Denza EV on track for fall launch in China

Denza EV isn't cheap, but this vehicle is really long-range:the typical customer will only have to recharge DENZA twice a week

6/14/14 4:33 pm chumakdenis 2

Denza EV is a great car which was co-developed by Daimler and BYD.The vehicle was officially unveiled  at Auto China 2014 in Beijing.

This world premiere was the result of the 50:50 R&D technology joint venture established by Daimler and BYD back in 2010 -  the first Sino - German joint venture dedicated to an all-electric vehicle in China.

The DENZA is styled as an honest and modern urban vehicle concept that fits both private and fleet customers, said BDNT.

“Daimler is constantly moving forward with emission-free mobility; and with our DENZA we are also on the right track in China, which is destined to become the world’s most important market for electric vehicles“, said Hubertus Troska, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for China, and Chairman and CEO of Daimler Greater China. “With DENZA we deliver the safest, most reliable, and most convenient electric vehicle to our Chinese customers – designed, engineered, and produced in China, for China, once again proving our full commitment to the country.”

Testing

BDNT  explained the DENZA has been put through 18 months of intensive testing that saw various cars drive over 1.2 million kilometers (745,645 miles) across all of China under extreme and various weather and road conditions – be it hot, cold, dusty or icy. This testing program, which looked at overall quality and endurance, was complemented by additional component testing and crash test programs. In total, BDNT crashed more than 20 cars, including high-speed, low-speed and rollover-scenarios. DENZA also became the first electric vehicle to be tested according to C-NCAP consumer ratings at C-NCAP facilities, obtaining the highest possible rating of 5 stars.

The DENZA can comfortably accommodate up to 5 passengers, said BDNT, with ample legroom. The roominess of the interior is complemented by a clean, functional design and high craftsmanship.

The vehicle is powered by an 86 kilowatt (peak) all-electric engine. Combined to a 47.5 kilowatt-hour battery capacity, the vehicle offers a range of up to 300 kilometers (186.41 miles). In light of the fact that the average daily driving distance in China is 50 to 80 kilometers (31 to 50 miles) a day, the typical customer will only have to recharge DENZA twice a week, added BDNT.

“With our DENZA, I see my vision come true as we make big steps towards  sustainable development in and for China,” said Wang Chuanfu, Chairman of BYD Company Limited. “Backed by a supportive government and the win-win alliance between BYD and Daimler, and its Chinese heart, DENZA offers a convincing package to our Chinese customers, pointing the way and contributing strongly to the development of the electric vehicle market in China.”

BDNT’s first DENZA car will hit the Chinese market in September 2014. But what about European market?

Not too good for European market?

Well, even though BYD has its own lineup of vehicles, some of which could charitably be called "derivative," their vehicle-engineering expertise fell far short of Stuttgart's expectations. Lightweight technology expertise, in particular, was found to be lacking. In the end, the vehicle structure needed massive reinforcements to carry the 47.5-kWh lithium-phosphate battery pack and its protective aluminum case. Further details about the vehicle's architecture are scarce, although Daimler informs the press that the Denza features a "convenient suspension."

Fitted with a 115-hp electric motor that produces 214 lb-ft of torque, the Denza tops out at 93 mph. Charging its batteries takes up to seven hours using China's 220-volt infrastructure, a time frame that can be massively shortened by using fast-charging stations, which may become more plentiful as a result of a partnership between the Denza project and ABB to produce the world's largest charging infrastructure. Vehicle range is up to 186 miles, according to the manufacturer.

Safety

There are multiple assurances given of the Denza’s safety - it’s a major concern in China after a fatal EV taxi crash was caught on video and subsequently went viral - including its five-star rating in the C-NCAP crash test. The Denza team was involved in the development of electric-vehicle crash standards with CATARC, China's official safety regulation body.The spacious cabin seats five and offers 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space. Inside and out, it is easy to find components from the Mercedes-Benz parts bin, even though the Denza features its own ultra-glitzy chrome grille and distinct 20-spoke wheels. The base "Lifestyle" model packs leather seats and 18-inch wheels, and there is an upmarket "Executive" trim that comes with an upgraded audio system, adaptive HID xenon lights, and a navigation system. It will be positioned between BYD and Mercedes-Benz offerings in the marketplace.

Chinese but expensive

The Denza is built in China and will only be offered there, but that doesn't mean it's cheap: The base sticker is a whopping 369,000 yuan, the equivalent of almost $60,000 and a price that would also get a current-gen B260. But, being an electric vehicle, the Denza is showered with government incentives, which will lower the price of entry by up to 120,000 yuan. Another benefit: In several of China’s largest cities, Denza buyers won't need to get in line to get a coveted license plate. As the joint venture's chairman, Wang Chuanfu, astutely points out: The Denza is backed by a supportive government.

Well, that's really good since with some imrovements and lower price, this vehicle may join European market and will provoke electric-vehicle boom.