From big refrigerators, TVs, and sofas to 800V high-voltage platforms and end-to-end large models, the technological competition in mid-to-high-end electric vehicles is efficient yet fierce. In contrast, users who only want to spend around 100,000 yuan on an economical car seem more like the "silent majority." For example, BYD has quietly made a fortune with models like the Dolphin.

Geely Automobile has clearly seen the potential of this market as well. Its previously declared compact car, the Geely Xingyuan, was recently exposed in road tests. It is reported that the new car's maximum driving range can also reach around 500km (CLTC conditions). Considering its other product strengths, the Geely Xingyuan has the potential to disrupt the current pure electric compact car market.

Space and driving range are top-notch, with fast charging to boot

The core competitiveness of the Geely Xingyuan lies in at least these few points. Among its peers, it offers first-tier space and, on top of that, equally outstanding driving range performance.

First, let's clarify the space. The declaration information clearly states the dimensions of the Geely Xingyuan. With a length exceeding 4.1 meters, a width exceeding 1.8 meters, and a wheelbase reaching 2.65 meters, coupled with an axle-to-length ratio of over 0.64, the Geely Xingyuan's spatial foundation is undoubtedly leading in its class. Furthermore, referring to the contours of the new car in the spy shots from road tests, its rear doors are generously proportioned, achieving a front-to-rear door ratio similar to that of traditional A-segment cars. This maximizes the use of the extended wheelbase, a common practice among vehicles of its kind. However, doing so will sacrifice some of the standard trunk capacity.

As for driving range, the known figure of around 500km under CLTC conditions is new information revealed this time. Although the specific battery capacity and energy consumption details of the new car have not been announced, according to the latest information, the Geely Xingyuan will be equipped with Geely's recently launched Shendun short-blade battery. This battery has already been installed in the Geely Galaxy E5, and as it belongs to the lithium iron phosphate battery type, it is not surprising that the Geely Xingyuan adopts the Shendun short-blade battery, considering the timing, cost, and positioning.

Based on our previous technical analysis of the Shendun short-blade battery, the new battery theoretically offers longer service life, low-temperature stability, improved charge-discharge efficiency, and increased cell energy density due to its shortened length, increased width, and upgraded anode, cathode, and electrolyte materials. In other words, with similar dimensions, it would not be difficult for the Geely Xingyuan to carry a battery capacity sufficient to support a driving range of around 500km. Furthermore, as a lithium iron phosphate battery, its driving range is less affected by weather conditions. And the most significant contribution to driving range may lie in its fast charging capabilities.

Previously, it was common for small cars priced around 100,000 yuan equipped with lithium iron phosphate batteries to charge to 80% in half an hour. However, the Geely Shendun short-blade battery theoretically allows for a 10-80% charge in as little as 17 minutes. Even considering the installation effect, the Geely Galaxy E5 can achieve an 80% charge in 20 minutes. This fast charging speed falls within a range that does not require specific fast charging stations but still ensures efficiency.

The only question mark regarding the battery is that the declaration information indicates that all models of the Geely Xingyuan use battery cells supplied by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), which seems to contradict the latest information about the car using Geely's Shendun short-blade battery. However, referring to the Galaxy E5, which was the first to install this battery, its battery cells are also sourced from both Hive Energy and Yaoning New Energy. Even for the battery pack assembly, there are two sources: Hive Energy and Shanju Battery. In the declaration information for the Geely Xingyuan, all battery pack assemblies come from Shanju Battery. Therefore, it can be understood that although the Geely Xingyuan adopts the Geely Shendun short-blade battery, its battery cell supply is still in a diversified stage.

Will a comfortable commuting car with independent suspension offer a price surprise?

With the backing of space, driving range, and fast charging technologies, the Geely Xingyuan seems to have clearly targeted the home commuting scenario. From a performance perspective, this new car does not aspire to be a hot hatchback. According to previous declaration information, the Geely Xingyuan offers two drive motors: the TZ160XS002 with a maximum power of 85kW and the TZ160XS001 with a maximum power of 58kW. In other words, even the 85kW version is only equivalent to a mainstream 1.6L naturally aspirated engine. Of course, this performance orientation also helps maintain an outstanding driving range without carrying an overly large battery, effectively controlling the cost and final price of the new car.

However, not being a hot hatchback does not mean the Geely Xingyuan will be a cheap commuting car. According to the latest exposed information, the new car will be built on a new platform and equipped with independent suspension as standard across the range. In fact, these two technical points are somewhat redundant, as Geely's pure electric platforms, whether it's the SEA or GEA, both use fully independent suspensions. However, for a compact car, fully independent suspension is at least first-tier in its class. Therefore, rather than debating which specific platform the Geely Xingyuan uses, it's more important to understand the suspension structure of the new car.

Regardless of its class or potential price point, the front suspension will undoubtedly be a MacPherson strut. The question lies in the rear suspension, where Geely's technology covers a wide range, from four-link, five-link, to H-arm multi-link. At this stage, the performance mentioned earlier may provide an answer. Although the maximum power of 85kW is not outstanding, it would still require significant optimization to fit into a four-link suspension. At least for the Geely Xingyuan's class, this may not be cost-effective. But a new question arises: is this motor definitely rear-mounted?

The answer is essentially no. On the one hand, the motor's horsepower is too small to take advantage of a rear-mounted position. Secondly, in a compact car where every inch counts, a rear-mounted motor would directly affect rear legroom and trunk capacity. Since the front engine compartment is inevitable, combined with the space-saving MacPherson strut suspension, placing the motor at the front axle is undoubtedly the most cost-effective choice. This is evidenced by the Geely Galaxy E5, which has already paved the way. In fact, the drive motor codes of both models are very similar (Galaxy E5 uses TZ184XY101), and both adopt Geely's latest 11-in-1 electric drive technology, which is inherently advantageous due to its high level of integration.

Since the drive system is at the front axle, and the rear suspension is independent, a four-link rear suspension is still the most likely choice from a home commuting perspective. Even so, this represents a top-tier chassis structure among compact cars priced around 100,000 yuan. Based on its performance, it can be inferred that the Geely Xingyuan's rear suspension tuning will focus more on harnessing the inherent comfort advantages of the four-link suspension. Furthermore, the aforementioned cost factors related to performance and battery may allow the Geely Xingyuan to offer even more at a price below 100,000 yuan. As circumstantial evidence of its potential pricing, previous declaration information even included the option of 15-inch steel wheels for the new car.