The Greatest Work by Jay Chou
Author: Zhang Yi
Just the day before yesterday, Jay Chou released “The Greatest Work”. His fingertips still hunger for the piano keys, and my pulsating heart once again boils for him.
Given my lack of understanding of Jay Chou beyond his works, I don’t believe “The Greatest Work” is his best work! Similarly, based on my knowledge of new energy, I don’t believe the Ideal L9 is the “best under 5 million” product.
For most families who desire a hybrid SUV, Ideals and Lucid Air are only at the surface level of their preferences. However, 400-500k CNY is not the only price range for high-quality home use hybrid SUVs. At just 159,900 CNY, one can buy a very cost-effective MEV SUV, such as the Sky ME5.
Currently, the number of brands focusing on hybrid cars is limited, with Ideals being the basic option for over 400k CNY, and the Lucid Air and Landtour being the options for over 300k CNY. Meanwhile, for most users, the Sky ME5, priced at 159,900 CNY, is undoubtedly the most suitable option.
What people need is a hybrid SUV, and that is the “greatest work”.
People Need Hybrid Cars
With powerful hybrid technology, the Sky ME5 stands at the most basic level of travel for most users, solving their fundamental travel problems. If users have to consider their range even when reaching their destination, how can they savour the comfort, intelligence, and immersive experience that a Sky ME5 offers during the journey?
Simply put, hybrid technology makes it more efficient when an electric car is low on power. The high-efficiency combustion engine automatically starts to recharge the battery, which serves as a backup energy source for users to use at any time. If shared bikes resolve the last mile transportation problem for users, hybrid technology gets rid of the last electronics concern for users.
Overall, hybrid technology has three significant advantages.
Firstly, it solves the most concerning feature of new energy cars, which is range anxiety. Currently, the biggest pain point for most electric car users is that they can never be sure their car will have enough range. They dare not drive on freeways or take long-distance trips. In winter, batteries tend to degrade, while in summer, air conditioning consumes a lot of power. During peak holiday seasons, the time spent waiting to recharge can take up a significant amount of inconvenient time. Even if a car has cutting-edge autonomous driving or intelligence, how does it benefit users?I. Longer driving range with Hybrid System
Extended-range hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, solve the short driving range problem by providing an additional high-efficiency combustion engine to supply power to the electric motor. The energy for the combustion engine comes from burning gasoline. The Tianyi ME5 takes unleaded 92 fuel and has a combined fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km in extended-range mode. Even with soaring fuel prices, it won’t result in significant expense to the average household, while providing a NEDC comprehensive range of 1012 km. Why not enjoy this advantage?
II. Simple and Safe Structure
Many ask what is the difference between extended-range hybrids and plug-in hybrids? The fundamental difference is that the high-efficiency combustion engine in the former only provides charging function, while the latter provides both electricity and power, making it structurally and functionally more complex. The complexity increases the risk of malfunction and occupies more cabin space, leaving less room for users. Therefore, compared to pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, extended-range hybrids not only have unmatched range, but also simple and worry-free structure and usage.
It is worth mentioning that the iMES intelligent hybrid system in the Tianyi ME5 was awarded the “China Heart” Annual Top Ten New Energy Vehicles award, recognized by the industry for its technical level and corresponding safety.
III. Enjoy Intelligent Technology with Peace of Mind
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, the most basic human needs are physiological, followed by safety needs, and then social and self-esteem needs, culminating in self-actualization.
Similarly, when it comes to cars, basic safety needs come first. Extended-range hybrids can effectively alleviate users’ range anxiety and safety concerns, providing a sense of security that allows users to fully enjoy the intelligent technology experience that new energy vehicles provide. It is such that one can gradually realize oneself in human splendor brought by technology.
For example, in the Tianyi ME5, you can use its ICA integrated high-speed intelligent cruise control system while playing music through its 8-speaker advanced sound system. In the passenger seat sits your companion, while your child lies down in the back seat. A happy family with a small world can enjoy life’s simple pleasure.
Perhaps, the Tianyi ME5’s significance lies in giving confidence to ordinary people to advance boldly, spreading warmth and joy to every corner of life, rather than in the fancy configuration of Nappa seats and Harmon sound system.
IV. Tianyi ME5: High Cost Performance
Although high-end extended-range hybrid SUVs like Idea and QianJie shine in the market, do many consumers actually buy them?
According to the “2022 China New Energy Vehicle Development White Paper,” the main consumption range for Chinese new energy vehicle consumers is still concentrated in the 100,000 to 200,000 yuan range. The fundamental reason is that products in this range have higher cost performance.#
In this price range, the Sky ME5 is undoubtedly the best cost-effective choice for consumers.
First of all, let’s talk about the range. As mentioned before, the comprehensive range of Sky ME5 is 1012KM, which is almost unbeatable in its class.
Secondly, let’s talk about space. Whether it’s for individuals or families, outdoor activities and other loading scenarios are always expected. In addition, customers have very high requirements for comfort when riding, so sufficient space is of great significance for users.
The size of the Sky ME5 is 458019151635mm, with a wheelbase of 2750mm, which is more than enough for most family users. In comparison, the starting price of XPeng G3i is 16.89 million yuan, and its size is only 449518201610mm, with a wheelbase 125mm shorter than that of the Sky ME5 priced at 159,900 yuan. Without those 125mm, it may be difficult to naturally lift one’s legs and enjoy the view outside the window comfortably.
