Hongqi, a prominent Chinese automaker, is set to introduce its EH7 and EHS7 electric models in Europe later this year, marking a significant step in its international expansion despite new EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports. New Delhi: Hongqi, the renowned luxury Chinese automaker, has announced its plans to launch its electric vehicles EH7 and EHS7 in Europe by the end of 2024. This move signals a continued push by China’s auto industry into the European market, despite recently imposed European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports.
Hongqi, famously known as Chairman Mao Zedong’s preferred car brand, will introduce the EH7 and EHS7 in various European countries, including Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. These countries have already established strong dealership networks with the brand. While the automaker has not yet disclosed pricing details, it highlighted that the vehicles could be charged in 30 minutes at -10 degrees Celsius (14°F) and retain 50% of their range at -20 degrees Celsius, making them well-suited for the colder climates of the UK and Europe.
The EH7 boasts an impressive range of up to 690 km on a single charge and can fully recharge in just 20 minutes. This makes it a competitive option in the European EV market, which is seeing increasing interest from Chinese manufacturers. Other Chinese brands like BYD, Geely, and SAIC are also making a move in Europe, aiming to capitalise on the growing demand for electric vehicles.
However, these expansions come at a challenging time. The European Commission has recently imposed provisional duties ranging from 17.4% to 37.
6% on Chinese EV imports. The tariffs follow an investigation that concluded Chinese automakers had benefited from unfair subsidies, which provided them with an advantage over European manufacturers. Despite these hurdles, Hongqi remains optimistic about its European ventures.
The launch of the EH7 and EHS7 is expected to enhance the brand’s presence and competitiveness in the European market. As the demand for sustainable and efficient transportation grows, Hongqi’s entry could offer European consumers more choices and stimulate further advancements in the EV sector..
