HiPhi, the Chinese luxury EV automotive brand owned by Human Horizons, had its vehicles tested by TÜV SÜD to obtain approval for its revolutionary HiPhi X – one of the best-selling luxury EVs in China. The approval marks a first step into European markets for HiPhi, which was first established in December 2017.
The all-electric HiPhi X SUV features a number of world and industry firsts, blending cutting-edge technology with luxury and advanced design. Key technologies include the PML programmable headlights able to project images or even movies and an intelligent automatic door system. In light of these features, the HiPhi X is often regarded as being ‘a car of the future’.
Its powertrain combines 220kW dual motors front and rear, allowing for 0-62mph (100km/h) in 3.9 seconds, and with motor efficiency of 97.2% – among the best in its class. A 97kWh battery pack provides a range of 650km in the Extended Range versions under CLTC conditions.
Each HiPhi X version comes with luxurious appointments like a 17-speaker Meridian audio system, a 19.9-inch entertainment screen purely for the front passenger and a customizable smart fragrance system. HiPhi X is available in six-seat or even more luxurious four-seat configuration, including a smart refrigerator, 8-inch rear high-definition touch screens and fully adjustable executive airline-style seats.
The vehicle approval and homologation process undertaken by TÜV SÜD ensures that HiPhi X adheres to European standards and regulations. This includes analysis of the battery management system, chassis control, brakes, steering and active systems such as park assist and radar-guided cruise control. TÜV SÜD also undertook stringent EMC testing to ensure HiPhi X and its high-voltage components don’t interfere with the ambient electromagnetic environment. “The homologation was crucial in enabling HiPhi products access to the European market”, said Stefan Merkl, Vice President Automotive at TÜV SÜD. Moreover, TÜV SÜD completed the EU Homologation for the HiPhi X in record time.
Within four years since it was founded, Human Horizons has transformed the automotive landscape in China, with the first model – the HiPhi X – outselling premium competition. Its blend of striking design, world-class technologies and automotive engineering will soon be available to customers in Europe for the very first time. The brand’s European plans begin with HiPhi X, but soon the second flagship model, the HiPhi Z, will follow.
The HiPhi Z, first introduced in 2022, is a Digital GT fully electric coupé. It is capable of accelerating from 0-62mph (100kmh) in 3.8 seconds and – with its 120kWh battery pack – can travel 705km on a single charge (CLTC). It again introduces revolutionary technologies, including HiPhi Bot, featuring the first robotic arm in the industry, which holds the central infotainment screen and is adjustable in four degrees of freedom/eight directions. The choice of the technical service conducting the test for first European Vehicle Approval was very carefully considered. Due to the high complexity of the HiPhi products and the strict laws of vehicle safety in Europe, it was important to have a competent and critical third party technical service provider known for their expertise and attention to detail, while at the same time meeting HiPhi’s standards and ambitious timeline.
At the Shanghai Auto Show on April 18, HiPhi will reveal an all-new third model, HiPhi Y, designed and engineered with global markets in mind.
HiPhi CTO and Co-Founder Mark Stanton said: “Receiving the necessary test reports from TÜV SÜD for the European vehicle approval is not only an important step forward in our carefully considered plans for launching in Europe, but it’s also a reinforcement of the meticulous standards to which HiPhi products are engineered. European road safety standards are among the strictest in the world, and the homologation by TÜV SÜD confirms that HiPhi X meets these standards.”
Further details about HiPhi’s European plans, including launch markets, will be revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show.
