Were electric buses in Oslo a mistake? Let's take a closer look at the electric articulated buses - with a focus on winter characteristics and range in the cold.
Articulated buses are ideal for "hop on - hop off" in city traffic. People get in and out of the bus easily through wide doors and a flat floor inside the bus provides space for prams and suitcases. Had there been one Boat, I would compare the articulated bus to a large flat-bottomed raft. Easy access and plenty of room for people on board, but only built for traffic in sheltered waters. Can be difficult to maneuver in certain weather conditions.
Winter properties
Traction on the 3rd axle is not optimal in winter drivingOne of the biggest challenges with articulated buses is that the engine is at the back, connected to the bus's 3rd axle, i.e. the axle of the "trailer". This can cause challenges on winter driving, especially if the bus is turning. Look at the figure and imagine that the bus is standing on a slight uphill slope on a snow-filled road. Several bus manufacturers of electric articulated buses, including Ebusco and MAN, now make buses with traction on the 2nd axle on the "trekkvogna". Solaris has announced that they will also come with this. Electric drivetrains make it possible to put a motor on each axle with electronically controlled multi-wheel clutch, in the same way as we know from electric cars such as Tesla.
The design is the same on all articulated buses, regardless of whether they are powered by diesel, hybrid or electricity, but weight distribution can play an important role. A diesel engine under the rear seat helps to provide weight over the drive wheels. The batteries in electric articulated buses are usually placed in the roof, but batteries can also be placed in the back.
Range in the cold
Newer articulated buses of the Solaris Urbino type have battery packs with 520 kwh which give a range of up to 300 km. As an example, a bus (route 31) will be able to drive round trip Snarøya – Tonsenhagen 4 times within 8 hours, a total of 160 km. Theoretically, this should be fine - even in the cold, if it weren't for the fact that the buses also have to be heated. In an interview in Nettavisen, the bus driver said Marit Sauge that the drivers do not have access to preheat the buses from the charging socket before they are started, so that they have to use the batteries to raise the internal temperature from minus degrees. I hope the bus operator arranges for this before next winter. Preheating the passenger compartment and batteries is important to get more out of the batteries in cold weather.
I do not know the battery capacity of "older" buses from 2019. The VDL Citea, for example, is a bus model that has been in use for a long time. This can today be delivered with a battery capacity of up to 420 kwh, but also with smaller capacities such as 216 and 289 kwh. It is clear that this will not be sufficient for the longest routes/shifts. New buses from Ebusco, which will enter traffic during 2024, offer a significantly higher range than today's buses.
Electric articulated buses in Oslo
Here is an overview of the buses in Oslo. The number of registered buses is based on elbilstatistikk.no og regnr.info. The data is taken from the manufacturers' brochures, and compared with notices on vegvesen.no.
BYD E-Bus articulated bus
BYD E-Bus 18 meters (Source: BYD Europe)
Country of manufacture: Hungary
Number of registrants: approx. 190
Year models: 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023.
HP: 360
Battery capacity: Up to 422 kwh (2024)
Range: 250 km
Max axle load kg: 1-7100, 2-10000, 3-12000
A VDL Citea 18 meter articulated bus registered in 2022 (Photo: felixtm/Depositphotos.com)
VDL Citea SLFA-180/181
Former DAF Bus (among other things).
Country of manufacture: The Netherlands
Number of registrants: approx. 120
Year models: 2019, 2020 and 2022.
HP: 326
Battery capacity: Up to 420 kwh (2024)
Range: 250 km
Max axle load kg: 1-7700, 2-10500, 3-12000
Solaris Urbino 18.75 Electric (Source: Solaris)
Solaris Urbino 18
These are the newest articulated buses in the fleet. Solaris has announced that they will be able to deliver articulated buses with operation on both 2nd and 3rd axles, which will be able to provide significantly better winter characteristics. Today's buses in Oslo only pull on the 3rd axle.
Produksjonsland: Polen
Number of registrants: approx. 183
Year models: 2023.
HP: 326
Battery capacity: 520 kWh
Range: 300 km
Max axle load kg: 1-7200, 2-11000, 3-12600
MAN Lion's City 18
MAN Lion's City 18
Updated 29.01.2024
MAN delivered 17 electric articulated buses during November and December last year (2023). According to the supplier, these buses will operate in Oslo Nord and Oslo East. I have not yet seen the buses with my own eyes, so I don't know if they are scheduled, or if they are just being tested. One thing is certain – all the articulated buses pull on both the 2nd and 3rd axle. Nice that MAN is coming back to Oslo's streets. Who doesn't remember the old Büssing/MAN buses?
