GAC Mitsubishi Motors (GMMC) has begun production of
an all-new electric SUV in China, dubbed the Eupheme EV. GMMC is a joint venture between
Mitsubishi Motors and Guangzhou Automobile Group — better known as GAC.
Designed by GAC, the new Eupheme EV is produced by GMMC in Changsha, Hunan
province. The Eupheme EV has a driving range of 410 km over the
combined cycle according to the Chinese test methodology.
GMMC has priced the electric SUV from RMB 135,800
(US$ 19,650) after EV subsidies. Although sharing a similar name
with the existing Eupheme PHEV, the electric model is based on a different
platform. The hybrid is based on the GAC GS4 Trumpchi SUV, while the EV shares
underpinnings with the smaller and younger GS3 model. As a result, the Eupheme
EV is shorter and has a smaller wheelbase than its plug-in hybrid counterpart.
In the beginning, GAC Mitsubishi Motors will roll
out the Eupheme EV in twelve key Chinese cities, including Beijing, Changsha,
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, and Tianjin. Additional markets will be added
later this year.
Both automakers hope the new model will support
their strategic growth goals, as well as help rapid adoption of “new energy
vehicle” (NEV) technologies in the world’s largest car market.
