Chinese electric vehicle startup HiPhi has just launched a new Z variant that is RMB 100,000 yuan ($13,700) cheaper than an earlier release, CnEVPost reports.
However, HiPhi removed some luxury features and technologies of the electric vehicle model to achieve low pricing for the “City” variant.
Design changes
The new HiPhi Z City Version aligns with the brand’s design language. However, the cost-cutting essentially eliminated some of the premium features of the HiPhi Z model.
For instance, the City Version’s doors now have no LED strips to give way for the new glossy black elements. The brand also removed the front bumpers’ and rear end’s LED interactive features.
Nonetheless, the new variant still has the same dimensions (5036/2018/1439mm) as the more expensive options. It also uses large R22 wheels.
As for the interior, the new City Variant has the same design as the earlier options, including the big 15.05″ OLED main screen.
The four-seater City Variant starts at RMB 530,000, while the five-seater has a base price of RMB 510,000 ($69,810).
Technical details
Compared to the pricier models’ battery capacities of 120 kWh and 94.277 kWh, the City Variant offers a smaller battery pack with a 90.18 kWh capacity.
It can enable a driving range of 535 kilometers, based on the CLTC standards. It demonstrates a notable decline from the earlier variant’s range of up to 705 km for the 120 kWh battery pack.
Nonetheless, it will share the same powertrain with two electric motors that can generate a maximum output of 672 horsepower and 820 Nm of torque.
HiPhi’s EV portfolio
The HiPhi Z marked the Chinese electric automaker’s second offering after the inaugural X model. It officially debuted at the Chengdu Auto Show on August 26, 2022.
The HiPhi Z originally had two available versions with a base price of RMB 610,000 ($84,700), CarsNewsChina.com indicated.
The first-ever model X hit the market in October 2020, while deliveries started in May the following year. It has a base price of RMB 570,000 for the six-seat variant.
On the other hand, the HiPhi Y SUV is the third model under the all-electric brand, which launched on July 15. It is currently the most affordable offering in the brand’s portfolio, starting at RMB 339,000.
HiPhi aims to launch the Z City Version in the local market as early as mid-October for a base price of RMB 510,000 ($69,810). Apart from the HiPhi Z City Version, the Chinese electric automaker also announced plans to introduce a new super flagship offering at the upcoming Guangzhou Auto Show with an estimated pricing of around RMB 1 million.