Country of manufacture: Germany
Number of registrants: 17
Year models: 2023
HP: 2 engines, a total of 544 hp
Battery capacity: Up to 640 kwh
Range: Up to 350 km
Max axle load kg: 1-8000, 2-11500, 3-12500
Ebusco 3.0 18 meters (Source: Ebusco)
Ebusco 3.0 18 meters (coming in 2024)
The buses are on order but not yet delivered and registered. The buses from Ebusco are distinguished by being extremely light, which should give a longer range. Another novelty is that they have operation on the 2nd and 3rd axle, which gives better winter properties. Bought in by Nobina, which operates in Lillestrøm and Follo. It is uncertain whether the buses will be deployed on route 20 as shown in the picture.
Country of manufacture: The Netherlands
Number of registrants: 0
Year models: Expected 54 articulated buses in 2024
HP: 2 engines of 180 hp
Battery capacity: 500 kwh - Cobalt-free batteries from CATL
Range: Up to 700 km
Max axle load kg: 1-8165, 2-10350, 3-8165
If the EU is to achieve its goals of increasing the proportion of emission-free vehicles, car manufacturers must focus on good cars in the A and B segments. People living in big European cities prefer small cars for 20 euros - not SUVs for more than 000.
If it goes as the EU has now finally decided, from 2035 only zero-emission vehicles will be allowed to be sold. The aim is to increase the proportion of cars with zero emissions, but there are many things that can slow down this process – also after 2035. That is why charging options for street-parked cars must be developed. Furthermore, car manufacturers must focus on electric cars in the A and B segments. Southern Europeans choose cars that are not sold in Norway, such as Dacia, Fiat Panda and Renault Twingo.
Cheap electric cars are not to be despised in Norway either. Today you can get them in stock Nissan Leaf Accenta with 39 kwh to 232 or Mazda MX-30 for NOK 219.
2023 Nissan Leaf facelift. Photo: santirf/Depositphotos.comPlenty of room in the back seat
The Nissan Leaf is a lot of car for the money
Today's model is on its way out and will be replaced by a new model that will probably share the drivetrain with the Megane E-Tech. This may mean that the starting price of the new Nissan Leaf will be much more expensive than today. Another model that is now available for sale on the cheap is the Mazda MX-30. This model is also on its way out of the market without us knowing of any replacement.
Measures that can cut prices
The prices of batteries have increased considerably due to pressure on raw materials such as nickel, lithium and cobalt. In the long term, however, one can expect battery technology to be developed in such a way that they become cheaper to produce, and that they have increased capacity, lower weight, lower volume and lower price. The car industry can take further measures to cut costs in production. GM's new battery management system, for example, eliminates up to 90% of cables and connectors compared to other car brands. Tesla introduced a switchless dashboard in its Model 3. In the new version, the gear lever is also replaced by a touch function on the screen. Elon Musk is also supposed to have considered replacing the outside temperature sensor with a function that fetches the temperature on the Internet. Omitting switches, gear levers and perhaps computerized temperature gauges does not make the cars better - but can help create cheap cars without compromising safety, driving characteristics and range.
Dacia spring
Dacia Spring shown at Automobile Barcelona 2023. Photo: santirf/Depositphotos.com
Dacia Spring dashboard
In France, Dacia Spring is in 15th place in the number of cars sold so far this year - only beaten by the Tesla Model Y if we limit ourselves to electric cars. Dacia belongs to the Dacia-Lada division of Renault, which now no longer operates in Russia - only in Romania. The Dacia Spring electric car was first shown at the 2019 Shanghai Motor Show as Renault City K-ZE. Later it appeared as the Dacia Spring produced by D in China. The production location must be chosen to keep prices down. You can say that the Dacia Spring is designed not to cost more than 20 euros, - or to put it another way:
This is what you get for 20 euros
With a length of 3,73 metres, room for 4 and 300 liters of luggage, it ends up in the A-segment, although the tall shape with 5 doors makes the car seem larger than it actually is. The battery capacity is 27,4 kWh gross, of which 26,8 kWh is usable. That corresponds to the capacity of the electric cars most people could afford 10 years ago. It provides a range of 230 km thanks to its low weight and economical engine – 45 horsepower on a 1045 kg car. What drags the car down the most and makes the car unattractive in Norway is the lack of active temperature management of the batteries * 1) and that the model was awarded only one star in EuroNcap's crash tests.
