After graduating from university and replacing my mother’s red Polo that she had been driving for 12 years with an SUV, there was a new demand for vehicles in our family. We all agreed that we needed a small and easy-to-drive car, as parking has been our biggest headache since owning a car while living in the old neighborhoods of the city center. Additionally, a small car’s maneuverability could also help prevent minor scrapes and dents. Moreover, obtaining a fuel car quota in Shanghai required not only the luck of the draw as one of the 4% of those drawn from a monthly pool of over 10,000 people, but also an additional cost of over 90,000 RMB for the license plate. Therefore, it was only natural that we chose to purchase a small-sized new-energy vehicle that qualifies for a free green license plate.
I thought that as someone with a background in the car industry, choosing an A00-level car would be easy, but reality proved to be much more difficult than I imagined. After test-driving many small cars, I was lost in thought until I walked into the LI showroom with a “let’s give it a try” mentality, and then…
What Makes LI T03 Stand Out to Me
Is it the appearance?
Before I walked into the LI showroom, I had already experienced most of the peers in this category, and there were few that could impress me in terms of appearance, interior design or configuration. To be honest, I had no expectations for the unfamiliar LI T03.
Upon entering the store, a round and chubby little car with big eyes caught my attention. Almost no part of the car had a flat design. Instead, it was surrounded by smooth curves. The trapezoidal front end design, along with the two lenses of the big eyes give off the feeling of being cute, a little silly, yet confident at first glance.
Compared to KiWi, Baimao and other clearly tech-style cars that lean more towards men, or the cute-themed Black Cat that leans more towards women, LI T03’s exterior design is gender-neutral.
After walking around the car, you can even feel a hint of sportiness from the outline of the front and rear bumpers.
Grey metallic paint seems to have lost some of the sense of cheapness that can be felt at first sight in comparison with other products in the same category under the lighting of the showroom.
Is it the interior?
After looking at the exterior, I gradually began to accept this little car and was ready to open the car door and check the interior. Upon entering the driver’s seat, I saw an eight-inch LCD instrument panel, a 10.1-inch central control screen, and a slightly sporty leather multi-function steering wheel. From luxury to frugality is a difficult transformation, and after experiencing other peers, I surprisingly began to praise the interior design of LI T03.The interior of the Zero Run T03 is clean and modern, yet still high-tech. There are few physical buttons visible on the center console, apart from a hazard light button and a push-button start. All operations and vehicle settings are concentrated within the large central touch screen. Compared to other interiors in its class, the T03’s design is noticeably more refined.
Upon inspection of the craftsmanship and joint seams of the interior, each detail is flawless. It’s hard to believe this is the interior of a small car that costs only a few thousand dollars.
Once seated inside the vehicle, the large vertical touch screen in front of me piqued my curiosity. I couldn’t resist sliding my hand across it. The car’s system responds quickly, with a clean interface and logical structure. For first-time users, there isn’t much of a learning curve, which makes it much more convenient than the traditional car multimedia systems I’m used to. The voice assistant is accurate and responsive, though there are occasional false triggers. In addition to basic settings, the car’s multimedia system also includes base entertainment applications such as Kugou Music and Qingting FM, and even comes with 1 GB of free data every month.
However, one issue with the T03 is that the human-machine interface has a distinct problem. Due to the width of the car, the screen is too close to the driver’s seat, and at times, the steering wheel completely blocks important information displayed on the screen. This problem is especially apparent when using the onboard Amap navigation system. If the driver needs to look at the navigation information, it could seriously affect driving safety.
Thankfully, all the obstructed navigation information is projected onto the digital dashboard. This is a good solution to the issue, and a good save.The LCD instrument panel of the LINGPAO T03 displays concise information that satisfies most usage scenarios. All the displayed information is easily understandable, so there won’t be any difficulty in finding the information you need. The information on the left and right sides can’t be personalized. The default information on the right is the media playback information, and on the left, there is the navigation interface and radar display. Interestingly, the car in the instrument panel is dynamic and will light up the corresponding indicator lights based on the current state of the vehicle.
Thanks to the large panoramic sunroof on the roof of the car, the entire vehicle cabin creates a strong sense of transparency. Even passengers sitting in the rear seats will not feel any sense of depression. The LINGPAO T03 offers a rare level of 6 adjustments to the main driving seat, leather seats, and 4 windows with one-touch lifting. This makes it easy for both me and my mother to find a comfortable driving posture.
