Lifan unveils a (not really) new EV

Automaker Lifan went insolvent last August and was acquired by Manjianghong Company in November. It has since recovered, and hurries back to the market with a single-space electric MPV.

The car is essentially a rebadged Maple 80V unveiled last summer. Furthermore, the 80V model itself is just an electric modification of the Geely Jiaji, a 4.7-meter long van announced back in 2018 (see video). The original car packed a fair number of features and a cabin for six or seven. In contrast, the Maple 80V appears to lack an infotainment system. If so, it will probably come with a phone/tablet holder and some USB ports instead.

Compared to the Jiaji on the outside, the EV has a fake grille and slightly different headlights, but otherwise looks identical. Its only available electric motor has 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW) and takes it to 130 km/h (81 mph) at most. Battery capacity remains unannounced, but the company claims a single charge is enough for 400 kilometers (248 miles) of driving according to the outdated NEDC standard. Fast charging is supported, and the automaker plans to ship the old Maple model to private clients, reserving the new Lifan MPV for taxi services and corporate clients.

Lifan currently has two investors. Geely Technology holds 49% of the stock and assists with vehicle development, while Liangjiang Equity Investment Fund (Chongqing) holds 51% and is responsible for business strategy.

It remains uncertain why Lifan Technology became an electric vehicle manufacturer. Geely already has two marques that deal exclusively with EVs: Maple (affordable) and Geometry (premium).

Sales will begin this summer, and Lifan says it will come up with its own, original cars in the coming years.