Haobo Owners Get Lifetime Free Charging; 2024 Zeekr X Launches; Audi Unveils New SQ7 Night Knight Edition | E Week Highlights
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Haobo Owners Gain Lifetime Free Charging Policy
Haobo recently announced partnerships with major charging operators including Guojiadianwang, Nanfangdianwang, Telaidian, Xingxingchongdian, and Yunkuaichong to provide users with free charging access covering 90% of charging piles nationwide. This service offers lifetime free charging for new Haobo vehicle buyers and existing owners, valid from January 1 through March 31.
The aforementioned charging services are primarily integrated into the Haobo APP. It is not merely a payment and service platform; it also connects the vehicle, smartphone, and charging infrastructure to enable a seamless charging experience. Users can quickly locate charging stations, monitor the charging process, and handle automatic settlement through the APP, significantly enhancing the convenience of charging.
It is reported that Haobo's self-built energy replenishment network has already reached a considerable scale, including exclusive charging piles and partner charging stations, with the number of stations approaching one million—a density even exceeding that of traditional gas stations. This move not only demonstrates Haobo Auto's efforts in promoting the popularization of new energy vehicles but also reflects the company's long-term commitment to establishing a sustainable energy ecosystem.
With the continued growth of the new energy vehicle market, Haobo's launch of this free charging service undoubtedly provides consumers with more choices and injects new momentum into the sustainable development of the industry.
Quick Review:
Haobo's initiative is quite innovative within the industry. By partnering with major charging operators, it has achieved free charging services covering 90 percent of charging piles nationwide, which undoubtedly greatly enhances user charging convenience and to some extent promotes the popularization of new energy vehicles. However, the introduction of free charging services may also bring certain economic pressure. Whether Haobo can maintain sound business operations while implementing this policy is worth our continued attention. At the same time, Haobo's move undoubtedly brings pressure to other automakers in the industry; whether they will follow suit and how they will respond will also be a major highlight for the future new energy vehicle market.
AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade Launched
On January 8, 2024, the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade was officially launched, with prices as follows:
90 kWh Rear-Wheel Drive Version: RMB 300,000;
116 kWh Rear-Wheel Drive Version: RMB 335,000;
90 kWh Luxury Version: RMB 350,000;
116 kWh Luxury Version: RMB 390,000.
The AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade primarily enhances four areas: intelligent driving, seats, chassis, and owner benefits.
In terms of intelligent driving, the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade introduces mapless NCA (Navigation Cruise Assist) functionality. Leveraging three LiDAR units and a deep learning network, it enables advanced driver assistance across more than 300 cities nationwide. The system integrates a road topology reasoning network with a GOD (General Obstacle Detection) network, allowing the vehicle to construct real-time road information models and effectively identify surrounding obstacles.
Regarding seating, the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade features multi-layered seats filled with high-density slow-rebound memory foam, designed to enhance passenger comfort.
On the chassis front, the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade is equipped with Huawei’s iTRACK technology, which senses road conditions and adjusts torque output to adapt to varying driving scenarios. It also incorporates the Huawei DriveONE system, which improves road recognition accuracy and optimizes torque distribution, further boosting power performance and driving stability.
For owner benefits, between January 8 and February 29, 2024, customers purchasing the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade can access limited-time perks valued at RMB 26,000, including an advanced intelligent driving package.
With the launch of the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Smart Upgrade Edition, it is expected that AVATR 11 will achieve certain breakthroughs in sales.
Quick Review:
The launch of the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade is, in essence, a systematic upgrade covering intelligent driving, seats, chassis, and benefits. This not only reflects AVATR's emphasis on product quality and user experience but also demonstrates its forward-thinking mindset and innovative spirit in the new energy vehicle market.
Upgrades to the intelligent driving features provide drivers with a more convenient and safer experience. Improvements to the seats and chassis aim to enhance ride comfort and driving stability, while added benefits undoubtedly offer consumers more choices and discounts when purchasing a vehicle. These enhancements could help the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Smart Upgrade Edition achieve better sales performance in the market.
However, we should also recognize that competition in the new energy vehicle market is intensifying. Whether the AVATR 11 HarmonyOS Edition Smart Upgrade Model can stand out in the market depends on its performance across multiple dimensions, including product capabilities, pricing, and after-sales service. In the future, AVATR must continue to enhance product quality and service levels to meet consumers' diverse needs, thereby securing a favorable position in the market.