One is tempted to say: "Close, but No Cigar".
Is hope lost for a good electric car at a low price?
Dacia Spring shows what is possible to build within 20 euros, or NOK 000. The model appeared 250 years ago. Can we expect a new model to appear in the same price range with better range, full thermal management of the batteries and collision safety on par with other models? 000 new, interesting models in the lower price range have already been announced. New Renault 5 og VW ID.2All are models that are intended to reach the "most people" in the EU. Although they are to manage it, they must have an ace up their sleeve – namely access to affordable batteries. Volkswagen plans to start production of its ID.2All in 2025 – at the same time as its own battery factory, PowerCo in Salzgitter, will start producing batteries. Renault has announced that its new model will have a new platform developed in collaboration with Nissan with batteries that are both lighter and less bulky than the current Zoe. Maybe there will be a new low-cost model from Nissan too? In 2025, Dacia has announced that there will be a brand new Spring.
Voilkswagen's new signature model
Renault 5 concept in front of the stadium for the French Open 2023 (Photo: Renault)
One of the most interesting news for 2025 could therefore be the new Dacia Spring. Volkswagen and Renault can certainly build nice small cars - which in this case will end up in the B segment - but I doubt that they will manage to push the prices below NOK 300. Perhaps Dacia can, but with an upgraded safety level and battery technology, the new model may be more expensive than the current model - although the prices from the low-cost manufacturer will probably be below the competition.
Autumn's new low-cost cars
MG MG4 Standard is a reasonably modern electric car with 5 doors, 5 seats, usable range of 351 km and liquid-based temperature management of the batteries. The model received 5 stars in EuroNcap's crash tests. The MG4 is thus the most affordable electric car that has not fallen short in important areas like the Dacia Spring did. It costs from NOK 273 in Norway.
BYD Dolphin is another model that will come to Norway. It appeared as a 2022 model in China and is being introduced in the EU these days. In the most affordable version, it must be equipped with modern Blade batteries of 30,72 kwh with a range of 301 km, but can also be obtained with larger battery packs at higher prices. In terms of price, it looks like the Dolphin could end up costing about the same as the MG4. The model has not yet been crash tested by EuroNcap.
BYD Dolphin at Manila International Auto Show 2023. Photo: imwaltersy/Depositphotos
Updated: 2024 Citroen ë-C3
(20.10.2023) Stellantis Citroen has announced that next year's Citroen ë-C3 – a car with a 320 km range at €23. In 300 the ë-C2025 YOU will arrive – a car with a 3 km range at an incredible €200. Thus it looks as if Citroen could become the model that opens up the important market for cheap cars in European cities. Today's C20 YOU belongs to the B-class, but was made in a cheap model to replace the former Citroen C000.
The new Citroen ë-C3 (Photo: Citroen)
See
Voilkswagen's new signature modelThe Five will returnLeap 3.0 could pave the way for small cars
*1) Active temperature control of the battery cells ensures that the batteries are supplied with heat in cold areas and cooling during load/fast charging in warm areas. Dacia Spring has a reservoir for coolant, but it is only used to control the temperature in the electric motor - not the batteries.
New Subaru Solterra has high ground clearance for moments like this (source: subaru.com)
BYD has been researching "blade" technology for several years. The biggest advantages are increased fire safety and tighter packaging so that they take up less space. Another advantage is that they are LFP-based, i.e. based on Lithium, iron and phosphorus - or put another way: They contain not nickel like other lithium-based batteries (NCM/NCA). These days, nickel can present problems as Russia accounts for a large part of the production.
The Blade batteries' fire safety has been tested by several people. One penetrates a cell with a pointed metal object. The blade cell then emits a "pop" and smoke, but no fire. If you do the same with a normal lithium cell, the cell explodes in a magnesium-white light. One can imagine the consequences this could have in a car, for example by driving over a pointed metal object.
BYD supplies batteries to Tesla
Today, all BYDs have Tang blade batteries. It also has the new Tesla SR+ (standard range plus). They also get their batteries from BYD. "Everyone" talks about "Solid State" batteries without liquid elements, which make them both lighter and less bulky. There was long speculation as to whether Toyota should choose "Solid State". You could probably say that Blade is a step on the way to "Solid State".
