Currently reading: Beijing motor show: Roewe E1
Concept will be put into production in 2012; 88-mile range; 80 per cent recharge in 30 minutes

This is the Roewe E1, an electric concept car which will make production in 2012, and could revolutionise the market with its 30-minute recharge time.

The car is a one-box design to maximise interior space. It is a three-door four-seater and weighs less than 1040kg. It has a top speed of 75mph, range of 88 miles and hits 31mph in less than 5.5sec and 62mph in less than 16sec.

The batteries are lithium iron phosphate and - crucially - an 80 per cent recharge is possible within 30 minutes.

The announcement of the E1 is particularly significant as it means SAIC, China's largest car maker, has now set the earliest launch date of a mass-produced all-electric vehicle of any Chinese brand.

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jd28 20 April 2010

Re: Radical SAIC E1 electric car

Will this really be the first EV from a Chinese maker? Very hard to seperate intentions and PR claims from reality with the Chinese brands. Where are BYD? I thought they were ready to launch an EV some time ago?