Is Apple’s iCar Already Here? China’s Chery Thinks So

iCar reminiscent of Apple
Chinese automobile brand
Mainly launches electric SUVs

iCar is a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Chery, which produces electric vehicles. Just looking at the name creates the impression that it is a car made by the Apple brand. At first glance, it may seem like a recently created brand, but the name iCar has been around longer than you might think. It was first used in Chery’s pickup truck in 2007, and its scope gradually expanded into a proper brand.

This could also be seen at the 2024 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, where small electric SUVs, BEVs, and MPVs were mainly unveiled. Currently, only one model, iCar03, is being produced in the iCar lineup. Attention is being paid to whether the lineup can be expanded with the unique off-road micro van X25 unveiled at this Beijing International Automotive Exhibition and the off-road SUV V23 to be produced. Let’s look closer at Chery’s iCar, which appears to be named after Apple.

The subcompact electric SUV V23
Utilizes space in the form of a boxcar

First, look at Chery iCar’s official second vehicle, the iCar V23. This subcompact pure electric SUV is an off-roader with a box-shaped appearance. With a length of 4,220 mm (166.14 inches), a width of 1,915 mm (75.40 inches), a height of 1,845 mm (72.63 inches), and a wheelbase of 2,730 mm (107. 48 inches), it does not look that big compared to the car body, which looks large.

As an SUV, the focus was on space utilization, and additional storage space was created in the side tailgate to increase utilization.

The advanced technical specifications also stand out, including an 8MP front camera, a 3MP surround-view camera, and a 4 mm (0. 16 inches) wavelength radar, allowing Chery to use the L2++ intelligent driving function. This vehicle has an 800 kWh CATL battery, ensuring a driving range of 400 km (249 miles) for a single motor and 500 km (311 miles) for a dual motor.

The recently revealed X25
The experimental appearance of ambiguous size

The last vehicle to be explained is the X25, a concept car unveiled at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. This vehicle, called a one-box off-road MPV, has not been released with detailed information, but it is said to be able to secure a much longer driving range than the company’s existing models. The front windshield and the view from the side look like a miniature version of the Cybertruck, giving off an unfamiliar yet familiar mood.

The specific production plan for the X25, which was released to realize the concept of maximizing space and optimizing energy efficiency, has also never been revealed. However, it is expected that there will be demand for it due to its size and performance, which can fill the gap between MPVs and SUVs.

iCar is expanding its lineup

Meanwhile, iCar continues to expand its lineup from existing electric SUVs and is also considering launching a GT sports car. In addition, they plan to expand their sales area in China gradually. In March 2024, the iCar 03 model sold more than 5,400 units, doing better than expected.