Chery has launched the eQ1 electric car on the Chinese market, just days after the
company filed a trademark complaint against Mercedes-Benz. The
Germans want to use the EQ name for an EV-sub brand, but Chery
has been using the eQ EV brand since 2014. Their first
car was the eQ and now we have the new
eQ1.
The eQ1, formerly known as the S51, is a somewhat trendy mini
hatchback aimed at young car buyers living in the big cities. Price is surely
very attractive, the range starts at just 49.800 yuan and ends at 99.800 yuan
(US$ 7240-14.516), and that includes all green car subsidies.
Power comes from an electric motor mated to a
lithium ion battery with 41 horses and 120 Nm, good for a 100 km/h top speed
and a range of 180 kilometers. Charging takes six hours on 220V and 1.5 hours
for 80% on a fast-charger. Dimension size is 3200/1670/1550 mm, and wheelbase is 2150 mm.
The interior is funky to the max with orange seats,
and orange dash, a digital instrument panel and a large 10 inch touch screen. The infotainment system comes with wifi, a trip
computer, and a reversing camera.
