With its premiere at Auto Zurich, the JAC e-JS1 small car becomes the most affordable electric car in Switzerland. Other Chinese manufacturers are also seeking the spotlight at Switzerland's largest motor show. We introduce the new players.
Small and affordable electric cars have been in short supply on the market to date. But this is set to change in the near future: this spring, VW presented the ID. 2all, a study of a small electric car that is set to launch in 2025 for less than 25,000 francs. Citroën will launch the recently unveiled ë-C3 in spring 2024: like its famous ancestor, the "Elektro-Döschwo" is set to bring basic mobility into the electric age and will be able to travel up to 320 kilometers for less than CHF 25,000. Other brands from parent company Stellantis also want to follow suit soon with affordable electric vehicles: Fiat, for example, also wants to bring back the Panda, which was discontinued last year, from 2024 - electrically and affordably.
European car manufacturers would do well to bring their budget electric cars onto the market soon. This is because more and more Chinese manufacturers are entering the market with modern e-cars that no longer have to hide behind domestic suppliers in terms of technology and quality and in some cases leave them far behind in terms of price. Several new Chinese models are also celebrating their Swiss premiere at the current Auto Zurich (see box), which should put Western car manufacturers under considerable pressure.
Mini electric car for under 20,000 francs
First and foremost, the JAC e-JS1, which can be seen in Europe for the first time and which, with a price starting at 17,989 Swiss francs, displaces the Dacia Spring from the throne of Switzerland's cheapest electric car to date. The small electric car, which is 3.65 meters short and weighs just under 1200 kilos, is imported into Switzerland by Auto Kunz like the e-JS4 compact SUV and is expected to travel around 300 kilometers with its 31 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. The Citystromer is powered by an electric motor with 61 hp (45 kW) and 150 Nm. The JAC e-JS1 will be available from dealers from November.
The Dyo model from another previously unknown supplier, Elaris, is another size smaller than the JAC. The two-seater, which is only 2.87 meters long and is celebrating its Swiss premiere at Auto Zürich, is primarily designed for the city, weighs less than a ton and can reach a top speed of 110 km/h. Its 30 kWh battery should enable a range of between 230 and 275 kilometers. Its 30 kWh battery is designed to provide a range of between 230 and 275 kilometers. Prices for the Mini Stromer start at 19,990 francs. The 4.70-metre-long electric SUV Beo, which Elaris is also presenting in the Zurich exhibition halls, is much more grown-up and appealing. The Beo starts at 39,990 Swiss francs.
China can also be luxurious
The Mifa 9 from Maxus, known as the premium electric shuttle, is celebrating another Swiss premiere. The 5.27-metre-long luxury van offers space for up to eight passengers and can travel up to 440 kilometers on a single charge (90 kWh). The Mifa 9 is charged with a maximum of 120 kW at the DC fast charger and is propelled by a 245 hp (180 kW) electric motor on the front axle. Prices for the luxury e-shuttle start at CHF 65,900.
The Voyah Free could also become real competition for local manufacturers. The large and luxurious electric SUV from car manufacturer Dongfeng impresses with its attractive design and powerful performance: with its 489 hp (360 kW) and 720 Nm, the newcomer accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds! Thanks to its mega-battery (106 kWh), the Free has a range of up to 500 kilometers. But at 69,990 Swiss francs, the price is also in the premium segment.
The independent Chinese manufacturer Aiways is exhibiting at Auto Zurich for the third time. The U6 SUV coupé shares its technology with the U5 compact SUV, which is also available, and is powered by a 218 hp (160 kW) and 315 Nm electric motor on the front axle. The 63 kWh battery should last for around 400 kilometers. Prices for the dynamic Aiways U6 start from 48,990 Swiss francs.
Text: Andreas Engel
