Chery is in the running to sell one of Australia's cheapest electric cars when its rival to the Geely EX2 and BYD Atto 1 arrives in showrooms next year.
Electric Cars
The Chery Q electric hatch will become the brand’s first new electric car for Australia in about three years when it arrives in showrooms sometime in 2027.
And it is in with a strong chance of becoming one of the country's most affordable electric cars, if sharp prices in China translate to local showrooms.
Sold in China as the Chery QQ3, but due to be badged Chery Q in export markets, the EV is a compact hatch-styled SUV similar in size to the MG 4 Urban, or a petrol-powered Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla.
Prices are yet to be confirmed, but in China, a top-of-the-range version with a 41.3kWh battery similar to what’s expected to be standard in Australia is listed at 78,900 yuan (AUD$16,000).
It is only 100 yuan dearer than a flagship BYD Atto 1 in China, sold as the Seagull, which has half the power – and a less complex crash structure – than its Australian 'Premium' equivalent, priced from $27,990 plus on-road costs.
High-grade versions of the MG 4 Urban in China are priced from 89,800 and 96,800 yuan, compared to $31,990 and $34,990 drive-away for equivalent variants in Australia.
Given a full suite of advanced safety features is optional on the Q in China, but will need to be standard in Australia for top marks in ANCAP testing, a flagship model may sit closer to $30,000 before on-road costs than $25,000 – seemingly U-turning on earlier comments.
It would not undercut Australia's cheapest EV, the Atto 1 Essential ($23,990), but would be among the most affordable in the country.
The Chery Q will join the larger Chery E5 SUV as the brand's second battery-powered model in local showrooms.
Powering the Chery Q is a modest 90kW/115Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels – a rare layout in an electric car at this price, matched only in Australia by Geely’s upcoming EX2 – and a 42kWh battery pack.
A driving range rating for Australia is yet to be published, but it is estimated at about 350km WLTP, based on the 420km quoted by Chinese versions with a 41.3kWh pack under less stringent CLTC lab testing.
It would be competitive with the MG 4 Urban 43kWh (316km WLTP) and Atto 1 Premium (310km WLTP).
Chinese models with the 41.3kWh battery claim to recharge from 30 to 80 per cent in 16.5 minutes, and accept AC charging – or provide power to external electrical devices – at up to 6.6kW.
The Chery Q is larger than both cars, closer in size to a BYD Dolphin than the Atto 1, at 4195mm long, 1811mm wide and 1574mm tall, on a 2700mm wheelbase.
The 374-litre boot is bigger than Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 petrol hatchbacks, plus a further 70 litres under the bonnet, with a drain plug.
A 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is available, alongside heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustment, a power tailgate, 50-watt wireless phone charger, climate control, ambient cabin lighting, and a 360-degree camera.
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