I did not choose the Euler Black Cat because the rear windows can’t be opened, which gives the rear passengers a sense of depression. Although the probability of using the rear seat in this type of small car is relatively low, being comprehensive in this aspect is still a bonus.
Even though the car only has a length of 3,620 mm and a wheelbase of 2,400 mm, it doesn’t feel crowded when seated. I am 175 cm tall, and the front seat is adjusted to a comfortable driving position for me, and the legroom in the back seat is sufficient for normal seating. However, the filling of the back seat cushion and backrest is limited, so after sitting for a long time, the comfort level will decrease.
Surprisingly, the trunk space of the LINGPAO T03 is good compared to the same level of cars, and the 210 L luggage space can accommodate daily tools and large and small bags purchased from supermarkets and department stores. If you fold down the rear seats, you can further expand the space. This space size has surpassed all competitors in the same level, and even larger than the Buick GL6’s trunk space.
Is it about the driving experience?
It’s hard to believe that I was enchanted by this small car when I saw it, but reason tells me that anyone can do the interior well, and the ability to make cars can only be seen from the driving experience. To test whether this small car is just a showpiece, I submitted my driver’s license and arranged a test drive!
Pressing the accelerator, the response is particularly swift, and you can feel a silky smoothness with a push-back feeling. The Zero Run T03 is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 55 kW, providing a maximum torque of 155 N·m. The official 0-50 km/h acceleration is 4.9 seconds and the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 14 seconds, although such acceleration results are not very eye-catching. It should be noted that this is an electric car, and its power response is far higher than that of a gasoline car. In urban roads, as long as you are willing to step on the accelerator, this power is still very usable, and the lack of excessive acceleration also ensures the drivability of the vehicle to some extent.
However, the maximum speed is limited to 110 km/h, and the performance will feel inadequate in high-speed scenarios. When I was driving on a highway with a maximum speed of 120 km/h, I could clearly feel that the vehicle still had room for acceleration. It may be out of consideration for the range or lack of power reserves, and the acceleration is too slow after exceeding 110 km/h, so it is directly limited. However, the latest luxury Pro version released at the Chengdu Auto Show has a maximum power of up to 80 kW and a maximum torque of 158 N·m. It is unknown whether the maximum speed can reach 120 km/h, so it is worth looking forward to. Fortunately, the daily use environment of the Zero Run T03 is unlikely to involve high-speed sections, and occasional high-speed runs can also be handled.
The Lengpao T03 also has a certain level of comfort in driving feel, and the whole chassis is inclined towards a comfortable style. It can filter out various small bumps on bumpy roads well and not transfer them into the car. The actual feeling is not like sitting in a micro-car, but at least on par with small related joint-venture cars. Even when making an emergency lane change, it won’t make you lose confidence, it’s just that the steering feel is relatively unfamiliar, and there is some aloofness in transferring body dynamic information to the driver.
As a pure electric vehicle, after the sound of the engine operation disappears, wind noise becomes the biggest noise of Lengpao T03. It is not very noticeable when driving in the city, but once on the elevated or highway, wind noise seems to be a noise that even music cannot cover. During the test drive, there happened to be a brief heavy rain. When driving on the highway, there was also some water flowing noise near the B-pillar. Ultimately, the sound insulation is not sufficient.
After the test drive, sitting back in the showroom and looking at the two Lengpao T03s in the showroom, apart from the brand factor, I can’t seem to find any other reasons to choose other products of the same level. Whether it is the appearance, interior or driving feel, it exceeds my expectations for this car, and even exceeds my expectations for a pure electric A00 level small car. 400 km of cruising range, competitive configurations at the same level, and a distinctive appearance. Thinking about the fact that I can get this small car for less than 80,000 yuan and it also comes with a free Shanghai license plate, every aspect here is enough to make me forget about its flaws and stimulate me to make a decision. So after a wait of one and a half months, the T03 arrived.
In my home for the past six months
Reduced Car Use Costs
As the price of No. 95 gasoline has reached 7.74 yuan per liter, meaning that I usually spend more than 400 yuan on a full tank of gas, I even had to use the auto start-stop function, which I previously hated. With this small car, the usage of my fuel car has been greatly reduced, not to mention the environmental benefits. After all, this car only costs a little over 50 yuan when fully charged.