Subaru's new four-wheel drive
Toyota's new electric car model bZ4X (beyond zero four cross) is a welcome addition to electric car-hungry Toyota fans. The Subaru Solterra is essentially the same model as the bZ4X. Both models are produced as front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with a separate electric motor on the rear wheels. There is little doubt that it is the latter variant that will be most popular here at home. Since Subaru has made a profile of only delivering cars with four-wheel drive, it is not inconceivable that they choose to omit front-wheel drive from their model range. They will continue to market the four-wheel system as X-Mode, although Solterra's system is not the same as for the fossil models. Audi did the same when they launched their e-tron as Quattro. But today's solution with a separate electric motor for the rear wheels and an electronically controlled driving program for snow and off-road probably works just as well as the "old" 4-wheel systems. The systems in Audi and Subaru have for many years been considered the world's best.
Toyoa bZ4X (beyond zero)
The off-road characteristics have not been forgotten
Toyota and Subaru address two different customer groups. Subaru owners are likely to make stricter demands on off-road capabilities. Many people probably want to replace their Forester or Outback and don't want to risk smashing the battery packs on the first trip up to the cabin. Toyota (and Subaru) have worked on the off-road properties, including driving in water. The Solterra's ground clearance is a decent 20 cm, which is still 2 cm lower than the Forester and Outback. But the batteries must be fitted into load-bearing structures so that they have protection from the underside. Incidentally, the Forester weighs "only" 1600 kg compared to the Solterra, which seems to end up at around 2 tonnes.
Steering by wire
Another finesse with the new bZ4X and Solterra is "steering-by-wire", i.e. without mechanical transmission between steering wheel and wheels. According to Toyota, the new system should deliver better steering feel than conventional steering. In addition, Toyota will offer joysticks like in an airplane instead of a steering wheel (optional). According to Toyota, you should be able to keep two hands on the "steering wheel" without having to cross your arms while driving. Subaru is not going to offer such a solution.
Medium range
The two new models from Toyota and Subaru will challenge the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 and Skoda Enyaq in terms of size and performance. Toyota/Subaru can be supplied with two battery packs, one of 71,4 kwh for front-wheel drive - and a pack of 72,8 kwh for four-wheel drive cars. Currently, there is a lot of "hyped" information about ranges. Four-wheel drive cars will, according to all sun brands, end up between 440-460 km WLTP. In terms of experience, the practical daily range is 4/5 of the stated figures, in this case between 350 and 370 km.
All Toyota bZ4X have steering-by-wire, but steering wheel à la ironing stick comes as an optional extra
Many of the customers for the Toyota bZ4X are likely to come from the Toyota RAV4. They will feel comfortable in the electric car. Subaru owners who want to switch to the Solterra will probably also find themselves comfortable, provided that the cabin is not too rough.
Subaru Solterra – the sister model of the Toyota bZ4X with batteries from BYD
Much has been written about who will supply batteries for the Toyota BZ4X in the future. Rumors said Toyota would get Blade batteries from BYD. Maybe BYD supplies batteries to Toyota, but not in cars that come to Norway. Today, Toyota receives batteries from CATL in China. Perhaps only for now, because there is still speculation that Toyota is looking for new partners for batteries.
See
Every 3rd electric car from ChinaWhen electric car batteries self-igniteToyota RAV4
BYD Dolphin – promising compact electric car from China that might be brought into Norway? (source: www.bydauto.com.cn)
A year ago I wrote about Chinese cars under the title «The Chinese are coming!» Then the share of Chinese cars was insignificant. If we look at the registration statistics, 30% of all electric cars are Chinese - and the percentage is rising *)
The very first Chinese electric cars
Just one year ago - in December 2020 - Chinese cars were something completely new. BMW had started production of its new iX3 in Shenyang. Polestar 2 had been delivered to the very first customers. MG ZSEV had just started delivering cars. Xpeng had just entered the market but had not yet delivered any cars. Looking at the registration statistics one year later, the Polestar 2 comes in 11th place, the MG ZS EV in 17th place, the BMW iX3 in 20th place and the Xpeng G3 in 42nd place. The model that surprises the most in terms of statistics is MG. It gives a lot of car for the money. The first customers complained about poor winter range, but that problem is probably fixed in the software. Polestar was predicted to reach the top of the sales charts, but was overtaken by other, new models. BMW iX3 is one SUV, but have lost out that it cannot be delivered with 4-wheel drive. XPeng G3 has managed to gain a foothold in the electric car market.
