Smart, an unprecedented rival is coming: it will be impossible to do better. As usual, China is a harbinger of low-cost novelties
From the People’s Republic comes the new Chery Ant, a real bomb from the point of view of autonomy (about 400km) and with scooter prices. The small electric car is ready to outperform the competition also in the European market.
Have you presented the small Sportequipe S1, from the DR brand? Well its origin is to be found in the Chinese model Chery Ant, which saw the light some time ago. At the end of October last year, the Chery 2022 EQ5. It is a new model Chery in the field of electric power vehicles after the launch of 2021 EQ5. Furthermore, a new restyling is now available for 2023 which promises to be very interesting also for the European market.
As a leading automobile brand in China, Chery initiated the independent research and development of electric-powered vehicles as early as 1999. After more than 20 years of development, it has gradually gained industry-leading advantages in electric vehicle R&D system series, patenting as many as four building platforms. This is why the Asian brand has become a point of reference in China and beyond.
Smart, an unprecedented rival is coming: the new Chery Ant is ready from China
What can be considered a Chinese response to Smart, actually encompasses much more.
The EQ5 is equipped with the latest technologies Chery for new energies, including the Life technology platform, the three-in-one electric drive system and the Pilot L2+ automatic driver assistance system.
The concept of “ecological production”, so dear to the brand, is expressed both in the body entirely in aluminum and in the external coating made of high performance composite material, in the evolution of battery technology and extensible platform technology.
The “smart” component includes the following parts: battery, drive and electric propulsion.
At the same time, the 2022 EQ5 adopts a unique lightweight body reduces weight by 30% and increases stiffness by 20%, ensuring high strength and low energy consumption. In addition, an improvement of at least 30% of the vehicle’s collision protection effect is guaranteed.
Chery Ant, all the characteristics of the latest Chinese electric mini: really interesting performance
On a technical level, there are three configurations regarding the battery: 25.05, 28.86 or 29.23 kWh. There are two engines available: one with 41 HP and one with 75 HP, combined with a much larger 40.3 kWh battery.
The first smaller version features an’autonomy medium-low, of 250 or 301 km according to the cut. The second, however, it has an interesting increase up to 408 kmgreater for example than the Fiat 500 or the Peugeot 208.
On an aesthetic level, the latest restyling does not involve major external changes, while the technology inside has made progress.
Like the bodywork too the interior design is all pink and lilacwith 10.4-inch central display (in vertical position), electronically adjustable seats and support for the 4G LTE network as well as compatibility with Baidu CarLife (the Chinese version of Car Play and Android Auto).
