the same 2820 mm wheelbase as both the Chery Tiggo 9 and the Fulwin T9.
Length however is the largest at 4850 mm compared to 4820 mm for the Tiggo 9 and just 4795 mm for the Fulwin T9. Width is the same for all three cars at 1930 mm and the height for the T10 is 1712 mm which is taller than the Tiggo 9 but shorter than the Fulwin T9. It seems that the T10 is being positioned as the flagship SUV of the Fulwin brand.

The Fulwin T10 is available in only five and six seater versions whereas the T9 is a five or seven seater. Buyers have a choice of versions with 18, 19 and 20-inch wheels. There are two separate MIIT listings with one presumably for the base version and the other the higher trim level. The base model weighs in at 1935 kg and is only available as a five seater. On the other hand the higher spec version is heavier at 2028 kg for the five seater and 2069 kg for the six seater.

Power comes from Chery’s Kungpeng Super Performance Electric Hybrid C-DM system consisting of a SQRH4J15 engine with a displacement of 1499 cc and permanent magnet synchronous motors, mated to a 1DHT gearbox. The 1.5T engine is good for 115 kW and 220 Nm while the motor outputs 150 kW/310 Nm. MIIT just list the car as having a ternary lithium (NCM) battery pack from CATL with no further details.
Design wise the car continues the style of the Fulwin range and the front face is very similar to the Fulwin T9 but the T10 uses more vertical decoration on the front grille. There also seems to be an option of a more ICE like open front grille.

Options for the Chery Fulwin T10
The car will likely be shown at the Beijing Auto Show and is expected to list on May 15. Prices will probably be in the region of 180,00 to 250,000 yuan (25,050-34,800 USD).
 

Zeekr MIX minivan spotted in the wild in China​


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Mark Andrews

March 14, 2024


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Zeekr MIX spy shot

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Just a day after we brought you MIIT information about the Zeekr MIX more information is emerging. We’re still not quite sure how to say that name but the mystery of the doors seems to be solved.

Pictures of a camouflaged MIX show a conventional opening driver’s door along with sliding passenger door. On the other side it seems that both the passenger doors have a form of sliding arrangement.
Also we now have pictures of a Zeekr in the wild without camouflage thanks to a gold version being spotted testing in Heihe, up in the far north of Heilongjiang Province on the Russian border. It seems that the MIX will have two-tone paintwork, the spied version is gold and black while the MIIT pictures showed a white and black example. The front 90-inch integrated smart light curtain, which is independently controlled by 75 automotive-grade high-power chips also appears dark which adds to the effect. We can tell from the lack of Lidar and the 19-inch wheels on the spied car that it is a lower spec version.

Reports indicate that the front seats can be rotated by 180° and this would help explain why the seatbelts seem to be attached to the seats rather than the side of the car. This would also explain the dual sliding doors that the spy shots seem to show on the passenger side of the car. The front center console is also likely moving and presumably the car has some sort of conference type function use for the interior space. Presumably the front passenger could be facing the back when in motion which would probably make a good marketing feature to families.
Two versions have been declared, with curb weights of 2639kg and 2739kg respectively and so we can conclude that there might be two different battery capacities for the Zeekr MIX. Both use the same 310 kW (440 Nm torque) silicon carbide rear motor as in the Zeekr 007. The Zeekr MIX will almost certainly use 800V architecture.
The Zeekr MIX has unusual dimensions with a long wheelbase of 3008 mm but a relatively short length of 4688 mm, width and height are 1995 and 1755 mm respectively. Zeekr are obviously hoping for this to be a hit following on from the 007 and the car is likely to be heading to Europe next year.

Source: Autohome, Fast Technology
 

Dongfeng eπ 007 enters market at 22,100 USD in China​


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Dong Yi Chen

March 15, 2024


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On March 14, Dongfeng launched its eπ 007 electric sedan, which is available in four models, including EREV and BEV versions, with a price range of 159,600 – 199,600 yuan (22,100 – 27,800 USD). Delivery for the BEVs will start on March 14, while the EREV delivery will start on August 1. is an EV brand under Dongfeng.


Positioned as a medium-to-large sedan, the Dongfeng eπ 007 measures 4880/1895/1460 mm with a 2915 mm wheelbase. Its drag coefficient is 0.209cd. Both scissor doors and an electric rear wing are optional. Overall, the new car offers seven exterior colors for consumers to choose from, namely, purple, white, lime, green, gold, black, and gray.

