Chery eQ1 Xiaoyi 2019 Review: The $9,900 City EV That Does 301 km on a single charge
Model Overview
The Chery eQ1 (Xiaoyi / Little Ant) is a micro pure EV launched by Chery New Energy in 2017 as an entry-level city commuter. The 2019 model year is a mid-cycle update that introduced the 4-seat Smart Edition with a 35 kWh battery pack for the first time.
Chery New Energy is the EV subsidiary of Chery Automobile Group, one of China's earliest EV developers. The eQ1 series has surpassed 200,000 cumulative sales and is the benchmark model in its segment.
Exterior design follows the classic micro-car box silhouette with a floating roof effect from blacked-out A/B pillars. The X-shaped front design language gives a youthful, sporty appearance.
Three Highlights & Three Caveats
Three Highlights
Extreme urban compactness
At just 3,200mm long with a 4.55m turning radius, the eQ1 makes parking, U-turns, and narrow-lane driving remarkably easy. It is the ultimate city commuter with maneuverability that no full-size vehicle can match.
Rear-motor, rear-drive layout stands out in its class
Unlike most micro EVs which use front-wheel drive, the eQ1 uses a rear-motor RWD layout with independent rear suspension, providing better weight distribution and handling than front-drive competitors.
Low entry cost and minimal running expenses
One of the most affordable EVs on the market, consuming approximately 10 kWh/100 km. With 30-minute fast charging to 80%, running costs are negligible at less than $0.02/km. Priced at ~$9,900 with lifetime battery warranty for first owner (exclusions apply).
Three Caveats
Rear seat space for short trips only
As a 3-door 4-seat micro car, the rear seats suit children or very short trips. Adults will find it cramped. Cargo space is virtually zero with seats up.
Range constraints
With 301 km NEDC range (real-world ~260 km), winter or highway range drops significantly. Top speed of 100 km/h means city commuting only — no inter-city travel capability.
Bare-bones safety and tech
No ADAS features — no lane departure warning, no AEB, no adaptive cruise. Safety coverage limited to basic ABS and dual front airbags. Infotainment screen has no navigation or OTA.
Spec Sheet
|
Parameter
|
Value
|
|---|---|
|
Model
|
Chery eQ1 2019 4-Seat Smart Edition 35kWh
|
|
Class
|
Micro car
|
|
Energy
|
Pure electric
|
|
Launched
|
2019.06
|
|
Motor
|
30 kW (40 hp)
|
|
Max torque
|
120 Nm
|
|
Range (NEDC)
|
301 km
|
|
Battery capacity
|
35 kWh lithium-ion
|
|
Fast charge
|
30 min to 80%
|
|
Slow charge
|
7 hours
|
|
Transmission
|
Single-speed reduction gear
|
|
Drive
|
Rear-motor, rear-wheel drive
|
|
Dimensions
|
3,200 × 1,670 × 1,550 mm
|
|
Wheelbase
|
2,150 mm
|
|
Seats
|
4 (3-door hatchback)
|
|
Curb weight
|
1,015 kg
|
|
Top speed
|
100 km/h
|
|
Front suspension
|
MacPherson strut independent
|
|
Rear suspension
|
Trailing-link independent
|
|
Front brakes
|
Disc
|
|
Rear brakes
|
Drum
|
|
Parking
|
Electronic
|
|
Tires
|
165/65 R15
|
|
Warranty
|
3 years / 120,000 km
|
Ownership Cost & Service
Warranty
-
Vehicle warranty: 3 years / 120,000 km
-
Battery warranty: Lifetime for first owner (exclusions apply)
Charging Cost
Based on global average residential electricity rate of $0.176/kWh (Global Petrol Prices, 2026):
-
Full charge (35kWh): ~$6.16
-
Per 100km (10kWh/100km): ~$1.76
-
Annual cost (10,000km): ~$176
-
vs gasoline micro car (~$0.08/km): EV costs just 22%
Competitive Comparison
The eQ1 series spans four generations from 2017 to 2026:
Basic Parameters
|
Parameter
|
2019 4-Seat Smart
|
2017 Smart Edition
|
2023 Chong'ai Ternary Li
|
2026 271km True Love
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (USD)
|
~$9,900
|
~$22,900
|
~$13,200
|
~$8,200
|
|
Launch
|
2019.06
|
2017.03
|
2023.06
|
2026.01
|
|
Class
|
Micro car
|
Micro car
|
Micro car
|
Micro car
|
|
Energy
|
BEV
|
BEV
|
BEV
|
BEV
|
|
Power
|
40 hp
|
40 hp
|
75 hp
|
49 hp
|
|
Range (NEDC)
|
301 km
|
151 km
|
408 km
|
271 km
|
|
Battery
|
35kWh Li-ion
|
18.2kWh Li-ion
|
40.3kWh NMC
|
25.05kWh LFP
|
|
Fast charge
|
30min (80%)
|
Slow only 6h
|
40min (30-80%)
|
40min (30-80%)
|
|
Max power
|
30kW
|
30kW
|
55kW
|
36kW
|
|
Peak torque
|
120Nm
|
120Nm
|
150Nm
|
95Nm
|
|
Top speed
|
100km/h
|
100km/h
|
120km/h
|
100km/h
|
|
Consumption
|
~10kWh
|
~10kWh
|
~9.4kWh
|
~9.3kWh
|
Dimensions & Body
|
Parameter
|
2019
|
2017
|
2023
|
2026
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Length (mm)
|
3,200
|
3,200
|
3,200
|
3,242
|
|
Wheelbase (mm)
|
2,150
|
2,150
|
2,150
|
2,150
|
|
Seats
|
4
|
2
|
4
|
4
|
|
Curb weight (kg)
|
1,015
|
855
|
1,005
|
920
|
|
Trunk
|
Near zero
|
Near zero
|
Near zero
|
Near zero
|
Chassis & Safety
|
Parameter
|
2019
|
2017
|
2023
|
2026
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Drive
|
RWD
|
RWD
|
RWD
|
RWD
|
|
Rear suspension
|
Trailing-link independent
|
Multi-link independent
|
Trailing-link independent
|
Trailing-link independent
|
|
Rear brakes
|
Drum
|
Drum
|
Drum
|
Drum
|
|
Parking brake
|
Electronic
|
Manual
|
Electronic
|
Electronic
|
|
Airbags
|
2
|
1
|
2
|
2
|
|
Brake assist
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
TCS
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
ESP
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
Tech & Comfort
|
Feature
|
2019
|
2017
|
2023
|
2026
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Display
|
10"
|
—
|
10"
|
10"
|
