China has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, with a slew of homegrown automakers vying for a piece of the fast-growing market. One of the latest contenders to enter the arena is the Pininfarina-designed Polestones 01 EREV SUV, which recently started deliveries in China. The Polestones 01 wants to challenge established players like Li Auto's L8 and L9. Developed by Rox Motor and manufactured by Beijing Automobile Works (BAW), this EREV SUV is available in six and seven seat configurations and comes with a bulky look that sets it apart in the crowded EV landscape.
The dimensions of the six-seat version are
5,050 mm/1,980 mm/1,869 mm, with a wheelbase of 3,010 mm, while the larger
seven-seat variant extends to 5,295 mm. These dimensions place the Polestones
01 in the same league as the Li Auto L8 and L9.
Under the hood, the Polestones 01 features
a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine (ICE) with 154 horsepower, manufactured
by Xinchen China Power. Unlike traditional vehicles, where the ICE directly
powers the wheels, in the Polestones 01, it acts as a generator. The propulsion
is done by two electric motors, delivering robust 476 horsepower, supported by
a 56 kWh ternary pack from CATL. This combination provides the Polestones 01
with an impressive mixed range of 1,338 km (CLTC), making it a compelling
choice for long journeys.
One of the standout features of the
Polestones 01 is its pure electric range. At 235 km electric range (CLTC), it
enables you to do most city trips without ever turning on the ICE generator. The
Polestones 01 comes with a starting price of RMB 349,900 (€ 45,600),
with a higher-tier option priced at RMB 359,900 (€ 46,900). The figures
put it in direct competition with the Li Auto L8 and L9, both of which have
been selling over 10,000 units monthly in the Chinese market. It will be
intriguing to see whether the Polestones 01 can lure customers away from these
established rivals.
