VOYAH, the newly established electric vehicle brand of Dongfeng Motor, recently launched its mid-size smart electric SUV VOYAH FREE, of which the version using extended-range technology is seen as a direct competitor to Li ONE. However, Li Auto founder Li Xiang downplayed this interpretation.
According to Li, it is absolutely good to have serious new players entering the field, which can quickly increase the attention and consumer confidence in the field.
"The media writes all day about VOYAH challenging Li Auto, but doesn't know that we've been communicating privately for a long time, much less any extended-range electric hot information," he claims, adding, "It's a win-win for everyone. "
He said more serious players are welcome to launch REVs, as well as to develop and launch 400 kW ultra-fast charging BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) to make the market bigger together, "a market that must eventually belong to Chinese brands."
As a latecomer, the VOYAH FREE extended-range version is intentionally enhanced in terms of configuration for the Li ONE.
The Li ONE is equipped with a 1.2T three-cylinder engine with 60kW extended-range power, while the VOYAH FREE is equipped with a 1.5T four-cylinder engine with extended-range power of 80kW.
In terms of NEDC range, the VOYAH FREE extended-range version reaches 860 km, surpassing the Li Auto's 800 km.
The Li Auto is equipped with MacPherson independent suspension, while the VOYAH FREE extended-range version is equipped with a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension, and is made of all aluminum.
In terms of ADAS configuration, the VOYAH FREE is equipped with 24 sensors and can achieve 20 intelligent driver assistance functions.
Subsequently, the Chinese media generally considered this to be a direct competitor to the Li ONE. However, in an interview with the media, VOYAH CEO Lu Fang also downplayed this interpretation.
"We are not a competitor with Li Auto. We are in the same trench as all the new energy companies," VOYAH CEO Lu Fang said in an interview.
He added, "Our common goal is to keep converting traditional gasoline vehicles to new energy vehicles and to make the electric vehicle market bigger, which is what we want."
VOYAH's first model, the VOYAH FREE, includes both pure electric and extended-range versions. It is also the first model using extended-range technology launched by a traditional Chinese car company after entering the new energy vehicle market, making Li Auto, which adheres to the extended-range technology solution, no longer alone.
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