China
Arcfox, BAIC’s electric-car brand, launched the Alpha T7 in China on 16 September. The five-seat SUV is 5,020 mm long and comes as a range extender (EREV) or as a battery-electric car, at launch prices that start 3,000 yuan ($450) apart: 132,800 yuan ($19,700) and 135,800 yuan ($20,200).
Alpha T7 EV and range extender side by side
| Range extender | EV | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (yuan) | 132,800-163,800 ($19,700-24,300) | 135,800-168,800 ($20,200-25,100) |
| Versions | 4 | 5 |
| Battery | 43.9 kWh | 84.8 kWh (715 km car) |
| Motor | up to 200 kW (268 hp) | 227 kW (304 hp) |
| CLTC range | 320 km electric, 1,315 km total | 650 or 715 km |
| Qiankun Edition | 153,800 ($22,900) | 158,800 ($23,600) |
The gap stays small through the line-up: 3,000 yuan (~$400) at the bottom, 5,000 yuan ($750) at the top and on the Qiankun Edition, which adds Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5 Pro driver assistance. All prices are subsidised launch prices, and Arcfox has not said how long they apply.
What the Alpha T7’s two powertrains trade
The range extender’s 1.5-litre petrol engine only generates electricity and never drives the wheels. The EV has no engine and an 800 V silicon-carbide platform, which Arcfox says adds 270 km of range in 10 minutes on a fast charger.
