- The Skywell Q is 169.1 inches lengthy, or the identical size as a Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
- Skywell plans to place the Q hatchback on sale in European markets beginning subsequent fall.
- Skywell, or Skyworth, is a well known maker of inexpensive good TVs.
This 12 months’s Paris Auto Present actually had loads of attention-grabbing dynamics. For a short time instantly post-COVID, European automakers had adopted swimsuit with American ones, and determined to desert the Auto Present mannequin. Now, they’ve shortly realized that wasn’t a fantastic thought, so European automakers are again out in full drive, displaying off new designs in an try to stave off the existential risk that Chinese language producers pose to all the European automobile trade. However Chinese language automakers additionally introduced their A-game to Paris, together with new manufacturers you’ve most likely by no means heard of.
Like Skywell. Or, possibly it’s known as Skyworth; it’s a complicated identify; the automobile is usually reported on below the identify “Skywell”, however the rear of the automobile and the model’s web site says “Skyworth.” Both approach, the unknown model confirmed off a production-looking idea EV hatchback known as the Q, with plans to enter Europe within the fall of 2025.
Skyworth
Skyworth
Skyworth
Now, I do know above I stated that you simply’ve most likely by no means heard of Skywell (or Skyworth) earlier than, however you really most likely have. When you’ve been purchasing for an inexpensive good TV throughout the previous 5 years, chances are high you’ve came across a Skyworth-branded TV both in particular person at shops like Staples or Walmart or on-line at Amazon. Sure, the identical individuals who made the TV have determined to do up a automobile. The Skyworth Auto EV model is the results of a partnership between Chinese language tech firm Skyworth and Chinese language bus manufacturing firm Skywell.
Additionally, this technically isn’t the primary automobile they’ve made, both. Earlier than the considered a Chinese language tariff was within the minds of america or Canada, a really small startup had the concept to rebadge and federalize the Skyworth EV6 (Skywell ET5) because the Imperium SEV. It looks as if Imperium’s U.S. plans shortly evaporated, however the SEV’s plans for North American gross sales pressed onward in Canada. Some Canadian auto journalists even acquired an opportunity to spend just a little time with the SEV, and even Sandy Munro did an summary of 1 on his channel.
Nonetheless, it’s not clear if the vehicles ever entered sale formally in Canada. The corporate Imperium turned Liteborne, and it appears to be like like the entire shebang died not lengthy after the identify change. There was by no means an announcement, however Liteborne’s web site is down and all the posts on its Fb web page are stuffed with Francophone Canadians asking for his or her $800 CAD deposit again.
Having stated all of that, the automobile the model confirmed off in Paris appears to be like advantageous sufficient. In a world of outsized crossovers, the Skywell Q’s decidedly hatchback form and low hood really feel refreshing. The digital-camo-esque detailing on the Q’s decrease aspect skirts and rear splitter are subtly sporty. Likewise, the inside’s gentle gray and aquamarine colour scheme are nice even when the design is form of par-for-course in any fashionable EV. The model says the automobile’s audio system will come from the German firm Metz. Energy comes from a 201-horsepower motor powering the entrance wheels. Battery dimension is not specified, however Skywell says it’s going to go 300 miles on a full cost in some kind.
The Skywell Q is a pretty automobile, however how actual is that this, anyway?
Even in China, Skyworth/Skywell doesn’t have a fantastic repute. In accordance with CarNewsChina, again in 2023, its lone automobile the EV6 (to not be confused with the Kia) solely moved 18,000 items in opposition to objectives of 40,000. That EV6 isn’t all that nice of a automobile, both, it solely acquired one star in China’s C-NCAP crash take a look at.
Skyworth’s founder Huang Hongsheng additionally got here below hearth for saying that purchasing one in every of his EVs may treatment hypertension and diabetes and show you how to dwell to be 100. The article additionally says that he spent three years in jail in 2006 for embezzling cash from Skyworth’s corporations.
Maybe this model has turned a nook, although. The Skywell Q appears to be like fairly properly completed for what it’s, not less than in photos. Remember the fact that BYD initially began out by making cellular phone batteries, whereas Geely initially made fridges. Now, Geely owns Volvo and BYD is among the largest automobile producers on the planet.
Possibly Skywell might be in that quantity, too.
Contact the writer: [email protected]
