In January, deliveries of the Hongqi E-HS9 began in Norway, with a starting price of NOK 619,900 ($60,500).

(Image credit: Hongqi)

Norway, one of the countries with the highest penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) in the world, has become a major testing ground for Chinese EV makers entering Europe.

China FAW's Hongqi-branded all-electric SUV E-HS9 has reached 1,000 deliveries in Norway, six months after the model became available there, the company said today.

Hongqi announced plans for the E-HS9 to enter Norway in October 2021 and signed a deal with local EV importer Motor Gruppen.

Deliveries of the Hongqi E-HS9 in Norway began in January this year. The model's starting price in the country is NOK 619,900 ($60,500).

In China, the model went on sale in December 2020 with a length, width and height of 5,209 mm, 2,010 mm and 1,731 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 3,110 mm.

It is available in a dual-motor version across the range, with a maximum combined power of 405 kW and a maximum range of 690 km.

The model's current starting price in China is RMB 509,800 ($ 75,860).

In June, Hongqi E-HS9 sales in China were 601 units, the latest figures show.

announced its official entry into Norway on May 6 last year, marking the company's first stop overseas. The company's first model offered in Norway is the ES8 SUV, and its flagship sedan, the ET7, is also expected to be available in the country this year.

On May 12, Nio (NYSE: NIO, HKG: 9866, SGX: Nio) opened its first local Nio Service Center in Norway and delivered its 500th vehicle in the country at the opening ceremony.

To date, a total of 727 Nio ES8 units have been delivered in Norway, according to data monitored by the Elbilstatistikk website.

In Norway, Nio has partnered with LeasePlan, one of Europe's largest car rental companies, in addition to selling vehicles through its own Nio House.

Consumers can order the Nio ES8 directly through LeasePlan or the Nio website, or they can actually order it at Nio House Oslo, where LeasePlan will operate the leasing service, according to a statement from LeasePlan late last year.

Why do Chinese EV companies making Norway their first stop in overseas markets?