The electric vehicle market is heating up in Europe, with several new models launching this year from both established and emerging automakers. One of the newcomers is Voyah, a Chinese brand that plans to introduce its first electric SUV, the Voyah Free, in Germany by the end of 2023.
Voyah is a subsidiary of Dongfeng Motor, one of China's largest state-owned carmakers. The brand was launched in July 2020 with the ambition of becoming a global leader in premium electric vehicles. The Free is its flagship model, and it has already received positive reviews from Chinese media and customers since its debut in April.
The Voyah Free is a midsize SUV that competes with the likes of the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX3, and Tesla Model Y. It boasts a sleek design, a spacious interior, and advanced technology features. It also claims to have a range of up to 600 kilometers (373 miles) on a single charge, thanks to its 93-kWh battery pack.
The Voyah Free is powered by two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 300 kW (402 hp) and 700 Nm (516 pound-feet) of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). It also has a four-wheel-drive system and an adaptive air suspension for improved handling and comfort.
The Free's exterior design is inspired by Chinese culture and philosophy, according to Voyah. The front grille features a pattern that resembles a traditional Chinese knot, while the rear lights form a shape that symbolizes harmony and balance. The body color options include names such as Jade White, Ink Black, and Amber Gold.
The interior of the Voyah Free is equally elegant and refined, with high-quality materials and a minimalist layout. The dashboard is dominated by a 15.6-inch touchscreen that controls most of the functions, including navigation, entertainment, climate, and settings. The screen also displays information from the Free's advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and parking assist.
The Voyah Free also offers a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, and a digital instrument cluster. The seats are covered with leather or vegan leather, depending on the trim level. The rear seats can be folded down to create more cargo space.
One of the most distinctive features of the Free is its smart voice assistant, which can recognize natural language commands and perform tasks such as adjusting the temperature, playing music, or opening the windows. The voice assistant can also interact with the driver and passengers through jokes, stories, or games.
The Voyah Free is expected to cost between €40,000 and €60,000 ($48,000 and $72,000) in Germany, depending on the configuration. Voyah plans to sell the SUV through its own online platform and a network of dealerships across the country. The company also aims to expand to other European markets in the future.
The Free is one of many Chinese electric SUVs (Aiways U5, the Nio ES8, and the Xpeng G3) hoping to make a splash in Europe this year. These electric vehicles represent a new wave of competition for established European brands that are also ramping up their EV offerings.
In the last few years, the European electric vehicle market has grown significantly. Stricter emissions regulations, generous incentives, and increased consumer awareness drove the growth. The electric vehicle market is expected to grow further and beyond.
The Voyah Free is an attractive option for European customers looking for a premium electric SUV that combines style, performance, and technology. It also showcases the innovation and ambition of Chinese automakers eager to enter new markets and challenge their rivals. @via Voyah.
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