Roewe E50
This
Roewe E50 followed in concept form at the 2012 Beijing motor show, and then
entered production at the start of 2013.
The
Roewe E50 is a city car-sized four seater whose clean lines and unfussy looks
inside and out complement the electric drivetrain. It is powered by a 71 bhp
motor and 18 KWh battery pack. It has a claimed 120 mile range if you drive at
a consistent 45 mph and a top speed of 81 mph. A 30 minute charge from a standard
socket delivers a theoretical 90 mile range, while a six-hour charge tops the
battery out.
The
interior is unfussy but practical. Excellent packaging means there is a decent
amount of room, even in the back. Two six-footers can comfortably sit one
behind the other.
On
the move, the car delivers an involved and refined drive. Performance is good,
the steering feel pleasantly engaging and the balance especially decent for a
car with such a short wheelbase. Despite being small and weighing over a tonne,
it feels nimble.
The
ride on the short but surprisingly bumpy test track we sampled it on was well
controlled. Only the sharpness of the response from the brakes is sub-optimal
but, all in, it delivers more than enough to be a pleasant city companion.
It’s
only on sale in China, but if you live there – and more specifically in
Shanghai – the national and local government incentives to do so are
compelling.
The
Chinese government sees electric car technology as an opportunity for its
homegrown car makers to leapfrog some of the established competition, as well
as reduce pollution. Therefore, it wants Chinese buyers to favour such
products, and offers incentives of around £ 7000
to buyers.
In
Shanghai, this price reduction is complemented by a further £ 2500 incentive
plus the waiving of an £ 8000 licence plate fee.