Today's Teslas come from China
Tesla accounts for the largest increase in Chinese cars. Tesla Model Y and Model 3 top the sales lists and from this summer both models were taken in from Tesla's new factory in Shanghai. Tesla currently accounts for half of China-imported electric cars. The transition from California to Shanghai has happened quietly. It is not certain that new Tesla owners know that they have received a Chinese car? There is also no increased dissatisfaction with Chinese cars compared to those made in California. What's more, the Tesla Model 3 has never been cheaper than it is today. The differences between cars from the US and China may not be that great. Probably different suppliers of steel, as well as the fact that Tesla has announced that they have changed the software to be able to use Chinese-made electronic chips - although it is possible that those changes have also been introduced in the US.
What happened to the news from last year?
A year ago we trawled Chinese websites to find news about exports to Europe (Norway) - and who was responsible for the imports here at home. We could talk about projects before they were official, and we also made some speculations of our own.
BYD and Maxus
BYD Tang – new electric SUV with large battery and high performance (source: www.bydauto.com.cn)
Both brands are brought into Norway by RSA Bil. THE WORLD OF Tang is an exciting piece of news that has just gone on sale. It is in 14th place among sold electric cars in November. We also predicted that BYD HAN could find an audience in Norway - as a competitor to the Tesla S. But it seems that most people prefer SUVs. Maxus Euniq 5 is more MPV than SUV. It is a 7-seater that offers a lot of space for the money, but loses out on a low range, tricky towing weight and no 4-wheel drive. In the list of electric cars sold so far this year, it ends up in 49th place.
Xpeng
Charging complications in SwedenXpeng P7 (source: www.xiaopeng.com)
Not only is Xpeng a new brand - there is also a start-up company behind it. – Zero Emission Mobility. Xpeng has managed to become an established brand, and their first model in Norway – the G3 – is to be seen out on the roads. A year ago we speculated whether the Xpeng P7 would also be included. It is now on its way in. The first cars have been registered and Xpeng can become a competitor to the Tesla Model 3. Perhaps it will be easier to win acceptance for the Xpeng P7 as the Tesla 3 is also produced in China. And there are probably going to be a lot of Tesla 3s on the road. A whimsical feature of the top model is front doors that swing up at the front à la Lamborghini. XPeng calls it "Peng Wing".
The Gill group and DFSK
A year ago, everything indicated that the brands DFSK and Seres from the Dongfeng Motor Group were ready to be taken in by the Gill group and distributed through the same dealer network that sells Subaru. 2 DFSK Seres 3 have been taken in during 2021, but the websites for the brands have been removed. It became known that the Gill group did not want to bring in a new Subaru in 2021 due to the lack of plug-in cars in the model range. Now, however, Subaru has announced that they will come with an electric car during 2023 - which can be ordered in 2022. Perhaps DFSK and Seres could come into competitive conflict with Subaru's new electric car? The DFSK Seres 3 is a model that is the size of the Nissan Qashqai and can compete with the MG ZS, Peugeot e-2008 and Opel Mokka. It is a type of car that should be well suited for the Norwegian market.
We speculated whether anyone in Norway would be interested in Chery. Some had plans for Chery, namely the RSA chain that sells BYD and Maxus. But since no Chery has been registered during 2021, it may take more than a year before Chery appears on the Norwegian market.
NIO
NIO ES8 – new model this year can change battery pack in 3 minutes (in China)
A year ago I wrote that NIO had no Norwegian representative, but that had they - or got established soon after we wrote about them. In China, NIO has developed a network of battery stations where car owners get changed battery in 3 minutes. It will be exciting to see how this is introduced in Norway. However, I guessed wrong as to which model would come to Norway first. I guessed ES6, but this year 147 of the largest model, the NIO ES8, have been taken in.
Hengchi and Hongqi
Hongqi E-HS9Hongqi a770There was a lot of money and big plans in motion when the newly started company Hengchi announced that they would start production of no less than 6 different models as early as August 2021. Now the start of production has been postponed to 2022. Hengchi will offer cars in the luxury class, probably in the million range and has no Norwegian representatives. When I wrote about Hengchi, I checked Hongqi [hå:sji] ("red flags"), - the big dictator's car that once transported Mao Tse Tung. Hongqi has previously made two models which in status and style were very reminiscent of Russian ZILs. The FAW group (First Automotive Works) is behind Hongqi. The company was formed during the communist era with technical expertise from the Russians. Never would I have thought that a Hongqi model would be taken into Norway! Primarily because of the brand's pompous character, - inspired by the pompous cars of yesteryear. But Norwegians love big SUVs. With a length well over 5 meters and a width of 2,01, the Hongqi E-HS9 is a model that can primarily offer the Audi e-tron competition - for those who are brave enough. Hongqi is brought into Norway by HBI Norge - a company in The Motor Group which, among other things, is known as an importer of Mitsubishi.
