Mild power but big range for impressive Chinese Alpha-T.

As China’s economy attempts to recover from its Covid-19 interruption, one of the world’s largest electric car brands is readying an impressive new SUV.

BAIC’s new Alpha-T is due to be launched by September this year and is being marketed under the ArcFox sub-brand.

Although the brand and model name might be unfamiliar to most, the ArcFox Alpha-T has an impressive list of core technology suppliers.

Canadian automotive specialist, Magna, has produced most of the trick electronics and drive systems for the Alpha-T battery-powered SUV.

ArcFox is making some very bold claims for its Alpha-T, such as a 650 km (NEDC rating, WLTP puts it more at 500 km) driving range. Exterior design is a blend (and possible imitation) of many European design trends, but the technology driving ArcFox’s Alpha-T owes very little to the traditional automotive supply chain.

The Alpha-T’s 93.6 kWh battery pack is amongst the largest you’ll find in any electric vehicle. It issourced from South Korean chemicals and energy giant, SK. That huge battery pack powerstwo electric motors, one at each axle, giving theAlpha-T a fair power rating.

Combined electric motor power output is rated at 162 kW, with ArcFox having obviously limited the Alpha-T’s ultimate potency, to conserve battery power and improve driving range. With all-wheel drive, it should have mild gravel travel capability.

Measuring 4.78 m bumper-to-bumper, 1.94 m across and standing 1.68 m tall the Alpha-T is slightly longer and wider than a BMW X3, for reference. The cabin design features a collection of large digital screens, for both the driver’s instrument binnacle and general infotainment.

Exact technical details aren’t available, but the Alpha-T is certified to conduct level 2 autonomous driving functions and includes an electronics architecture which is powered by 5G technology, allowing for select level 3 functions, too.

Pricing

The launch price for ArcFox’s Alpha-T is an estimatedR680000.

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