Chery Auto PH previews eQ1, eQ7 EVs; Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV

Chery reveals its plans to go green in PH by previewing two new EVs and a plug-in hybrid

After giving the public a glimpse of its upcoming EVs last month, Chery Auto Philippines previewed three new vehicles at the 2023 Philippine EV Summit. Making their presence felt at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City are the eQ1, the eQ7, and the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV (AKA Tiggo 7 Plus New Energy).

The special preview of the New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) by Chery Auto PH marks the brand’s direction towards electrification and broadening its lineup with more eco-friendly models.

Starting with the smallest vehicle in the lineup, the eQ1 is a micro EV that combines chic looks and zero emissions mobility in a very compact package. It has a distinct front end that features a huge pair of headlights and a unique bumper with vertical LED daytime running lights.

The rear, meanwhile, has an angular shape and features cube-shaped taillights and a small tailgate. Despite its small size, the eQ1 is capable of seating four people in total. This also means its main competitor would be the likes of the Jetour Ice Cream EV which ironically is part of the Chery Auto Group.

Inside, the eQ1 may have a small cabin but it’s big in features thanks to the following; a tablet-like 10-inch touchscreen media display, a digital instrument cluster, brightly-colored cabin accents, push-button start, power front seats, a panoramic glass roof, a wireless charging pad, and a host of USB charging ports.

As for its specs, Chery Auto PH says it has a single electric motor that puts out 75 PS and 150 Nm of torque. On a full charge, it has a claimed range of around 281 km which is impressive given its small compact size. Speaking of size, the eQ1 comes in at 3200mm long, 1670mm wide, 1550mm tall, and has a 2150mm wheelbase.

Next is the eQ7 crossover. Bearing some resemblance to the Jetour Dashing, this sleek and stylish crossover SUV is also a pure electric model that produces no emissions. The front end features a unique face that looks more like a sports car than a crossover SUV. On the other hand, the rear gets distinct LED taillights that appear to highlight the width of the vehicle.

Over to the cabin it has dual monitors that both measure 12.3 inches - one is the instrument cluster for the driver while the other is a touchscreen media display. Physical buttons are practically non-existent as most of the onboard controls are managed via the aforementioned touchscreen.

The eQ7 for the Philippine market gets a rear-mounted electric motor that pushes out 211 PS with 285 Nm of torque. It has a range of 512 km thanks to a big 67.12 kWh battery. Size-wise, the eQ7 measures 4675mm long, 1910mm wide, 1660mm tall, and has a 2830mm wheelbase.

Last but not least is the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV. It slightly differs in terms of looks compared to the Tiggo 7 Pro as it gets LED headlights derived from the Tiggo 8 Pro, aerodynamic alloy wheels, and slightly restyled LED taillights.

Open the doors and the PHEV comes with a more premium-looking interior. It still gets the dual-monitor display on the dashboard but gets a new set of graphics and updated menus. The center console is also different and features a new gear selector. Also worth mentioning is the 8-speaker sound system courtesy of Sony, heated/ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a suite of advanced driver assist systems.

The PH-spec model Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV will come with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that’s assisted by a pair of electric motors. It has a total system output of 326 PS with 545 Nm of torque and has an electric range of around 80 km on a full charge. If the output figures look familiar, that’s because the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV has the same powertrain as the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV e+.

With all three vehicles being previewed for the PH market for now, it might be a while before they’re officially launched in the country. But given Chery Auto PH’s intent to launch more electrified vehicles, this preview could simply be a taste of things to come from the automaker.

In fact, we received insider information about its supposed pricing. According to an anonymous source; the eQ1 could sell for around PHP 950k, the eQ7 may retail for around PHP 2.4 million, and the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV might be available for around PHP 2.1 million.