The Chinese brand Maxus, a subsidiary of the SAIC group, presented its new electric van, the MIFA 9, at the Hanover show. Alongside the T90 electric pick-up, it has great ambitions for Europe.
Until then still unknown on the Old Continent, Chinese brands are becoming more and more present, especially in Norway where many of them are taking their first steps in Europe. This is notably the case of BYD with its Seal, of Xpeng with its P5 as well as Nio, which is already marketing its ES8 and which will launch its ET5 and ET7 by the end of the year. But they are not the only ones.
A huge electric van
Indeed, Maxus, a brand of the Chinese group SAIC, which also owns MG already marketed here with the MG4 for example, also wants to find a place in Europe. Although it already markets passenger and commercial vehicles in certain Nordic countries, it wishes to go even further. This is one of the reasons why it exhibited its new MIFA 9 at the Hanover show which was held in Germany from September 20 to 25. If rivals are still rare, he could notably hunt on the land of the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz, revealed a few months earlier.
With a length of 5.27 meters for two meters wide and 1.84 meters high, this big van is a beautiful baby which can accommodate seven to eight occupants. The wheelbase of 3.20 meters then allows them to enjoy a large space on board, while access is via sliding electric doors.
On board, the presentation is very modern, while the MIFA 9 is equipped with a huge digital panel that reminds us of the Hyperscreen of the Mercedes EQS. This includes three screens, while another allows you to adjust the air conditioning. Passengers can also take advantage of a 220 volt socketas well as 10.1-inch screens as explained Car News China.
More than 650 kilometers
Under his hood, the MIFA 9 has a 180 kW motor, the equivalent of around 245 horsepowerfor a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The van intended for transporting people is also equipped with a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery supplied by the Chinese giant CATL, which allows it to travel up to 440 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle combined according to the brand’s website.
A version offering a range exceeding 650 kilometers is also in preparation. It should see the light of day in 2023. Note that the heat pump is supplied as standard, while recharging takes place at a power of 11 kW in direct current. The time required to fill the battery on a fast terminal has not been communicated, as well as the price.
A 100% electric pick-up
But that’s not all, because Maxus also wants to find a place in the pick-up segment. For this, the firm is launching the T90, already available for pre-order on the brand’s Norwegian site. Also present at the Hanover show, the latter carries an 88.5 kWh battery allowing it to travel up to 330 kilometers according to the combined WLTP cycle. It is possible to go from 20 to 80% in 45 minutes at a power of 80 kW.
Announced as the first electric pick-up in Europe, while the Ford F-150 Lightning is not marketed here, this newcomer can tow up to one ton. Displaying a power of 130 kW, or about 176 horsepower for a torque of 310 Nmit has stability control, a reversing camera and a 10.3-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay.
France in sight
As explained in the press release from the brand, Maxus is already present in 73 countries, where it markets utilities, but also passenger vehicles. In Europe, customers can already place orders for SUV MIFA 5 and MIFA 6as well as T90 and MIFA 9. Several vans are also offered, with the Euniq and e-Deliver 3 and 9, available in various versions.
The MIFA 9 and T90 will be marketed in France in the coming months, as well as in other European countries: Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Pricing and release dates have yet to be announced.
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