2024 Zeekr X Starts at RMB 200,000
On January 10, the 2024 Zeekr X officially launched, with significant improvements in both technology and performance.
The official starting price for the 2024 Zeekr X is set at RMB 200,000, along with benefits including a body exterior color self-selection service valued at RMB 5,000 and an optional equipment fund worth RMB 8,000.
In terms of product specifics, the 2024 Zeekr X upgrades its chassis system for improved driving dynamics. It introduces an urban off-road mode and optimizes torque distribution along with XTCS limited-slip functionality to enhance vehicle performance.
Additionally, the 2024 Zeekr X features a dual-motor setup delivering a peak power of 315 kW and a peak torque of 543 N·m, enabling a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 3.7 seconds. The electric drive system employs advanced silicon carbide technology to significantly boost overall efficiency, achieving a CLTC range of up to 560 km.
Regarding safety, the new Zeekr X is equipped with an IPB intelligent integrated braking system that responds in just 150 milliseconds, reducing braking distance to 34.5 meters. The body structure is designed to global five-star safety standards, offering high-strength protection. The battery pack utilizes thermal runaway prevention technology and has passed multiple safety tests to ensure security under extreme conditions.
For comfort and convenience, the model adds a Sumo Gray exterior color option and includes a Touch Bar steering wheel, with an optional 14.6-inch electric sliding center console screen. Furthermore, the 2024 Zeekr X features a 13-speaker YAMAHA surround sound system for an immersive audio experience. Pressure-relieving massage for the driver’s seat and Hi-light dynamic puddle lamps are available as options, further enhancing luxury and personalization.
In terms of intelligent driving, the 2024 Zeekr X comes standard across all trims with the ZAD Intelligent Driving Assistance System. This system includes a range of intelligent driving assistance features designed to enhance driving safety and convenience.
Notably, Zeekr has delivered more than 200,000 electric vehicles to date and maintained a record of zero spontaneous combustion, demonstrating the reliability and safety of its EV products. With the launch of the 2024 Zeekr X, Zeekr has further advanced its comprehensive competitiveness in the new energy vehicle sector.
Quick Review:
The launch of the Zeekr X demonstrates the continuous development and innovation in the new energy vehicle industry. This model shows significant improvements in driving performance, safety, comfort, and convenience, reflecting Zeekr's emphasis on product quality and user experience. Positioned as a compact pure electric SUV with a focus on urban neo-luxury style, its innovative design and luxurious configuration promise to deliver a high-end and comfortable driving experience. Meanwhile, Zeekr X's sales strategy offers models with relatively luxurious configurations at acceptable price points, highlighting its competitive advantage in the market. The upgrades to Zeekr X's driving control and powertrain, along with enhancements to its intelligent driving system, comfort, and convenience features, will provide users with an improved driving experience. Overall, the launch of the Zeekr X not only enriches the product lineup in the new energy vehicle market but also provides new momentum for industry development.
Jixingqiche's "Year of Breakthrough in China"
On January 12, 2024, Jixingqiche held a regional launch and user delivery event for the Polestar 4 in Shanghai.
Polestar 4 delivers outstanding performance, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.8 seconds, a braking distance from 100 km/h of 34 meters, and a transient lateral acceleration of 1.49 G.
In terms of intelligence, Polestar 4 features the Polestar OS operating system and a seamless smartphone-vehicle integrated intelligent interaction experience.
Polestar 4 offers two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant with an 86 kWh battery and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version with a 100 kWh battery, catering to diverse consumer needs. Prices start from RMB 299,900 to RMB 399,900.
Notably, the expansion of its sales and service network is also a key strategy for Polestar to deepen its presence in the Chinese market.
Currently, Polestar operates 55 sales spaces in China and plans to increase this number to 120 by the end of the year, which will undoubtedly enhance the brand's market coverage and purchase convenience for consumers.
Regarding charging infrastructure, Polestar aims to complete the construction of 60 self-built charging stations in the first quarter of this year and integrate access to more than 550,000 public charging piles, significantly improving charging convenience for Polestar users.
In terms of after-sales service, Polestar has established self-operated service centers in core cities within China and partnered with Woerwoqiche and JD.com. Additionally, the launch of the exclusive 'Bilinxing' (Nearby Star) service aims to provide Chinese users with a more personalized and attentive service experience.
