China's Tech Giant Just Debuted One of the Best EVs of 2024

China's tech giant Baidu just debuted one of the best EVs of 2024: an electric sedan offering 880 km range, L4 autonomy, and unparalleled tech features at merely 219,900 yuan, less than the base version Tesla Model 3.

globalchinaev

| 8 days ago
China's Tech Giant Just Debuted One of the Best EVs of 2024

On the evening of September 10th, Jidu Auto officially introduced its first electric sedan, the Ji Yue 07.

While it is still too early to say, this vehicle may very well be one of the best pure electric vehicles of 2024 launched in China due to its exceptional price-performance ratio.

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Built on Geely’s SEA platform used by the likes of the ZEEKR 001, Lotus Eletre or Polestar 4, the Ji Yue 07 comes in three variants, with launch prices further reduced by 10,000 yuan, ranging from 199,900 yuan to 289,900 yuan.

The Ji Yue 07 is positioned as a mid-to-large size sedan competing directly with pure electric sedans like the Tesla Model 3 and Xiaomi SU7.

More for Less: 880 km Range at 219,900 yuan

Jidu 07 Rear
Source: Jidu Auto

The Ji Yue 07 performance version starting at 289,900 yuan offers a maximum power output of 530 kW, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

That amount of motor power even outshines both performance versions of Tesla Model 3 (343 kW) and Xiaomi SU7 (495 kW).

The Ji Yue 07 operates on an 800V platform, which allows ultra-fast charging, adding up to 600 km of range in just 10 minutes—significantly faster than Tesla’s Supercharging, built on an 400V platform.

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It is available in two battery options: a 71.4 kWh battery offering 660 km of CLTC range and a 100 kWh battery that provides up to 880 km (RWD) or 770 km (AWD), depending on the configuration.

The 880 km long-range version starts at only 219,900 yuan, offering exceptional value for this price.

In comparison, the Tesla Model 3’s Long Range variant offers up to 713 km, putting the Ji Yue 07 ahead in terms of range.

To further put the Ji Yue 07 long-range in perspective, the Xiaomi SU7 RWD long-range version offers 830 km at a starting price of 245,900 yuan.

Slippery Design: 0.195 Cd

Jidu 07 Front
Source: Jidu Auto

The Ji Yue 07 measures 4,953 mm in length, 1989 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, with a 3,013 mm wheelbase.

The length of the car is closer to the SU7's (4,997 mm) than the Model 3's (4,720 mm).

The Ji Yue 07 presents a clean and modern design. Its wide, closed-off front fascia is paired with a black trapezoidal grille and Y-shaped headlights, complemented by a full-width LED light strip.

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The car has a drag coefficient of 0.198cd, which is more aerodynamic than the Tesla Model 3’s 0.23 Cd and slightly behind Xiaomi SU7's 0.195 Cd.

On the sides, the Ji Yue 07 features flush door handles and a fastback profile, with the rear including an active spoiler that deploys automatically at speeds over 95 km/h to improve downforce.

35.6 inch 6K Display and L4 Autonomy

Jidu 07 Interior
Source: Jidu Auto

Inside, Ji Yue 07 focuses on comfort and tech integration. Its 35.6-inch 6K display spans the dashboard, providing an extensive control interface. In comparison, the Tesla Model 3 uses a 15-inch infotainment screen.

The Ji Yue 07 also offers heating, ventilation, and massage functions for both front and rear seats.

The Ji Yue 07 is also equipped with tri-zone climate control, 18 speakers, and dual 50W wireless charging pads.

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Autonomous driving is one of the key areas where Ji Yue 07 stands out. It features Baidu’s 2nd gen Apollo Self-Driving (ASD) pure-vision system, powered by 34 sensors and dual Orin X chips.

These components enable the Ji Yue 07 to operate at L4-level autonomy under specific conditions in China, surpassing the Tesla Model 3’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, which operates at L2/L3 autonomy in the US.

L4 autonomy means that the vehicle can operate without driver intervention and doesn’t rely on the driver for safety maneuvers, making it the closest step to full autonomy (L5).

Jidu Auto

Jidu Auto was founded in March 2021 as a joint venture between Baidu and Geely Holding Group.

The brand’s mission is to integrate AI within electric vehicle design to create a new generation of smart cars.

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In August 2023, Jidu officially launched its first model, the Ji Yue 01, in October 2023. This SUV is priced between 219,900 and 309,900 yuan and has not met sales expectations since launch.

However, the brand seems to be turning things around, selling 2,147 Ji Yue 01 in August 2024, which nearly doubles the previous monthly record.