Through my actual driving for the day, including 10 km of severe congestion, 17 km of ordinary city roads, 40 km of elevated roads, and 15 km of aggressive driving, with the air conditioning set to the coldest setting, the total distance travelled was 81.2 km, which basically meets the daily usage needs of most people. After driving for 81.2 km, the displayed cruising range decreased by 148 km, the actual power consumption was 11.9 kWh, equivalent to 14.66 kWh/100 km. Thus, in the fully charged state, it can run for about 273 km (68% utilization). Based on the price of most direct current charging piles, the cost per 100 km is around 20 yuan, which directly saves about 50 yuan compared to my “energy-saving gasoline car” with a 1.4T engine and dual clutch. Plus, this car is mainly used for commuting in the city, so mileage anxiety is not an issue during normal use.
However, for the Zero Run T03, which weighs 1.125 tons and has tire specifications of 165/65/R15, the energy consumption is still relatively high. I believe the main reasons are:
- Due to the lack of a home charging pile, it has been relying on DC fast charging since taking the car, and the battery may not have been fully charged for a long time;
- Aggressive driving and frequent uphill driving will indeed affect the vehicle’s power consumption, especially since its battery only has a capacity of 38 kWh. The driving mode used is also normal, and the stronger regenerative braking mode is not used.
In addition to reducing energy costs, many charging station brands cooperate with parking lots, and after binding the license plate, it is possible to save 2 hours of parking fees. The Zero Run T03 can achieve an energy replenishment efficiency of more than 60 kW under medium and low State of Charge (SOC), and there will be a significant slowdown when the SOC increases to around 70%. Basically, it can replenish energy from 10% to 90% in about 1 hour. So when going out for dinner or shopping, you can not only use the time for energy replenishment reasonably but also save some parking fees. This is also why the T03 is always the first car to be driven when it comes to sharing cars.
A Change in Driving Experience
I don’t know if you have ever encountered a situation where you have arrived at your destination but wasted a lot of time on parking due to the lack of a suitable parking space. Since I got the Zero Run T03, even if there are no marked parking spaces for me to park when I return home, I can find more temporary parking spaces in the community with the help of the T03’s small size, without affecting others’ passage. In addition, the Zero Run T03 can shuttle freely even in narrow roads in the community, and it has 9 ultrasonic radar sensors to avoid scratches and collisions in complex environments.
When the vehicle is parked, the Zero Run T03 has become my second private resting space. After the exhaust emissions of the engine are eliminated, pure electric vehicles do not need to worry about carbon buildup or carbon monoxide poisoning caused by incomplete combustion like fuel cars. Therefore, when resting or waiting for someone, I am more willing to start the vehicle and stay in the car, enjoy the air conditioning, or even take a nap.
It is worth mentioning that the Zero Run T03 supports interconnectivity, and the mobile app is also very user-friendly. It can remotely control the vehicle, including unlocking the vehicle, finding the car with one click, automatic parking, and scheduling air conditioning, and it basically has all mainstream functions. The interface and response speed are also excellent.
This way, even if you forget your keys, you can unlock the car with your phone and start the vehicle with Face ID once on board. It’s convenient, but there’s a small chance that facial recognition may fail, so it’s better not to be lazy and bring your keys. The facial recognition sensor can also be used to monitor the driver’s condition while driving. If you yawn or answer a phone call, you will immediately receive a warning. It is indeed sensitive in use as it is backed by Dahua.
The small car also comes with assisted driving
When you visit the official website of the LINGPAO T03, the two words “high configuration” can be seen everywhere.
In terms of hardware, this car is indeed high-end. The whole car is equipped with 9 ultrasonic radars, 1 millimeter-wave radar, and 1 monocular visual sensor. I haven’t seen such a combination on other A00-level products. This is also one of the reasons why I decided to buy the LINGPAO T03. Therefore, the LINGPAO T03 is equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow-up, lane departure warning, LKA lane keeping assist, AEB emergency braking, automatic parking, etc. Some people may ask, are these numerous features really useful on such a small car that costs less than 80,000? Don’t rush to a conclusion yet, let’s take a closer look.
Let’s talk about the assisted driving of the LINGPAO T03 first. I think it has only reached the level of being usable. A set of good assisted driving system needs to have an LCC lane centering assist in addition to ACC adaptive cruise control. Let alone how well the adaptive cruise control of the T03 is, the LKA lane keeping assist on this car is difficult to use. First of all, the lane keeping feature can only be activated at speeds above 60km/h. When the vehicle is about to or has already crossed the lane line, the vehicle will suddenly pull you back in the opposite direction. Then, you will be pushed towards the other lane line, just like a ping pong ball bouncing back and forth in the lane if you don’t take over in time.
Fortunately, the ACC adaptive cruise control system is still quite useful in closed elevated road sections. The 4-gear adjustable following distance can still respond well when the front car changes lanes during cruising, with a relatively smooth braking sensation. The vehicle judgment is also displayed visually, which can largely be trusted.