When lit up, both the headlights (composed of 104 LED units) and taillights (composed of 230 LED units) are highly recognizable.

A 1.82㎡ panoramic sunroof brings in lots of natural light.
In terms of intelligent driving, the Dongfeng eπ 007 features functionalities including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, merging assist, blind spot monitoring, and lane change assist. An optional higher-end driving assistance system is also available, including upgrades to 31 sensing hardware (12 cameras, 12 ultrasonic radars, five millimeter-wave radars, and a positioning unit) and remote parking.

Inside, the cockpit minimized the number of physical buttons, with the functionalities grouped inside a flippable 8.8-inch full LCD instrument panel and a 15.6-inch central control screen, along with a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The vehicle operating system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.

Other configurations include a 20-speaker audio system, 64-color ambient lighting, 50 W mobile phone wireless charging, and front seat ventilation/heating.
The entire series is equipped with lithium iron phosphate battery packs and the fast charging time from 30% to 80% is 26 minutes.
  • 200Pro (EREV): 160 kW/310 Nm rear electric motor, 28.39 kWh battery pack, 200 km pure electric range, 1,200 km comprehensive range, 7.2 sec 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time
  • 530Pro (BEV): 160 kW/310 Nm rear electric motor, 56.83 kWh battery pack, 530 km pure electric range, 6.8 sec 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time
  • 620Pro (BEV): 200 kW/320 Nm rear electric motor, 70.26 kWh battery pack, 620 km pure electric range, 5.8 sec 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time
  • 540AWD Max (BEV): 400 kW/640 Nm dual motors, 70.26 kWh battery pack, 540 km pure electric range, 3.9 sec 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time
Source: eπ007, dongchedi, AutoHome
 

Upgraded Tank 500 Hi4-T to launch March 18​


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Mark Andrews

March 15, 2024


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Tank 500 Hi4-T

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An upgraded version of the GWM Tank 500 Hi4-T will launch on March 18. While all-electric range remains the same a new engine and intelligent four-wheel drive help reduce fuel consumption. Also the car gets an upgraded human-machine interface.

The Tank 500 Hi4-T is a PHEV using a 37.1 kWh battery pack along with a 2.0T engine which can both power the wheels and act as a generator. The upgrade does not change this basic configuration. What has changed is the engine the new car uses, with it getting the E20NB engine whereas the existing car has the E20NA. The new engine uses the Miller cycle, what that actually is is beyond this article suffice to say that it is meant to increase the efficiency of the engine. Maximum power of 185 kW and peak torque of 380 Nm are same as before.
Where the benefit lies is with fuel economy. This is further helped by a new intelligent four-wheel drive system. With the upgrades fuel consumption drops from 9.55 liters to 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers.

Shanghai, China – 04262023: A Tank 500 Hi4-T a PHEV SUV from Great Wall Motors being driven on a test drive.Shanghai, China – 04262023: A Tank 500 Hi4-T a PHEV SUV from Great Wall Motors being driven on a test drive.Shanghai, China – 04262023: A Tank 500 Hi4-T a PHEV SUV from Great Wall Motors being driven on a test drive.
There are no changes to the electric motor which powers the front wheels producing 120 kW power and 400 Nm torque. When combined with the petrol engine the system power is 300 kW and combined torque is 750 Nm.
The upgrade also extends to a new generation of intelligent vehicle-machine interface system. This should mean the user interface is more intuitive and improve mobile phone connectivity.
The new human machine interface
Visually the new car is identical to the existing model.

Sales of the Tank 500 began in 2022 and the car is a large five seat SUV measuring in at 5078, 1934, 1905 mm (l/w/h) with a wheelbase of 2850 mm. The Tank 500 Hi4-T only went on sale last year and has sold well. Sales in January 2024 alone were 5,045 which given the list price of 335,000 yuan (46,550 USD) is reasonable.
Tank is a brand from Great Wall Motor and was launched with the Tank 300 and has since grown to include the Tank 330, 400, 500, 700 and soon to launch 800. It is sold both within China and overseas, notably in Middle Eastern and the Australian markets. The Tank 500 was the brand’s second model.

Editor’s note:​

The Tank 500 Hi4-T has been on sale for less than a year and is already being upgraded. I drove the car in April last year before it went on sale and one issue was that it used a lot of electricity and fuel. Hopefully the upgraded engine will help with the situation and make the car more attractive to buyers. Presumably the Hi4-T versions of the Tank 300 and 400 will receive this upgraded engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system in the coming months as well
Source: Autohome
 

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