FAW officially launched the battery swap edition of its mid-size sedan, the Hongqi E-QM5. The new model is available in a single configuration, priced at 89,800 yuan (12,600 USD).
The E-QM5 Battery Swap Edition largely retains the existing design aesthetic of its predecessors. It features a distinctive closed-off front grille complemented by uniquely styled headlights. The iconic Hongqi logo is prominently displayed. The rear of the vehicle incorporates numerous horizontal lines and L-shaped taillights.
Inside, the cabin boasts a minimalist design. A 10.1-inch floating central control screen offers a comprehensive suite of features, including voice recognition and a reverse camera. In terms of dimensions, the E-QM5 measures 5040mm in length, 1910mm in width, and 1569mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2990mm.
Under the hood, the E-QM5 Battery Swap Edition is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor, model CAM190PT4, manufactured by Hunan CRRC Times Electric Drive Technology Co., Ltd. This motor delivers a maximum output of 150 horsepower and a peak torque of 205 Newton-meters. The vehicle is equipped with a 56 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), providing a CLTC pure electric range of 500 kilometres.
Editor’s comment
Despite the Hongqi E-QM5 battery swap version using CATL batteries, it appears not to be utilising CATL’s chocolate battery swap network. During the Shanghai Auto Show in April this year, CATL announced ten chocolate battery swap models in collaboration with five car manufacturers, including FAW’s Hongqi EH7, but the E-QM5 was not among them. It can therefore be inferred that this Hongqi E-QM5 will rely on its own proprietary battery swap stations.
Since the Hongqi E-QM5 is primarily used in the ride-hailing market, battery swapping can significantly save drivers’ energy replenishment time. However, for Hongqi, building their own battery swap stations is quite costly, and it’s unclear what the user experience will be like.
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