This maker of cheap TVs just launched a solid-looking EV

A Chinese maker of inexpensive TVs you’ll find at Walmart or on Amazon is launching a new family hatchback EV designed to rival the VW ID.3, Cupra Born, and BYD Dolphin. So far, it looks like the real deal.

A host of Chinese brands that you’ve likely never heard of have been unveiling new EVs at this week’s Paris auto show – which has made a big comeback this year after a major lull post-COVID. Among them is a newcomer to the scene: Skywell, a brand better known for cheap electronics. Well, it’s sort of a newcomer, since the brand trades as Skyworth in Europe, and Skyworth is a major electronics brand in China. As for the brand name Skywell, the company has already launched a vehicle outside of China this year dubbed the BE11 midsize electric SUV. But now we’re seeing both names on this car, so it’s not clear.

In any case, Skywell, or Skyworth, is now unveiling the Q, which is expected to go on sale throughout Europe next year and be, to no surprise, “competitively priced.” Measuring 4.3m long, the vehicle probably won’t turn a lot of heads, but it’s clean, modern, and squarely placed in the family car segment. Two battery options will be available, and while detailed specs aren’t yet available, the larger pack offers a combined range of over 300 miles, which makes it a good option for longer drives.

DC fast charging should give you a 10% to 80% recharge in 20 minutes. The 204hp front-mounted motor will enable what it claims is 0-62mph time in 3.9 seconds – that’s a lot quicker than the BYD Dolphin Comfort, which can do the same in seven seconds.

The Q also offers 18-inch alloy wheels, a large “Skyroof” on some models, and an infotainment system with a large 15.6-inch touchscreen display. It also comes equipped with a Mezt sound system and eight speakers, wireless connectivity, and touchscreen displays for the folks in the rear seats. Plus a host of other features is included, such as a 360-degree panoramic parking camera, autonomous braking systems, lane keep assist, and intelligent speed assist. And it comes with a seven-year, 100K-mile warranty and an eight-year 155K-mile warranty for the battery.

While we’ll have to see how this all plays out in real life, the Q looks like it could be a real contender to the EV space, at least from the photos. And of course, for the record, BYD got its start in making mobile phones, and Geely, which owns Volvo, made refrigerator parts.  

Photos: Skywell

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