|
Digital cluster
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Phone connectivity
|
CarLife
|
—
|
CarLife+Android Auto
|
CarLife
|
|
Auto hold
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Hill-start assist
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Multi-function wheel
|
Standard
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
Rear seat folding
|
Full bench
|
—
|
50:50 split
|
50:50 split
|
|
Power driver seat
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
—
|
|
Remote start
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
Standard
|
|
OTA
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
|
Voice control
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
|
Digital key
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Standard
|
|
Lifetime warranty
|
—
|
—
|
First owner
|
First owner
|
Comparison Summary
The 2019 model is the pivotal generation for the eQ1 series — range doubled from 151 to 301 km, upgraded from 2 to 4 seats, introduced fast charging and essential safety systems (brake assist, TCS, ESP, passenger airbag), all at ~$9,900. The 2023 model peaks in power and range (55kW/408km), while the 2026 model dials back specs for cost reduction. The 2019's core advantage: the lowest price point at which the eQ1 becomes genuinely usable for daily city commuting.
Real-World Testing
Strengths
1. Urban maneuverability The 3,200mm length and 4.55m turning radius give an absolute advantage in city environments — parks where no other car fits. Lightweight body with 120Nm instant torque feels lively from a stop. (Source: Autohome micro car review)
2. 301 km range covers a week of commuting Real-world range in 20-30°C city conditions: ~260-280km, or about 86-93% of rated. Most urban commuters need only 1-2 charges per week. (Source: Dongchedi range test)
3. Minimal running costs At ~1,015 kg curb weight and ~10 kWh/100km, costs are about $0.02/km, or ~$176/year. The rear-drive independent rear suspension provides surprisingly good ride quality for the class. (Source: Sohu Auto owner review)
Weaknesses
1. Rear seat usability Fine for children, cramped for adults. Trunk is zero with seats up — need to fold the bench for any cargo. (Source: Autohome review)
2. Highway speed limited 100 km/h top speed means urban/suburban only. Body sways noticeably when trucks pass at highway speeds. No inter-city travel capability. (Source: Dongchedi owner reviews)
3. Minimal tech 10-inch screen with CarLife and basic reversing camera. No navigation, no OTA, no voice control, no ADAS features. Infotainment gap versus similarly-priced competitors is significant. (Source: Sohu Auto owner reviews)
Test Scenarios
Scenario 1: City commuting
In 20-30°C city conditions, real-world range ~260-280km, achieving 86-93% of rated range. AC use reduces range by ~10-15%, still sufficient for a full work week. (Source: Dongchedi micro car range test)
Scenario 2: Family short trips
As a second family car, carrying 1-2 children to school, shopping or errands is manageable. Fast charge to 80% in 30 minutes allows quick top-ups between errands. (Source: Chinese EV Owners Alliance owner interview)
Real Owner Feedback
Positive
Urban flexibility Owners overwhelmingly praise parking ease and narrow-street agility.
The best thing is how easy it is to park. I can fit into spots no one else can. Finding a parking spot near my office has never been a problem. (Autohome owner review, 2019)
Running costs Extremely low electricity and maintenance costs are the most appreciated aspect.
After two years I've barely spent any money on it. Monthly electricity is under $15. My old gas car cost more than that in a week. (Sohu Auto owner review, 2019)
Ride quality Rear-drive and independent rear suspension provide surprisingly good ride for a micro car.
The suspension is much more comfortable over bumps than rivals. An independent rear suspension at this price point is a genuinely pleasant surprise. (Dongchedi owner review, 2023)
Negative
Rear space Rear seats unsuitable for adults, cargo space essentially nonexistent.
The rear seats are only for emergencies — an adult can't sit back there more than 20 minutes. Can't even fit grocery bags in the trunk with seats up. (Autohome owner review, 2019)
Highway performance Stops at 100 km/h. Body sways when trucks pass.
It's fine on city expressways, but I wouldn't take it on a real highway. The body noticeably sways when big trucks pass. City car through and through. (Dongchedi owner review, 2022)
Basic infotainment Touchscreen is very limited with no navigation.
The touchscreen is a bit useless — hardly any features. No navigation at all, have to use my phone. Can't expect much at this price, but still room for improvement. (Sohu Auto owner review, 2019)
References
-
Global Petrol Prices (2026). World Average Electricity Prices, USD / kWh. Retrieved from https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/electricity_prices/
-
IEA. Global EV Policy Explorer. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-tools/global-ev-policy-explorer
-
Wikipedia. Chery eQ1. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chery_eQ1
-
Chery Official. Xiaoyi eQ1. Retrieved from https://www.cheryev.cn/
-
Autohome. Chery eQ1 Reviews & Owner Ratings Section
-
Dongchedi. Chery eQ1 Reviews and Owner Feedback
-
Sohu Auto. Chery eQ1 Owner Reviews & Ratings
