BMW Brilliance, the China joint venture company formed by the BMW Group and Chinese Brilliance Automotive, unveiled the ZINORO 1E battery-electric vehicle.
The ZINORO 1E, that is making world premiere at the Guangzhou Auto Show, is the first e-drive SAV built in China and the first NEV from a Chinese premium manufacture.
ZINORO 1E battery uses lithium iron phosphate cell chemistry. With innovative liquid cooling and heating technology the battery can keep an ideal working temperature, prevent over-heating and allow high performance with no compromise on safety and lifetime.
Safety is considered throughout battery development. The battery management system monitors the working conditions of the battery in real time and responds to unusual situations within 30 milliseconds by cutting the connections with the electronic devices so as to make sure no component is with electricity.
The 3 battery packs are mounted at the front under the engine hook, the center and the rear replacing traditional gasoline tank. Such layout can not only keep a perfect weight distribution and offer even lower center of gravity, but also increase safety in case of accident.
The battery has passed strict tests including vibration test and crash test, all meeting the technical standards of the government and BMW Brilliance.
The ZINORO 1E has a range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles). Charging of the battery takes around 7.5 hours with a 16A wallbox. A 125 kW electric motor is mounted on the rear axle, and produces peak torque of 250 N·m (184 lb-ft). Top speed is 130 km/h (81 mph), which is electronically limited.
The e-motor is mounted on the rear axle offering a maximum power output of 125kw (170hp). It produces the top torque of 250nm from the very beginning and will continually to offer thrilling driving experience till the top speed of 130km/h, which is electronically limited and suitable for city traffic. Its outstanding driving behavior also benefits from rear-wheel-drive, low gravity and almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution. With less noise and vibration, the car is quiet and more enjoyable.
The ZINORO 1E is highly equipped to meet the customer expectation for a premium BEV with professional navigation system, Bluetooth, Auto A/C, Multi-function leather steering wheel, front seat adjustment electric with memory for driver’s, PDC, Rain sensor, seat heating for driver and front passenger etc. Active safety technology includes ESP, PSS, and Tire Pressure Monitor etc. In addition, as a SAV, the ZINORO 1E offers practical functionally with generous interior space and a luggage space of 306 liters.
In order to attract and encourage more customers to accept electric vehicle, ZINORO 1E will take a rental model for brand promotion. ZINORO will build city showrooms in Beijing and Shanghai for brand communication and customer service. The Beijing ZINORO city showroom will open early next year to offer premium services of electric vehicle to both private and institutional customers in the local market.
ZINORO cars will be sold through their own distribution networks in China and won’t have any visible contact with BMW in their home market, where BMW will also be selling its i3 in the near future, along with other cars in the i range. ZINORO won’t be the first electric vehicle to go on sale in China, but it may be the first luxury ESAV, or Electric Sports Activity Vehicle as BMW calls it, to be sold under its own standalone brand.
The Chinese market is growing quite rapidly when it comes to consumer electric vehicles, and just last year Daimler announced a joint venture with local automaker BYD, creating the Denza electric-car brand.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
