The European panorama of electric vehicles has been constantly turning, with a growing bet into more efficient and longer-range models per load. Names like Tesla, Volkswagen and Hyundai dominate the segment with proposals already firmly implemented with the public. However, the presence of Chinese brands begins to alter the balance of forces in the sector.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor has a 629 km autonomy according to the WLTP cycle, with a sales price around 48,990 euros. The Volkswagen ID.7 Pro offers 621 km WLTP, with prices from 48,785 euros. But there is a new model to shake the European market.
Despite the evolution of models in commercialization, none of them exceed the 700 km of WLTP cycle autonomy. It is precisely at this point that a proposal from China stands out clearly.
Now a new electric vehicle with semi -solid battery promises to promise significantly higher autonomy and a price at the level of its direct rivals.
Chinese technological investment with bet on accessibility
The new model is the IM brand, an integral part of the Saic group, and is equipped with a semi -solid battery with a capacity of 123.7 kWh.
Thanks to this system, it can reach 1,002 km in CLTC cycle, which translates approximately 870 km in the WLTP standard, according to the SAPO website. It is the Chinese electric car with semi-solid battery with the highest autonomy currently announced.
According to the same source, this battery was developed in partnership with Qingtao Energy, has high energy density and weighs 621 kg. Fast loading is made at 900 V, with power up to 400 kW, allowing 400 km of autonomy in just 12 minutes.
Provision and driving with advanced technology
The model is called IM L6 Lightyear. It is a bellin of the F segment, with Coupé profile and curved line design, measuring 4,931 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,474 mm high, with a distance between 2,950 mm axes. The rear section includes a ‘duckbot’ type spoiler.
According to the SAPO portal, the vehicle is equipped with two electric motors, whole -wheel drive and a combined power of 579 kW (equivalent to 776 hp). The rear wheels are directional, which allows diagonal maneuvers, facilitating mobility in reduced spaces.
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Pitch with screens and advanced driving assistance
Inside, the IM L6 Lightyear integrates a non-replaceable ‘yoke’ steering wheel, and a 26.3-inch front screen, positioning itself among the largest in the market.
There is also an additional 10 -inch screen for the passenger as well as a control panel located between the front seats. The multimedia system is fed by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor.
One of the highlight points is the autonomous driving capacity, with the vehicle prepared to reach level 3 on the SAE scale, which allows a fully automated driving in certain contexts, such as parking parks and secondary pathways, thanks to NXP S32G processor technology.
Autonomy without comparison with the main rivals
With an expected range of 870 km WLTP, IM L6 Lightyear comes well above the current proposals of market leaders in Europe. The new Chinese electric with semi-solid battery differs not only by autonomy, but also its cost-benefit ratio.
According to, the model is marketed in China by 345,900 Iuanes, which corresponds to about 45,000 euros at the current exchange rate. A very competitive price, lower than several European and American models with much more modest autonomies.
Possible arrival in Europe through MG
The IM brand belongs to the Saic group, also responsible for the brands MG, Maxus and Roewe. As referred to in the same source, it is through MG that the entry of IM L6 into the European market may happen, although there is no official confirmation yet. MG already operates in several European countries, including Portugal, and may thus serve as a distribution channel.
However, MG was one of the brands directly affected by the recent tariffs imposed on electric vehicles manufactured in China, which could influence the final value of IM L6 in the European market.
A new level in the Electric Market?
With an innovative technological set, high autonomy and price below competition, IM L6 Lightyear presents itself as an important milestone in the sector. The introduction of a semi -solid battery electric in this price range can lead large manufacturers to review their strategies.
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