Increases diversity
Hongqi has an exterior reminiscent of a car Uncle Skrue might own. In a world where all cars look the same – shaped by wind tunnels – the Hongqi E-HS9 stands out as an original and fun design concept. It is also interesting to see that China has also received several new car projects - aimed at narrow groups. One such project is Songsan Motors, which has previously created a modern clone of the 50s Mercury Monterey. Now they are out with new models based on the Chevy Corvette C1. The cars have modern hybrid drive systems and safety adapted to today's requirements. It's not just about a style study, but fully drivable cars produced at one of BYD's factories. The pictured model will cost $160 in the US. If it were a pure electric car, you could buy it here without taxes.
Songsan Dolphin has drivetrain and undercarriage from BYD's parts warehouse. Currently, there is little information about the project. The car's hybrid drive is based on a 1,5 liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The battery capacity is 16 kwh. Length and width are respectively 480×185 cm. Thus, it is at least 30 cm longer than the original Chevy Corvette.
BYD Dolphin (source: www.bydauto.com.cn)TerjeWe offer one more photo of the BYD Dolphin (Zoe size). The special thing about this car is that it has an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery. Two battery sizes, 30 kwh or 45 kwh. The BYD Dolphin is also adapted for 800V charging, which, according to the manufacturer, enables the car to receive electricity for 144 km (90 miles) in just 5 minutes. And if I'm being completely honest, I would be very skeptical about spending three quarters of a mill on an unknown car brand from China. But I wouldn't have any problems with a car for 200 - which the BYD Dolphin may end up with if it goes on sale in Norway.
*) The claim "every 3rd electric car is Chinese" is based on registration figures from elbilstatistikk.no for the entire month of November up to and including 7 December 2021. That the trend is rising is based on figures from the last two weeks. The figures are, however, affected by Tesla's delivery times, which happen in batches.
The DFSK SERES SF5 is a crossover with a powerful battery pack and high performance that will arrive in Norway in 2021 (source: dfsk.com)
China's "New Energy" is forcing Chinese car manufacturers to switch to rechargeable cars. The transformation of the vehicle fleet in Norway means that new Chinese electric cars find their way here before other western countries.
Made in China
It is not certain that the dealers state that the new BMW iX3 is produced by Brilliance in Shenyang or that the Volvo XC60 is now produced in Chengdu together with Polestar. Other European car models are also fully produced in China, such as the Mercedes EQC, Volkswagen ID.4, Audi e-tron, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Tesla Model 3 – to stick to electric cars. These models are produced in China only to meet demand in the Chinese domestic market.
Chinese class trip
It is no secret that China has enjoyed formidable economic growth since the turn of the century. In 2019, 21 million cars were produced, of which only 3% went for export. The internal car market in China is unbelievably large, and Chinese people with strong purchasing power will not settle for anything. In addition, the Chinese authorities have introduced regulations with regard to "Corporate average fuel consumption and new energy". It is a program that will gradually switch domestic car production to "New Energy". The goal for 2020 is for 12% of all vehicles produced to be powered by electricity or hydrogen. Today, China is one of the fastest growing markets for rechargeable cars.
Much in common with Norway
It is the demand for electric cars that makes Chinese cars interesting in Norway. Today, Chinese car models are sent to Norway as the first western exporting country. Several completely new models are already in the focus of Norwegian players and may appear on Norwegian roads during 2021.
BYD Han – battery pack of 76,9 Kwh. Supplied with either front-wheel drive or dual motor four-wheel drive (source: www.bydauto.com.cn)
BYD
BYD (Build Your Dreams) has already gained a foothold in Norway, primarily through the new electric-powered articulated buses that run in Oslo. BYD's commercial and passenger cars are distributed in Norway via RSA Car. The model range currently consists of a van and an SUV - BID T3 og THE WORLD OF Tang. Norway is the first western export country for these models. THE WORLD OF Tang is a full-size electric SUV with a large battery, long range and Tesla performance. The red sedan in the picture is a Tesla S "look-a-like" which is not imported to Norway - for now. BYD Inn ended up in 4th place among sold electric cars in China in October. This is one of several Chinese models that can give Tesla competition in Norway, given that the price is "right".
