At this stage of development, the Chinese auto industry is undergoing significant changes. A few years ago, the designers of the Middle Kingdom managed to dispel the stereotype of the low quality of traditional cars, and today several companies are offering their developments in the high-tech segment of electric cars. Of course, it’s too early to talk about full-fledged competition with European and Japanese auto giants, but there is already an application for rivalry in the future. Moreover, in one of the parameters, the Chinese electric car certainly has superiority - this is an affordable cost. True, the same example with the successful entry of sedans and hatchbacks of the latest generations showed that along with an increase in the quality of Chinese products, the price will inevitably increase.
Features of electric vehicles from China
The niche of electric cars for many factors is suitable for the general concept of the Asian auto industry. Firstly, the segment initially focuses on reducing dependence on traditional fuels, and secondly, the producers of this region are striving to develop not yet strengthened, but promising sectors. The fact is that the Chinese electric car has a significant difference from the same "Europeans". This is not only an affordable price, but also a general orientation to the budget class. While German designers are shocking the public with new high-quality concepts on electric motors that enter the market with fabulous price tags, the Chinese are offering already worked out and modest, but effective solutions for the mass audience.
At the same time, it cannot be said that the manufacturers of the Middle Kingdom are seriously inferior in manufacturability. Their main emphasis is rather on optimizing existing ideas, adjusted for market laws. At the same time, the characteristic features that reflect the Chinese electric vehicles are also traced . In China, they strive to develop cars without taking into account the philosophy of maximum individual comfort. The engineering concept relies more on the general vision of an electric car in a modern metropolis.
Varieties of models
Chinese developers are rather sensitive to the issues of positioning their models, initially cutting off unpromising, in their opinion, segments. For example, among ecological models from the Celestial Empire, hybrid cars are almost never found. This suggests that companies see the future of electric cars exclusively in battery power cells. Nevertheless, inside the home market, the Chinese electric car is represented by different classes. First of all, models can be divided into sedans, hatchbacks and crossovers. Small city crosses are especially popular, for which, by the way, the power indicator corresponds to the European hatchback. Models differ in the type of batteries, which affects the size of the power plant, and, of course, power. Today, the Chinese are actively using lithium-ion batteries, as well as their modifications with the addition of an iron-phosphate base.
Model Specifications
Like traditional cars, electric cars are primarily rated for power. Most models are calculated for urban use, so the average performance is 90-120 liters. from. Then follow the parameters that are characteristic of electrical models. The battery capacity determines the driving range on a single charge - on average, such a machine can move 300-500 km. Again, this is subject to a single starting charge. Also, a Chinese-made electric car has attractive dynamic performance. This is mainly acceleration speed, which can take about 5-6 seconds in time.
BYD E6
BYD is one of the largest representatives of the Chinese automotive industry. It was the specialists of this brand that began to produce high-quality models of sedans and hatchbacks. Not so long ago, the electrified crossover E6 appeared on the market. The model can be called a typical electric car by European standards, but in the Asian segment it also deserves the status of a premium class. Moreover, in terms of operational parameters, the development demonstrates an example of balance and rational use of energy resources.
So, what will please the owner of the new Chinese electric car? The description of the exterior of this model, many experts reduce to such characteristics as European, family and urban. Indeed, the model lacks a catchy appearance, but at the same time provides good dynamics. Acceleration is carried out in just 10 seconds, and the maximum reaches 140 km / h. But even this is not the main advantage of the SUV. The model of many was surprised precisely by the structural filling, which again confirms the desire of the Chinese manufacturer to implement high-quality solutions from a consumer point of view. For example, a complete independent suspension gives the car a balanced handling and ride, and the braking mechanisms can count on safe and effective deceleration. As for the power plant, the charge of its Fe-battery lasts for 300 km.
Youxia x
Youxia X developers followed in the footsteps of the American company Tesla, which demonstrated the success of the concept of electric models with its Model S line. Actually, the Chinese analogue largely repeats the characteristics of the Tesla development, but it could not do without its own developments. So, in place of the front grille, the designers provided a display on which you can broadcast various graphics like a logo. It must be said that ordinary models and Chinese electric cars are rarely spoiled with such delights.
