Chinese automaker Hongqi, renowned as the favored car brand of former state leader Chairman Mao Zedong, is gearing up to introduce its electric EH7 and EHS7 models in several European markets later this year, signaling a robust push into the competitive European automotive landscape despite recent EU tariffs.
Hongqi announced on Thursday its plans to debut the EH7 and EHS7 models in countries including Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, leveraging established dealer networks in these regions.
“We are excited to introduce the EH7 and EHS7, designed to withstand colder climates with quick charging capabilities even in sub-zero temperatures,” Hongqi stated, emphasizing the models’ adaptability to European weather conditions.
According to the automaker, the EH7 offers an impressive range of up to 690 kilometers (429 miles) on a single charge and can achieve a full charge in just 20 minutes, addressing key concerns about range and charging times for electric vehicles.
Hongqi joins a cohort of Chinese automakers such as BYD, Geely, and SAIC striving to carve out a market presence in Europe’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle sector.
The European Commission recently imposed provisional duties ranging from 17.4% to 37.6% on Chinese electric vehicle imports, citing findings of unfair subsidies benefiting Chinese manufacturers. This tariff imposition underscores the challenges facing Chinese automakers in the European market despite their ambitious expansion efforts.