BYD Inn
Available as Luxury (FWD), Premium (FWD) and AWD
Battery capacity: 76,9 Kwh
Range:
– FWD: 605 km NEDC
– AWD: 550 km NEDC
Engine:
– FWD – Front: 218 HP, 330 Nm
– AWD – Front: 218 HP, 330 Nm – Rear: 268 HP, 350 Nm
0-100: 7,9s (FWD), 3,9s (AWD)
Length, width, height in cm: 498 x 191 x 150
Wheelbase: 292 cm
Not taken into Norway - but BYD has a Norwegian representative
Atmospheric interior in BYD Han – one of several Chinese Tesla challengersBYD Tang – new electric SUV with large battery and high performance (source: www.bydauto.com.cn)
THE WORLD OF Tang
Length, width, height in cm: 487 x 195 x 172
Wheelbase: 282 cm
Battery capacity: 86,4 kWh
Range NEDC: 505 km
Engine: 509 HP, 610 Nm, 4WD
0-100: 4,6 seconds,
Top speed: 180 km/h
Own weight: 2295 kg
Max trailer weight: 1410 kg
Price in Norway: 599
SAIC Maxus
Maxus is represented in Norway through RSA Car. The vans e-Deliver 3 and EV80 have had the greatest success. Among other things, Posten and Bring have bought several cars. The Maxus Euniq 5 is a 7-seater passenger car for 400 which also comes with green plates. It is undoubtedly a lot of car for the money.
The Maxus Euniq 5 is sold as a 7-seater or on green labels (source: www.maxus.com)
Maxus Euniq 5
Length, width, height in cm: 482 x 182 x 179
Wheelbase: 280 cm
Battery capacity: 52,5 kWh
Range according to the factory: 260 km WLTP (combined) and 356 km (urban).
Engine: 177 HP, 310 Nm, front wheel drive
Top speed: 160km/h
Own weight: 1810 kg
Number of seats: 7
Max trailer weight: 400 kg
Price in Norway: 399
The MG ZS EV was the best-selling Chinese electric car model in Norway in 2020. Sold through Norwegian dealers.
MG ZS
Length, width, height in cm: 431 x 181 x 164
Wheelbase: 259 cm
Seats: 5
Engine: 141 HP, 353 Nm, FWD
Top speed: 140 km/h
0-100: 8,2 seconds
Battery capacity: 44,5 Kwh
Range: 263 km WLTP
Trailer not possible
Price in Norway (Comfort): 239
– (Luxury): 259
MG is an independent car brand produced by SAIC in Shanghai. MG is alive and well on the Chinese market. There are several models, most on fossil fuel. MG, like other Chinese car brands, must offer vehicles with "New Energy". The MG ZS is the company's first electric car. The cars are brought into Norway by Norwegian Mobility Group AS which is affiliated with the Subaru importer, the Gill Group. The MG ZS is sold, among other things, through the dealer chain Birger N Haug.
Xpeng – cars and clothes from China
Xpeng is considered China's 10th largest electric car manufacturer. This summer, the Norwegian importer ordered 100 cars of the G3 model. Norway is the car brand's first export country and opening to the European market - something that was highlighted in the Chinese press. Xpeng is taken into Norway by Zero Emission Mobility. The company was founded by the people behind it Norwegian Bunader who have been successful by sewing Norwegian bunads in China. Today, cars and clothes are imported from the same premises.
Xpeng G3 (source:xiapeng.com)
XPeng G3
Length, width, height in cm: 445 x 182 x 161
Wheelbase: 263 cm
Seats: 5
Engine: 194 HP, 300 Nm, FWD
Battery capacity: 66,5 Kwh
Range: 451 km WLTP
Trailer not possible
Price in Norway (G3 Smart): 358
– (G3 Premium): 379
New production facility
The XPeng G3 was put into production in 2018 at Haima (Hainan and Mazda) as part of the state-owned car group FAW Group. This summer, Xpeng opened its own production facility in Zhaoqing. The all-new model P7 is now produced at this facility. The P7 has performance and range completely on par with the Tesla Model 3. It also looks very good. In recent months, the new model has outsold the G3 in China.
Xpeng P7 – The Tesla challenger
Currently only sold in China, but since Xpeng has a Norwegian distributor, it is not inconceivable that it will appear here at home. The P7 can be delivered in four versions – two with rear-wheel drive and two with four-wheel drive. The two with rear-wheel drive have a range of 586 km and 706 km (!). The versions with four-wheel drive and dual motor have a range of 562 km. The top model "Peng Wing" has doors that tilt upwards like on a Lamborghini. An obvious courtship to Tesla customers. The P7 also offers self-driving technology. According to rumours, a former employee of Tesla should have uploaded software for Tesla's autopilot solution to the cloud and taken it over to Xpeng.
