On April 12, at the iCAR brand launch event, Chery announced the five-year plan for iCAR. The Chairman of Chery Holding Group, Yin Tongyue, emphasized the importance of quickly entering the new energy market. Chery Group will invest as much money and manpower as needed for iCAR, which is a “Shenzhen Special Economic Zone” created with the full force of the company. Yin aims to achieve a different kind of success in the era of new energy.
In its long-term plan, Chery Group will invest 100 billion yuan in technology innovation over the next five years, planning to establish 300 research and development laboratories, with the Yao Guang Laboratory as the base for new technologies and projects. Yin Tongyue emotionally expressed, “I am willing to be a young iCar user. iCar should provide good service. We should be with young people. I want to act young. Acting young will keep me from getting old.”
At the press conference, iCAR brand’s second model V23 was officially released. iCAR V23 is positioned as the first car for young people, featuring a classic off-road square box design. It is a trendy and retro SUV that can be used in multiple scenarios. This electric SUV is customizable and playful, set to be launched in the second half of this year.
iCAR brand, since launching iCAR 03, has developed a unique product style. Personality and trend are the genes of iCAR brand. The newly released iCAR V23 still focuses on user-driven design concept. The model embodies the vision of “technology, future, green, ecology” with endless possibilities.
iCAR V23, developed jointly by the Zhimi entrepreneurial team and Chery, has a compact yet stylish design with a high stance and large body. The car measures 4220mm in length, 1915mm in width, and 1845mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2730mm.
Compared to other boxy cars, iCAR V23 stands out with its unique design. It is a practical electric SUV that combines classic off-road styling with a tech-savvy and sophisticated look.
iCAR V23 innovatively reserves quick-change modification interfaces on the body to cater to various interest groups, expanding customization and trendy play needs.
The iCAR V23 has a short front and rear overhang, with a front overhang of 679mm and a rear overhang of 810mm, along with a wheelbase of 2730mm, despite its compact length, it has a spacious interior.
It is worth mentioning that the front approach angle and rear departure angle of iCAR V23 are very suitable for challenging non-paved roads, greatly increasing passability. The two-wheel drive version has an approach angle of 42 degrees and a departure angle of 40 degrees, while the four-wheel drive version has slightly different angles, with an approach angle of 43 degrees and a departure angle of 41 degrees.
iCAR V23 features a load-bearing body structure and is equipped with 255/55 R19 and 265/45 R21 wheels.
The iCAR V23 combines off-road and cool elements, such as hidden door handles, LED lights, roof rack, side steps, and large black wheel arches, giving it a strong off-road vibe.
In terms of interior design, iCAR V23 continues the simple and stylish style of iCAR 03. The air vents and central console cover are more exquisite. The central control area features knobs and physical buttons. The overall layout is neat, with many rectangular combinations on the console. The cover uses a variety of materials, providing a delicate touch.
Combining physical buttons with a 15.7-inch 2.5K floating central control screen, built-in 8155 cockpit chip, with the full range of standard ecology, 3D HMI human-machine interface based on Unreal Engine, is a fusion of machinery and technology, customized for iCAR V23, supporting mainstream games and VR games, bringing a different experience. And based on the Android car system, it can meet multiple commands such as driving directions and entertainment in parallel.
In terms of power, iCAR V23 offers single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive models. The rear-wheel drive model has a range of over 400 kilometers, while the all-wheel drive model can reach over 500 kilometers. In terms of intelligent driving, the iCAR V23 model is equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving, using Horizon J3+TDA4 hardware, 8 million front camera, 3 million surround view camera, 5 millimeter-wave radars, capable of high-speed NOA and memory parking.
In terms of power battery, iCAR has a range of 400-500+ km, meeting the needs of short-distance urban use. For weekend camping, this car’s off-road capabilities can also take family and friends. In the future, iCAR will be equipped with efficient range-extending power, using a 44.5% efficient hybrid engine and a 5-in-1 highly integrated asynchronous front-wheel drive extender.
After the release of iCAR V23, the iCAR brand officially launched its brand’s sub-line model iCAR X25, known as the One Box off-road MPV. The main reason for developing this model is to optimize the layout of wheels, motors, batteries, and body in the most rational way based on first principles, giving it advantages in space utilization, efficiency, and off-road capability. It is positioned as an extended platform for the lifestyle of the new generation of young people.
In addition to the two models mentioned above, a rugged SUV will be launched this year.
iCAR brand is Chery’s carrier in the new energy era, with strong investment from the group and deep cooperation with Zhimi and Ningde Times, iCAR has more product strength and core competitiveness. Whether V23 or X25, they have the style of more 3C digital products, such as the exquisite design of electronic products, the precision of the interior and exterior molds, and the operating logic of the car system, which completely changes the concept of car manufacturing. Dr. Su Jun, the Chief Product Officer of iCAR, has joined, forming a unique category of product strength for iCAR V23, because Dr. Su Jun is a senior car enthusiast, a super product manager, and a senior entrepreneur who has created many popular home appliances. These experiences and practical accumulations have given iCAR V23 the potential to become a popular product. In summary, iCAR is taking a route that combines cars, digital technology, and trends, allowing more young people to choose. With the safest quality control and battery safety as the foundation, the iCAR brand is creating a new category in the automotive market.