The lineup and modifications of Youxia so far are limited to one version, but with the ability to integrate batteries with different volumes. Depending on the success of the basic representative of the family, other variations, or at least restyled updates, may appear. In the meantime, Youxia X has a capacity of 350 “horses” and, with maximum battery capacity, is able to cover distances of about 450 km. What is especially interesting, this model provides acceleration to "hundreds" in just 5.6 seconds.
Xpeng Cars Beta
A rather unusual crossover is also offered by Xpeng Cars. Its Beta model is notable for being in a sense a clone of two outstanding electric vehicles at once. In general, the concept was adopted from the same Model X, and when creating the design base, the developers focused on the Lexus NX, which, however, most likely refers to hybrids. In addition, the Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles Xpeng Cars has provided its crossover and a decent quality battery from Samsung. At the capacities of this element, the electric car overcomes up to 300 km, and accelerates in 5.8 seconds. Also, unlike its already Chinese competitors, this model is distinguished by a modern multimedia complex. It is enough to note the 12.3-inch panel placed on the dashboard, as well as the 15.6-inch touch-sensitive LCD.
E-Car GD04B
The manufacturer E-Car shows an example of entering a specific niche of a company that has emerged from a completely different direction. The fact is that E-Car specializes in the production of agricultural machinery. It would seem that with such a specialization, developers should demonstrate an ultra-powerful large SUV that works on electric traction. But the GD04B model has distinguished itself in the other direction - it is a compact electric car with a power potential of 5.5 liters. from. The power plant is formed by an electric motor, which is capable of providing a speed mode of 50 km / h. A gearbox is not provided at all, and the wheels for the Chinese electric car GD04B received drum brakes. As for the maximum distance, it is only 150 km.
Price issue
It has already been noted that the segment of traditional passenger cars began to add to the price as operational and quality properties increase. But in the segment of electric vehicles, a different situation is still observed. Even Russian electrified versions of Lada can not compete with representatives of the Middle Kingdom in this parameter. For example, a standard and very high-quality offer in the form of BYD E6 can be purchased for 500 thousand rubles. This is more than an attractive amount for budget models, but there are also Chinese electric cars, the price of which is 2-3 million. This refers to the version of Youxia X, which quite successfully embodied the main advantages of the American Model X.
Positive feedback on Chinese electric cars
Even if we leave aside the price issue, then Chinese products will have many trump cards. Firstly, the tight financial framework and poor resource capabilities force developers to rationalize electric vehicles as much as possible. Reviews note that even in compact modifications, an extensive functional complex for controlling the machine is provided. Secondly, many point to the optimization of power plants. For the direct user, this means that the Chinese electric car will be both inexpensive to maintain and convenient to maintain.
In addition, one cannot ignore the successes of the Chinese in integrating their own high technologies for this segment. Premium car owners especially feel the benefits of using electronic assistants, new options and navigation systems.
Negative reviews
Manufacturers strive to deal with the prevailing opinion about low-quality Chinese products, but in a short period of time, and even more so in such a technological niche, this is not easy to do. Design flaws, negative factors from supplying mechanics with cheap consumables, as well as unsightly finishing of budget models are still noted.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that spare parts for Chinese electric vehicles are not so widespread in the territory of the Russian Federation and, for example, you can only find components and service fittings for power plants in large regional car services. Moreover, many motorists complain about the model from the Middle Kingdom precisely for low maintainability.
Conclusion
Electric cars have a lot of differences from cars equipped with ICE, but in the context of the general production strategy, similar traits are often traced. This is especially evident in the case of Chinese companies. Developers combine ergonomics, functionality and technological appeal with an affordable price in their projects. The result is a cheap Chinese electric car, which in terms of performance is practically not inferior even to premium European models.
It is clear that in such a situation, Chinese products will be noticeable success. But what explains the difference in price? In many ways, the creators of budget models achieve cost savings by saving on the basic materials and mechanisms of the working group. That is, the car receives all the operational advantages of a modern electric car, but has a lower service life and, as a rule, a template implementation of the design with decoration.