Chery Q electric vehicle set for SA launch in September from R350k

Chery South Africa is preparing to introduce its fully electric Q model to the local market, with the launch scheduled for early September. The vehicle will start at a price of R350,000, positioning itself among several other electric vehicles already available in the country. Competitors include the Geely E2 Aspire at R339,900, the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort at R341,900, and the Dongfeng Box E2 430 priced at R349,000. According to Verene Petersen, national marketing and communications manager at Chery South Africa, the Q was developed to provide an accessible and practical electric driving experience for more South Africans. The Chery Q is designed with urban environments in mind, featuring compact dimensions that make it ideal for city driving. It measures 4,195 millimetres in length, 1,811 millimetres in width, and 1,570 millimetres in height, with a 2,700-millimetre wheelbase that optimises interior space while keeping the overall size manageable. The exterior includes a closed-off front grille, Q-shaped LED headlights, semi-flush door handles, two-tone exterior mirrors, and a floating C-pillar design. Depending on the model variant, the vehicle can be equipped with either 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels. The design has earned recognition through a Red Dot Product Design Award, and the six-layer high-gloss paint finish comes with a 10-year anti-fade guarantee. Inside the cabin, the Chery Q offers a dual-tone dashboard, contrast-coloured air vents, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. A column-mounted gear selector replaces the traditional centre console shifter, providing additional storage space within the cockpit. The vehicle’s luggage compartment provides 375 litres of storage capacity, which expands to 1,450 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Additionally, there is a dedicated 70-litre front storage compartment, enhancing the car’s utility for daily use. Technologically, the Q is equipped with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen driven by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. This setup allows for a customisable home screen and support for gesture-based controls. Higher-end versions of the vehicle include intelligent driver assistance systems and automated parking features, further enhancing convenience and safety for drivers. The powertrain consists of a 90kW electric motor combined with a 42.7kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed driving range of up to 400 kilometres based on the NEDC cycle. This makes the Q suitable for both city and longer trips, catering to a broad spectrum of consumer needs. For customers interested in pre-ordering the vehicle, they will receive a seven-year or 150,000-kilometre warranty, along with a home charging wallbox and portable charging equipment. Buyers also have the option of converting their holding deposit into either a charging card or a direct discount on the vehicle’s purchase price. Further details regarding final model specifications and pricing for different variants will be revealed closer to the launch in September. The introduction of the Chery Q represents another step forward in the growing electric vehicle market in South Africa, offering consumers a new choice in the competitive segment.