The number of Chinese electric car brands seems endless. Let's talk today about eπ, a new brand from the giant Dongfeng, which has just launched a new sedan, competing with the Tesla Model 3. A super aerodynamic, inexpensive car, which surprises with its doors, straight out of a Lamborghini. We go around it.
Taking an overview of electric car brands in China seems to be a lost task. It seems like every brand has sub-brands, and today's example is pretty telling. Dongfeng, a Chinese automobile giant, has just launched a new brand, called eπwhile he already has three (Voyah, M Hero and Nammi).
The first model of this new brand is the 007, a sedan not to be confused with the Zeekr 007, also a Chinese electric sedan. To stand out, this eπ 007 counts on some shocking arguments, such as an affordable price… And funny doors. Let's take a tour of the owner.
A classic style, doors to take care of
Style-wise, this eπ 007 is classic. We are in front of an elegant sedan, long 4.88 m long, 1.89 m wide and 1.46 m high. A body that allows an extremely low air penetration coefficient (Cx), of 0.209. Which makes it one of the most aerodynamic production cars in the world.
The only detail that is original to say the least: elytra doors ! It's certainly an option, but it stands out from the rest of the discreet sedan, with false airs of Lamborghini. They are also found on the MG Cyberster.
The interior is at first glance much less eccentric and incorporates the latest industry codes. The dashboard is very clear, with a 15.6-inch central screen and an 8.8-inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel… which can rotate to display a sportier screen!
Four versions, including three 100% electric
This eπ 007 has therefore just been launched, and four versions are already available: three 100% electric and one “range extender”. Here they are :
Regarding the version to range extender, a 28.39 kWh LFP (lithium – iron – phosphate) battery powers a 160 kW (218 hp) motor. If the battery is flat, a thermal engine comes to the rescue as a generator, extending the range of the car.
Count 200 km on the battery and 1,200 km in total…on the Chinese CLTC standard, less realistic than the European WLTP standard. We would have to start with figures of around 175 km and 1,045 km respectively in WLTP.
For the 100% electric versions, two batteries are available, 56.83 and 70.26 kWh. The small one is available with a 160 kW (218 hp) propulsion version, and promises a range of 530 km CLTC (i.e. approximately 460 km WLTP).
The large battery is available in two versions. Propulsion, with a 200 kW (272 hp) engine, promising a range of 620 km CLTC (approximately 550 km WLTP), and all-wheel drive with two motors, accumulating 400 kW (544 hp) and which can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Autonomy? 540 km CLTCor approximately 470 km WLTP.
If the charging power is not mentioned on the brand's website, eπ announces a 30-80% systematically carried out in 26 minuteswhich is not phenomenal.
Attractive prices
Let's talk price. This eπ 007 starts at 159,600 yuan with the extender version, or approximately 20,300 euros. For the 100% electric versions, it will cost 166,600 yuan (± 21,200 euros), 179,600 yuan (± 22,900 euros) and 199,600 yuan (± 25,500 euros) respectively for the three versions.
Faced with the competition, this 007 seems pretty well armed. Thus, a Tesla Model 3 in China starts at 245,900 yuan in RWD (± 31,300 euros) and 285,900 yuan (± 36,500 euros) in Long Range, certainly with higher ranges (respectively 606 and 713 km CLTC).
Especially since these low prices do not seem not be to the detriment of equipmentsince driving aids promising level 2 semi-autonomous driving are included, as are bidirectional charging functions (V2L, but also V2V and V2G, like the Renault 5 E-Tech), the glass roof or a great sound system are standard.
Will we be entitled to this eπ 007 in Europe? No information has not yet filtered, even if Dongfeng plans to market its Voyah brand in France. Be careful, however: if this umpteenth brand ever arrives here, you will, as usual, have to count on prices much higher than in China. To be continued.