Then let’s talk about the design. In terms of appearance, the overall shape of the Sky ME5 is designed by the chief designer of Porsche 911 and 918, using a “pioneer reconstructive aesthetics” design. Yes, in a world where designs are becoming increasingly homogeneous, aesthetics do need to be restructured.
From an overall perspective, we can see that compared with most other new energy vehicles, the Sky ME5 does not have a very obvious highlight in its design. The split-style structure and the through-type headlights, although they cannot be described as “love at first sight”, at least do not look boring. However, just like “beauty needs to be discovered,” the ME5’s design tastes subtly like “the winding paths lead to secluded spots.”
Upon closer inspection, we can see that the through-type headlights blend in very naturally with the LOGO, something that other brands do not achieve. Moreover, its LOGO is very similar to the Gen gua (the mountain) in the sixty-four hexagrams of the Book of Changes. In The Book of Changes, Gen gua talks about how to control one’s words and deeds, to act and speak with restraint and balance. This is similar to the introverted and subtle character of Sky’s brand since its establishment, which coincides with the steady happiness that ordinary people are constantly seeking in their lives.
In terms of interior design, the Skywell ME5 still maintains a design style that looks unimpressive but flawless. The 10.25-inch instrument panel screen is right in front of you, while the 14.8-inch super large 2K high-definition central control screen is slanted in the middle. At first glance, you can hardly tell the difference between the Skywell ME5 and other cars. However, the Skywell ME5, which takes the light luxury route, perfectly integrates the texture in the details.
For example, its pearlescent leather decorative panel, round air outlet, 256-color ambient light, and integrated sport seats with laser engraving technology, not only have a lively and jumping sports feeling, but also have a luxurious feeling like jade.
However, these are all secondary. The biggest highlight is the follow-up steering wheel of the Skywell ME5. During long-distance driving, it is inevitable to frequently change positions due to fatigue. At this time, it may cause a visual blind spot or unclear viewing of the instrument panel screen due to insufficient ergonomics. The follow-up steering wheel cleverly solves this problem. The machine follows the person, which is the true humanization and user-centeredness.
Lastly, it’s intelligence. The Skywell ME5 is equipped with 14 intelligent technology configurations, including the L2+ level intelligent assisted driving system. After our previous test drive experience, we found that the practicality of the Skywell ME5’s intelligent configuration is quite excellent.
The Skywell ME5 does not blindly concentrate all operations on a tablet, which only shows its advancedness. The Skywell ME5 sets high-frequency applications in the most easily accessible places. In order to facilitate users’ more flexible use, the Skywell ME5 even arranges physical buttons. It combines the convenience of physical key-blind operation with the technology sense of touch, and maximizes practicality.
According to our tests, the stability of the Skywell ME5 in lane centering even exceeds that of the XPeng P5, which is known for automatic driving. As for voice control, all commonly used functions we know can be implemented, and it also supports interruption. Regarding the fully automatic parking function, the Skywell ME5 has not been opened yet, and it may be offered as an optional accessory in the future. The actual experience is expected to be equally good.## “Making the Most Suitable New Energy Vehicles for Chinese People”
In general, the Skywell ME5, priced at 150,000 RMB, provides users with a long-distance endurance, a refined design, and robust and practical intelligent driving features. It rejects the blind pursuit of addition and returns to the essence of transportation!
Wang Xiaobo once said: “Underneath the noisy discourse, there is always a silent majority.” In fact, the majority has never been silent. Their roars are only masked by the noise of the era, and their needs are only obscured by dazzling extravagance. They need to be seen, and they need to be treated as honored guests.
Therefore, in the growing new energy market, we need Skywell ME5 and similar products to treat the majority who are ignored amid the noise as honored guests.
In fact, the Skywell brand has been doing such things since its establishment, aiming to “make the most suitable new energy vehicles for Chinese people.” The brand’s blood flows from luxury brands such as Porsche, BMW, and Volvo, as well as mainstream brands such as Volkswagen, General Motors, and Honda. To quote Su Shi, Skywell is “capable of keeping company with the Jade Emperor in Heaven and accompanying beggar children in the countryside,” but Skywell has chosen a more difficult path.
After five years of brand development, Skywell has gradually established a hybrid sales model of “direct sales + dealerships” and covered 100 cities with 200 retail stores. By the end of this year, Skywell will complete the layout of 400 sales service stores, covering 300 prefecture-level cities, and building a multi-level offline sales service system with diversified network layouts, the response is available wherever the demand happens.
Meanwhile, Skywell is the only new-energy technology company with full production qualifications in the field of new-energy vehicles, with factories in Changsha, Shaoxing, and Qingdao. In both the front and back ends, Skywell is continuously growing and evolving.
Of course, Skywell still has an obvious shortcoming, which is the low brand awareness faced by many new emerging industry players. However, the fundamental power that helps brands grow is their hard-core products. On this point, Skywell is holding its ground.
Based on the above, we believe that users’ prejudice against range extenders as a hybrid branch will gradually change. Mainly focusing on range extender models, Skywell is designed to cater to users’ real needs, and it will not remain unknown.
Only through thick accumulation can we achieve thin hair; the high sales volume from ideals of pioneers to the questioning from followers shows that the spring of range extenders is quietly arriving. Skywell, which has more users, has a higher probability of erupting, with ideals and questioning in parallel.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.