Previewed at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2022 as part of the new line-up for the brand’s return to the country is the Chery EQ1 electric vehicle (EV). The tiny EV will play an important part in Chery’s offering of electric vehicles as part of Indonesia’s ambitious plans to go green.

In China, the EQ1 is known as the Chery “Little Ant” (Xiao Ma Yi), Chery gave the EV a quick update in November 2021 to include new colour choices and also two new battery options. 

Measuring 3,200 x 1,670 x 1,550 mm in length, width, and height with a wheelbase of 2,150 mm, the EQ1 is slightly larger than the fan favourite Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.

The model displayed at the IIMS you see on this page is a left-hand drive China market model. The large LED headlamps on the EQ1 give the car a slightly bug-eyed look while the split front grille makes the car look wider than it is. On the sides, Chery's designers continued to play with the shoulder lines to further give the illusion that the EQ1 is longer than its 3,200 mm length.

During the facelift exercise, Chery also added a dual-tone finish for the EQ1. Buyers can opt for a black roof or a white roof as seen on the EQ1 displayed at the IIMS Hybrid.

Head inside and you will find a well-appointed interior finished in colours that match the EV’s exterior colour. There is also a 10-inch vertical infotainment system that takes centre stage in the EV.

Also read: Chery previews 3 SUVs to Indonesia media ahead of public debut - CKD assembly to start in June 2022

Priced from CNY 66,900 (~RM 44,400) onwards and topping off at CNY 81,900 (~RM 54,400), the EQ1 is offered in a choice of either a 30.6 kWh battery pack that does a 301 km range or a 40.6 kWh battery that is good for 408 km. Both tests were done based on the NEDC.

Customers in China can also pick from either a 30 kW motor that does 120 Nm or pick the larger 55 kW motor that does 150 Nm. The 55 kW motor is only available with the longer-range 40.6 kWh battery pack.

Also read: Axia-priced EVs heading to Indonesia! Wuling Mini EV and E300 to launch in 2022

However, Chery Indonesia will only offer the 55 kW motor version of the EQ1. They also claim that the EQ1 can manage the 0-50 km/h sprint in less than five seconds and has a top speed of 120 km/h.

Chery Indonesia also mentioned that the EQ1 is built on aluminium construction and teased that Indonesians should expect the most advanced active and passive safety systems from the EV too.

The EQ1 is one of five models that Chery is using as part of their return campaign in Indonesia. The tiny EV will go on sale alongside the larger cars Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, the Skytour, and even the stylish Omoda 5.

Also read: Chery makes official return to Indonesia, set to also be base of export for ASEAN markets