However, there was one mistaken judgment during my half-year use. At a left bend on the Central Ring Road, there was a van on my right about 50 meters ahead, and the right lane happened to be straight ahead of me. It is impossible to collide without crossing the lane line. At this moment, the T03 recognized the car on the right lane as my front car and braked heavily, which was not particularly mature.
It is worth noting that the adaptive cruise control system cannot be activated at night or in tunnels, even in the dim light of evening. This means that if you want to use the cruise control system at night, you can only select the traditional cruise control manually. The weak perceptual ability is the biggest shortcoming of this system. Interestingly, if you use the adaptive cruise control during the day and do not cancel it midway, you can still use it normally even when entering a tunnel or driving at night.
In addition, the automatic parking system of the T03 is useless. After receiving the car, out of curiosity, I tried automatic parking in a very spacious underground parking lot, with a post on the left side of the parking space and an empty space on the right side. Unexpectedly, after parking, 1/5 of the car was parked in the neighboring parking space.
Despite all these drawbacks, I still use this driving assistance system quite frequently in my daily life. Usually, I set LKA to deviation warning and use the adaptive cruise control on elevated highways. Although it has various drawbacks and unstable performance, this driving assistance system can still help relieve the driver’s burden in most cases. Moreover, with OTA updates of the system, the future user experience can only get better.
In conclusion
Whenever I complain about some shortcomings of the T03 to my friends, they all reply spontaneously: “This car only costs 80,000 yuan. What else do you expect?” Indeed, a larger battery pack on the market costs several tens of thousands of yuan, and I only spent 80,000 yuan for a car. It seems quite worth it.Since I purchased a Zhi Dou T03, the usage frequency of my gasoline car has gradually decreased. A good, easy-to-drive, small, and money-saving car is really desirable. Based on the current price of 7.74 yuan per liter of 95 petrol, the cost of refueling for 20,000 kilometers per year is about 12,000 yuan, while charging only costs about 4000 yuan. Considering maintenance costs, it is possible to save about 10,000 yuan in driving expenses. Coupled with preferential policies for the purchase of pure electric vehicles in various regions, it is not difficult to see that competition in the A00-level pure electric vehicle market is becoming more and more intense.
Wuling Hongguang MINIEV has maintained a very high sales volume and has ranked first in annual sales for years, with sales stable at more than 30,000 units for several months in a row. In addition, models such as Chang’an Benben E-Star, Roewe Marvel X, NIO ES6, and Chery Little Ant also have very good sales. In the pure electric vehicle sales ranking of August, half of the top 20 were small and micro cars.
Previously, there were rumors that new energy vehicles priced below 100,000 yuan or with a length of less than 4.6 meters would not be able to obtain free new energy quotas in Shanghai. Although this statement has not been confirmed by the officials, sales of Zhi Dou have revealed that T03 is no longer available for ordering in Shanghai. However, it is worth noting that the lowest transaction price for private car quotas auctioned in Shanghai this month was 91,800 yuan, and the winning rate was only 4.5%. Undoubtedly, this has also prompted many people to buy micro new energy vehicles. After all, the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, which previously started at 28,800 yuan, can also skip the auction process to obtain a free new energy license plate.
When I was a child, everyone used to make fun of the Chery QQ, as it was then the representative of China’s micro-cars, and its extremely low price indeed lowered the threshold for buying cars, making it a target of ridicule for some people. Since then, this type of micro-car has been referred to as a “larger version of the ‘old people’s scooter'”.
When I first entered college, I rented a Chery eQ on a car-sharing platform, which was also my first contact with a new energy vehicle. This micro-car has a capacity of 23.6 degrees and a range of only 200 kilometers, yet its price was as high as 169,900 yuan, which seriously gave me range anxiety at the time. When I drove the car to a countryside rental point with only 5 km of remaining range, I had not reached my destination and had to change to another eQ to continue the journey. I remember murmuring to myself all the way on the dark road, complaining that there is no difference between the eQ and an “old people’s scooter”.After 3 years, I purchased a truly pure electric and intelligent mini car at a lower price. Through this purchase, I witnessed the development of new energy vehicles, particularly the rapidly rising small car market. Zero Run T03 was just my personal choice, but other good products on the market include MG’s Eupheme EV and Baojun KiWi EV. With the development of pure electric mini cars, their product features have become more advanced and far from the traditional elderly mobility scooters, making them a car that truly enters our daily lives.
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.