Original by New Energy Outlook (ID: xinnengyuanqianzhan)

The National Day Golden Week is around the corner, and the automobile market's "Golden September and Silver October" is about to reach its peak. To attract consumers to spend their hard-earned money, automakers are pulling out all the stops to accelerate the launch of new models.

According to incomplete statistics, as of now, there are 12 new energy sedans unveiled, including the SL03, Lynk & Co Z10, and JY07, among others; and 19 new energy SUVs unveiled, including the Leadway L60, ZEEKR 7X, SL05, WENJIE M9 5-seater version, new IM LS6, VOYAH Dreamer, AVATR 07, ZHIJIE R7, and more.

Image/New Energy Vehicles

Source/Screenshot from New Energy Outlook

As the saying goes, "The multitude of options can be overwhelming." Faced with numerous old and new car models on the market, along with a series of derived discounts and benefits, many consumers find themselves struggling to make a decision, exclaiming, "I'm so confused!"

How can one transform into a smart car buyer during this Golden September and Silver October, effortlessly navigating the latest car models on the market? "New Energy Outlook" presents a car-buying guide for you.

1. Cost-effective cars: Accompany you through thick and thin

First, let's ask a question: In 2024, where do you stand in terms of defining the role of a car in your life?

Among the consumers "New Energy Outlook" interacts with, some believe that a car is a companion that can accompany them on trips beyond the daily commute; others see it as a loyal friend that can offer a helping hand during financial difficulties; of course, there are also those who view a car merely as a means of transportation for commuting.

As the saying goes, "One man's meat is another man's poison." It is undeniable that regardless of an individual's specific needs for a car, after considering various factors such as budget planning, personal usage requirements, and driving habits, they all hope to purchase a cost-effective new energy vehicle.

So, what constitutes a cost-effective car?

First, let's correct a misconception: cost-effectiveness does not necessarily mean low price; rather, it often refers to a product that maximizes its use value.

For example, the SL03, priced between 151,900 and 173,900 yuan, employs a rear suspension system with 10% higher lateral rigidity than industry leaders, ensuring high safety and stability during high-speed turns. In terms of interior comfort, the SL03 is currently the only sedan in its price range (around 200,000 yuan) equipped with front dual zero-gravity seats.

Image/SL03

Source/Screenshot from New Energy Outlook

The Lynk & Co Z10, with a limited-time launch price of 196,800 to 288,800 yuan (from September 5 to October 31, 2024), is based on Geely's SEA architecture. Its active, elevating, and retractable rear spoiler automatically deploys when the vehicle exceeds 70 km/h, enhancing driving stability. Additionally, the vehicle is optimized for aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.198Cd. In terms of interior comfort, its cloud-like, zero-pressure Nappa leather seats provide a relaxing experience akin to lounging on a sofa at home.

Image/Lynk & Co Z10

Source/Photographed by New Energy Outlook

Of course, evaluating a cost-effective car goes beyond just usability and convenience. For consumers who replace their cars every year or three years, a car's resale value is crucial.

Some gasoline car owners have shared with "New Energy Outlook" that electric car batteries have a limited lifespan, unlike gasoline engines, making it challenging to maintain a high resale value. Consequently, they tend to avoid electric cars when considering a resale.

However, with the continuous improvement of battery swap services, some NIO models now offer resale values comparable to those of premium gasoline cars from brands like BMW, Benz, and Audi.

According to data from the China Automobile Dealers Association, the one-year resale value of the NIO ET5 reached 71.56% in the first half of 2024, ranking third among luxury mid-sized cars priced between 300,000 and 400,000 yuan. Similarly, the NIO ES6 secured third place in the resale value ranking for popular mid-sized SUVs priced between 350,000 and 500,000 yuan, with a one-year resale value of 72.3%.

Image/Resale Value Rankings of NIO ET5 and NIO ES6 in the First Half of 2024

Source/Screenshot from New Energy Outlook and Data Bureau's official account

Thus, the cost-effectiveness of NIO models like the ET5 and ES6 speaks for itself.

2. Choose a Smart Driving System That Truly Liberates Your Hands

Ms. Kong (pseudonym), a nurse in Shenyang, purchased a NIO ES6 last September due to her work nature and commuting distance. As she puts it, "Electric cars are truly amazing."

Image/NIO ES6

Source/Photographed by New Energy Outlook

"There are two reasons why I'm so infatuated with electric cars: they're more economical than gasoline cars, and the smart driving features of new energy vehicles are just fantastic," she explains.