Furthermore, Polestar will launch the Polestar 3 and a smartphone product later this year.
According to official statements, this year will be Polestar's "year of breakthrough in China." In today's fiercely competitive market, it is not easy for any brand to achieve any kind of breakthrough. 2024 has just begun; we will wait and see how significant a breakthrough Polestar can actually achieve in 2024.
Quick Review:
The launch and delivery of the Polestar 4 are undoubtedly a highlight in the new energy vehicle market. Its strong performance, such as a 3.8-second zero-to-100 km/h acceleration time, and its intelligent experience, including the Polestar OS operating system, demonstrate Polestar’s high pursuit of product quality. Furthermore, Polestar’s expansion of its sales and service network shows its determination to deepen its presence in the Chinese market. The existence of 55 sales spaces and a target of 120 prove that Polestar aims to enhance its influence in the Chinese market.
However, competition in China’s new energy vehicle market is intense, and the success of the Polestar 4 is far from guaranteed. Market acceptance, product pricing, and the maturity of charging infrastructure will all be key factors determining whether the Polestar 4 succeeds in the Chinese market. For Polestar, finding appropriate strategies in these areas will be an important topic for its future development.
Overall, the launch and delivery of the Polestar 4 are worth looking forward to. Both the product’s performance and the company’s market strategy show Polestar’s high regard for the Chinese market. We look forward to Polestar achieving greater success in the new energy vehicle market.
New Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition Price Announced
On January 12, the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition was launched with a starting price of RMB 1.1698 million.
The new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition is equipped with an advanced quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. Under default conditions, the center differential distributes 40% of the torque to the front axle and 60% to the rear axle. This power distribution mechanism can adjust flexibly under specific conditions, transferring up to 70% of the torque to the front axle or up to 85% to the rear axle, thereby ensuring excellent stability and handling across various road conditions.
Additionally, the adaptive sport air suspension system of the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition further enhances the driving experience. In dynamic mode or when vehicle speed exceeds 160 km/h, the ride height automatically lowers to 30 mm, providing lower aerodynamic drag and a more compact body stance. The front axle steering ratio is 13.3:1; paired with all-wheel steering, rear wheels turn in opposite directions at low speeds and in the same direction at high speeds, significantly improving maneuverability and responsiveness.
Inside, the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition features carbon fiber trim, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, a carbon fiber gear selector, and sport seats with diamond quilting, highlighting both luxury and sportiness. Front seats offer heating and ventilation, while four-zone automatic climate control and an aroma system provide ultimate comfort for occupants.
For infotainment, the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition is equipped with a 12.3-inch fully digital virtual cockpit enhanced version, two central touchscreens, and a head-up display (HUD), offering rich interaction and information functions. Equipped with MIB 3 hardware and an upgraded MMI navigation system, it ensures drivers enjoy the latest generation of automotive connectivity technology.
In terms of exterior design, the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition adopts an octagonal single-frame vertical double-layer grille with horizontal elements, creating a strong visual impact. Carbon fiber style packages, exterior black light packages, red brake calipers, S badges, and quad exhaust tips further emphasize its sporty design philosophy.
Powering the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition is the EA825 4.0 TFSI V8 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power output of 373 kW and peak torque of 770 N·m. This engine also incorporates Cylinder on Demand (COD) intelligent cylinder deactivation technology, improving fuel efficiency without compromising performance. An 8-speed tiptronic automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient power delivery.
In summary, the launch of the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition not only demonstrates Audi's deep expertise in the luxury SUV segment but also reflects its relentless pursuit of high-performance and premium driving experiences.
Quick Review:
With 507 horsepower, a peak torque of 770 Nm, an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 250 km/h, this powertrain configuration undoubtedly makes the SQ7 Night Knight Edition highly competitive in the luxury SUV market.
The introduction of the new Audi SQ7 Night Knight Edition further enriches Audi's product lineup in the high-performance luxury SUV segment. Its outstanding power performance, advanced driver assistance systems, and luxurious interior features will deliver a new driving experience for consumers. However, amid increasingly fierce market competition, whether the SQ7 Night Knight Edition can stand out remains to be seen.
Written by: Jia Ming Edited by: Jia Ming