Given that the Tesla Model 3 is aiming for one of China’s biggest market segments, it’s not unexpected to see a flurry of prospective rivals emerge. At a launch event on Monday night, Changan Automobile, based in the city of Chongqing in southwest China, formally introduced the Shenlan SL03 electric car.
After BYD’s Seal model, it is slated to become yet another potent rival to the Tesla Model 3.
Changan is providing the Shenlan SL03 in three power forms: all-electric, extended-range, and hydrogen fuel cell, in contrast to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.
Two variations of the Shenlan SL03’s all-electric model are offered: one with a CLTC range of 515 km costs RMB 183,900 ($27,240), and the other has a range of 705 km and costs RMB 215,900 ($31993).
With a combined range of 1,200 miles, the model’s extended-range variant is only offered as one option for RMB 168,900.
Early August is anticipated to mark the start of deliveries for the Shenlan SL03’s extended-range and pure electric models.
In addition to these three alternatives, the Shenlan SL03’s hydrogen fuel cell version has an outrageous price tag of RMB 699,900 and a CLTC range of 730 km, making it more of a technical demonstration than a product for widespread consumer use.
A little over an hour after the introduction, Changan declared that more than 10,000 units had been pre-ordered for the Shenlan SL03.
The SL03 is a midsize car with a length, breadth, and height of 4,820 mm, 1,890 mm, and 1,480 mm, respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. It is the first model to bear the Shenlan name.
In contrast, the BYD Seal has dimensions of 4,800 mm, 1,875 mm, 1,460 mm, and a 2,920 mm wheelbase.
The dimensions of the Chinese-made Tesla Model 3 are 4,694 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,443 mm in height, and 2,875 mm in wheelbase.
To read our blog on “Changan teases two new Pakistani vehicles,” click here.