European premiere of JAC e-JS1 at Auto Zurich: China’s electric cars come to Switzerland

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Small and affordable electric cars are so far in short supply on the market. But this will change in the near future: This spring, VW introduced ID. 2all has presented the study of a small electric car planned to be launched in 2025 at a cost of less than 25,000 francs. Citroën will put the newly introduced ë-C3 on the roads as early as spring 2024: Like its famous ancestors, the “Electro-Döschwo” aims to bring basic mobility into the electric age and travel up to 320 kilometers, possibly in a shorter time. 25,000 francs. Other brands from parent company Stellantis want to follow suit with cheap electric vehicles soon: Fiat also wants to bring back the Panda, which was discontinued last year, in an electric and affordable version from 2024.

It would be good for European automakers to launch their budget-friendly electric cars soon. More and more Chinese manufacturers are entering the market with modern electric cars, which no longer have to hide from local suppliers in terms of technology and quality, and sometimes significantly surpass them in price. Several new Chinese models are also celebrating their Swiss premiere at the upcoming Auto Zurich (see box), which looks set to put huge pressure on Western automakers.

Mini electric car priced under 20,000 francs

Best of all, the JAC e-JS1, making its debut in Europe, dethrones the Dacia Spring as Switzerland’s cheapest electric car to date, with a competitive price starting from 17,989 francs. The small electric car, which is 3.65 meters short and weighs just under 1,200 kilos, is being imported to Switzerland like Auto Kunz’s compact SUV e-JS4 and is expected to cover around 300 kilometers with its 31 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. Citystromer is powered by an electric motor with 61 hp (45 kW) and 150 Nm. JAC e-JS1 will be available at dealerships from November.

The Dyo model from the previously unknown provider Elaris is one size smaller than the JAC. Measuring just 2.87 meters short and celebrating its Swiss premiere at Auto Zurich, the two-seater was designed primarily for the city, weighs less than a tonne and can reach a top speed of 110 km/h. Its 30 kWh battery will allow a range of 230 to 275 kilometers. Prices for the mini electric car start from 19,990 francs. The 4.70-meter-long electric SUV Beo, which Elaris also exhibited in the Zurich exhibition halls, is much more adult and pleasing. Beo starts from 39,990 francs.

China can be luxurious too

Maxus’ Mifa 9, defined as a premium electric shuttle, celebrates another Swiss premiere. The 5.27-meter-long luxury minibus offers space for up to eight passengers and can travel up to 440 kilometers on a single battery charge (90 kWh). Mifa 9 is charged with a maximum of 120 kW with a DC fast charger, and a 245 hp (180 kW) electric motor on the front axle provides thrust. Prices for the luxury e-shuttle start from 65,900 francs.

Voyah Free could also become real competition for local manufacturers. The large and luxurious electric SUV from automaker Dongfeng impresses with its pleasing design and powerful power: with 489 hp (360 kW) and 720 Nm, the newcomer accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds! Thanks to the mega battery (106 kWh), Free operates up to 500 kilometers. However, prices are also in the premium segment at 69,990 francs.

Independent Chinese manufacturer Aiways is participating in Auto Zurich for the third time. The SUV coupé U6 shares technology with the also available compact SUV U5 and is powered by an electric motor with 218 hp (160 kW) and 315 Nm at the front axle. The 63 kWh battery is expected to last approximately 400 kilometers. Prices for the dynamic Aiways U6 start from 48,990 francs.

Source: Blick