The Xpeng P7 is a very beautiful car which, on paper, can challenge the Tesla Model 3. It will probably come to Norway and be sold through the Xpeng dealers (source: www.xiaopeng.com)
DFSK – Dongfeng SOKON
DFSK has factories in China, Indonesia and in the USA (MIshawaka, Indiana). The Norwegian importer of Subaru, Gill Gruppen, has set its sights on DFSK's electric cars. They will continue to take in new Subaru models, but not 2021 models. The DFSK models that are interesting for Norway are two high-built crossover models - DFSK E3 og DFSK SERES SF5. The car brand is DFSK, under Dongfeng Motor Group. In Norway, the cars will probably be marketed under the model name Seres.
DFSK SERES 3 will probably arrive in Norway shortly and will replace Subaru at dealers (source: dfsk.com)
DFSK E3
Model name in China: DFSK SERES 3
Length, width, height in cm: 439 x 185 x 165
Wheelbase: 266 cm
Seats: 5
Engine: 160 HP, 300 Nm
Battery capacity: 52,56 Kwh
Range: 405 km
The brand has a Norwegian representative
DFSK SERES SF5
Brand new model (DFSK SERES 5)
Battery capacity: 90 kWh
Engine: 684 HP, 1039 Nm
0-100: 3,5 seconds
The brand has a Norwegian representative
Can also be supplied with a range extender
See picture at the top of the post!
Chery
Like several other Chinese manufacturers, Chery is a fairly young company. The car press pounced on the brand when they started exporting cars to Western countries 20 years ago. Chery seriously failed crash tests. Moreover, several models were alleged to be copies of Western models. Chery never had any success in Europe, but that may change now. The model Chery eQ5 (referred to as Ant in China) is a modern crossover that I'm pretty sure can be imported to Norway.
Chery eQ5 – medium-sized crossover with 70,1 Kwh battery pack.
chery eQ5
Length, width, height in cm: 463 x 191 x 165
Wheelbase: 283 cm
Net weight 1760 kg
Motorization (minimum): 160 HP, 250 Nm
Motorization (largest): 174 HP, 280 Nm
Battery capacity 70,1 Kwh
Range: 510 km NEDC
Top speed: 170 km/h
NIO
NIO was founded in 2014 to produce electric cars. In the myriad of different models, NIO stands out with its modern and western designs and technology. The NIO ES6 is a car that should attract interest from Norwegian customers. It is a challenger to the Audi e-tron. It became the 10th best-selling electric car in China for October. The same model is also available as a coupe variant under the name EC6. NIO has no Norwegian representative.
The NIO ES6 is an Audi e-tron challenger that is not currently represented in Norway (source: nio.com)
NIO ES6 - Default
Battery capacity: 70 Kwh
Range: 420 km (combined), 490 km (urban)
Motorization: 430 HP (215 front and 215 rear).
0-100: 5,6 seconds –Performance
Battery capacity: 84 Kwh
Range: 430 km (combined), 510 km (urban)
Motorization: 536 HP (215 front and 321 rear).
0-100: 4,7 seconds
Active air suspension, 4WD
Dongfeng - one of China's largest manufacturers has established a new electric car brand Voyah. The prototype looks like a cross between a Fisker Karma and a Tesla Model S (source: www.dfmc.com.cn)
In the throat of Tesla
The Tesla Model 3 has been very successful in China. Several car manufacturers are now launching "Tesla killers" - models that will hijack customers from Tesla. Just look at the BYD Han and Xpeng P7, - or Dongfeng Voyah - a prototype that shows what one of China's biggest automakers can create. Hengchi is a brand new car brand, formed by Chinese capital from the construction company China Evergrande Group. They went out last year and said they will become China's largest electric car manufacturer in 5 years. There is little doubt that Tesla is on the target.
If someone were to succeed in surpassing Tesla in China, it is not impossible that they could succeed in Tesla's country of Norway as well.
Henqchi was established last year and has big plans backed by Chinese capital. Henqchi 1 fits into the Tesla Model S.
If you are wondering if your car is manufactured in China, you can check if the car's VIN number starts with "L". Car manufacturers do not always choose to state the correct country in the VIN number, but Chinese law requires that all goods exported must be clearly marked where they come from. Therefore, you can trust that cars manufactured in China always show "L" as the first character in the VIN number.