Approximately 70% of the surveyed consumers also admitted that they would prioritize models with smart driving capabilities when car shopping.

Among the many advantages of new energy vehicles, "smart driving" has emerged as a front-runner.

However, faced with the myriad of smart driving technologies on the market, how can one choose the one that best suits their needs?

Firstly, understanding the driving scenarios you'll encounter is crucial when selecting a smart driving system. Generally speaking, these scenarios encompass urban roads, highways, narrow alleys, and more.

Secondly, in terms of technology, current new energy vehicles in China primarily adopt two routes: lidar and pure vision. Compared to lidar, the pure vision approach is closer to human thinking, offering superior AI intelligence in extreme weather or road conditions.

After comprehensive consideration of diverse driving scenarios and technology routes, we've curated a list of new models equipped with advanced smart driving features to help consumers make a quicker and more informed decision.

The HUAWEI ADS 3.0 system in the WENJIE M9 5-seater version adopts a pure vision approach, enabling mapless autonomous driving across more than 5 million kilometers of roads nationwide. It also features intelligent city driving assistance, highway cruise control with automatic lane changes, and smart parking in tight spaces.

Image/WENJIE M9

Source/Photographed by New Energy Outlook

The JY07 is equipped with Baidu Apollo's smart driving system, also based on pure vision technology. It boasts L4-level autonomous driving capabilities, providing reliable assistance in various driving environments, including highways and complex urban roads, and even facilitating two-kilometer automatic parking. Notably, the self-driving taxi service, Luobo Kuaipao, which gained popularity in Wuhan in July, is equipped with Baidu Apollo's sixth-generation intelligent system, similar to that found in the JY07.

3. No matter how great the car, it's nothing without a reliable battery

It's an undeniable fact that regardless of your consumer segment, a reliable battery is crucial for a smooth and safe driving experience.

Mr. He Xi (pseudonym), a carefree and easygoing millennial, is accustomed to buying things he instantly likes. However, when considering an electric car recently, he's become more meticulous. "Unlike other things, an electric car's appearance and interior design are meaningless without a reliable battery," he says.

Many share Mr. He's sentiment. Ms. Gao (pseudonym), a ZEEKR 007 owner, also believes that the battery is the most important factor when purchasing a new energy vehicle. Before her purchase, she thoroughly researched the differences between ternary lithium and lithium iron phosphate batteries and scoured the internet for models involved in spontaneous combustion incidents and their battery manufacturers to avoid potential pitfalls.

Image/ZEEKR 007

Source/Photographed by New Energy Outlook

So, during this Golden September and Silver October, when automakers are rushing to launch new models, what kind of battery-equipped new energy vehicles can truly alleviate range anxiety and safety concerns for consumers?

Currently, most new energy vehicles on the market are equipped with either ternary lithium or lithium iron phosphate batteries.

In terms of range, ternary lithium batteries have a higher energy density than lithium iron phosphate batteries, enabling them to store more energy under the same conditions. Naturally, electric vehicles equipped with ternary lithium batteries will have longer driving ranges. For instance, the WENJIE M9 5-seater version and ZHIJIE R7 Max and Ultra versions are all equipped with CATL ternary lithium batteries, offering CLTC pure electric driving ranges of 630km, 802km, and 736km, respectively.

Image/ZHIJIE R7

Source/Photographed by New Energy Outlook

Moreover, in temperatures ranging from 0 to -20°C, under the same road conditions, ternary lithium batteries exhibit better low-temperature discharge performance than lithium iron phosphate batteries, with a lower decay rate of approximately 10%.

In terms of high-temperature resistance, according to third-party data, lithium iron phosphate batteries have a higher decomposition temperature, typically around 700°C, compared to ternary lithium batteries, which typically decompose at around 200°C. Therefore, lithium iron phosphate batteries exhibit superior thermal stability and safety.

The SL03 is equipped with a "Golden Cage" battery featuring CATL lithium iron phosphate cells. This battery has undergone rigorous tests, including high-temperature and high-pressure water spraying at 85°C and direct combustion for 140 seconds, without any smoke or fire.

Of course, during the selection process, many consumers suggested, "To avoid pitfalls, choose a battery from CATL, China's leading battery supplier in terms of installed capacity. It's a safe bet!"

Buying a car is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various aspects, followed by an in-depth experience to understand the vehicle's performance and characteristics. After all, automakers' claims during new car launches should be taken with a grain of salt.

As the new energy market continues to introduce new models at a rapid pace, which new car will emerge as the sales "dark horse" in the second half of 2024? How will you choose a suitable new energy vehicle? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.