Today, we test drive two lesser-known new energy models. One is the Yichi 05, and the other is the Yizhi EV3 Plus. Both come from Jiangling Group New Energy. When people think of Jiangling, they often think of Jiangling Motors’ commercial vehicles. In reality, Jiangling Motors and Jiangling Group New Energy are both part of Jiangling Group.
Jiangling Group New Energy formed in 2015. In 2019, it became a joint venture with Renault. So, we are test-driving two joint venture products. Let’s quickly review the highlights of these two cars. The Yizhi EV3 Plus targets the microcar segment. It has a body length of over 3700mm, offering excellent space compared to other microcars. It features a 50kW motor, providing better acceleration than most competitors in its class. The car also boasts a CLTC range of 330km. Its wheelbase of 1420mm front and rear enhances stability. The Yichi 05 sports a coupe-style design. It measures 4675x1835x1480mm with a wheelbase of 2750mm. Its suspension includes a front MacPherson and rear multi-link setup, focusing on comfort and smooth power delivery. Yizhi EV3 Plus—compact and agile.
The Easy EV3 Plus is a compact electric vehicle. It launched in January this year. The price ranges from 62,800 to 66,800 yuan (9170$). It targets budget-conscious buyers. The car offers strong performance and good range.
Many electric vehicles in the same class have motors around 30 kW. The Easy EV3 Plus features a motor with a maximum power of 50 kW. It uses a 30.24 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. Its energy consumption is 10.8 kWh per 100 km. Therefore, its range under CLTC conditions is 330 km. This is quite impressive for its class.
The overall shape is small and cute. It gives a silly and adorable visual feel. The side view shows a floating roof design. A small spoiler sits at the top of the rear. The car measures 3720mm long, 1640mm wide, and 1535mm high, with a wheelbase of 2390mm. Buyers can choose from four colors: Misty Blue, Sky Blue, Xiangfei Pink, and Moonlight White. The design targets female family users.
The interior color scheme looks bright. It features a 10.1-inch central control screen. This size stands out in its class. The functions exceed expectations. It supports single-zone voice control. It also offers 4G connectivity and app remote control. Currently, it only works with Android phones.
To be honest, it is larger than similar models. The Wuling Hongguang MINIEV four-door version measures 3256mm in length. The Yizhi EV3 Plus is 3720mm long. Its second row is visibly spacious. It can comfortably seat an average-sized adult.
The driving experience focuses on flexibility. You can clearly feel the 50kW motor. It outperforms the 30kW competitors in its class.
The suspension combines a front MacPherson and a rear torsion beam. This setup is standard at this price point. The overall handling feels stable. The Easy EV3 Plus has a wide track for a microcar. Both front and rear tracks measure 1420mm. Many competitors have tracks under 1300mm. The Yichiji 05 is a balanced pure electric family sedan. It officially launched in January 2025. Currently, it offers three configurations. The official price range is 129,800 to 179,800 yuan (24690$).
The overall appearance features a coupe style. The front has a closed design. The headlights look sharp and sporty. Buyers can choose from five colors: Twilight Blue, Distant Mountain Purple, Moonlight White, Ink Black, and Sky Blue.
The car features hidden door handles. It has a pronounced fastback design. Its stance appears youthful. The car boasts a drag coefficient of 0.267.
The taillight design resembles an ancient Chinese weapon called a ge. The car measures 4675 mm in length, 1835 mm in width, and 1480 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2750 mm. The dimensions are quite balanced.
The interior layout is traditional. The lines are soft. It features a dual-screen design. The steering wheel has a two-spoke shape.
The car uses a hybrid gear shift. This design creates flexible space in the center console. The vehicle also includes an electronic handbrake and a wireless charging pad. Overall, the layout is quite reasonable.
The Yichi 05 aims for mainstream sedan status. Its second row offers ample space. Legroom and headroom are generous. The seat padding feels soft. Passengers enjoy good comfort.
In terms of power, both the Yiqi 05 Le Enjoy version and the Smart Enjoy version feature a front-mounted single motor with a maximum power of 165 kW. The official 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 8.9 seconds. The top configuration offers a dual-motor all-wheel drive, improving the acceleration time to 5.8 seconds.
The driving experience feels light and agile. The motor delivers smooth output. The chassis prioritizes comfort. The suspension uses a MacPherson front and multi-link rear setup. It filters bumps well. In conclusion, the editors find the Yizhi EV3 Plus has more highlights. It offers advantages in space, range, and power compared to similar models. The Yichi 05 competes in a crowded market. It struggles to stand out among mainstream models in its price range.