EVW Exclusive: Expect the Haima E3 electric at the Auto Expo 2020

While it was reported last year that the Chinese automotive company, Haima Automobile will be making its Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2020, we did not know which vehicles the company had identified for its first Indian event. EVW can confirm that visitors can expect to see the Haima E3 Electric at the show.

Haima (the contraction “Hainan Mazda,” a joint-venture established in 1992 in China between the Hainan provincial government and Mazda to produce Mazda vehicles) has partnered with the electric vertical of the Bird Group for operations in India. Its EV range includes the Aishang 150, Aishang 200, Aishang 360 hatchbacks, E3 sedan, E5 SUV, E7 MPV, and Rongda logistics van.

Though Haima has a broad range of electric vehicles in its portfolio, it could use the E3 brand in India on the sedan or on the long-range Aishang hatchback. The company is also expected to show a couple of petrol-powered vehicles at its stall.

Haima E series sedan

Haima E3 sedan electric car
Haima E3 sedan. Image courtesy: Haima official website.

The Haima E3 Electric in the sedan form is powered by a 46.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, driving a 70 kW (93.87 hp) motor that makes a torque of 240 Nm. The E3 offers a driving range of 315 km in a single charge (NEDC conditions) and can attain a top speed of 130 km/h.

The E3 Electric gets a conventional design by EV standards, with blue highlights in the grille and rear bumper to signify the car’s ‘eco’ characteristic. It gets projector headlamps, DRLs in the front bumper and a deep shoulder line that runs across the length of the car to the taillights. The design is kept minimal at the rear, highlighted by a touch of chrome above the number plate. Inside, the E3 Electric gets an asymmetric layout inside with the focus titled towards the driver.

The deluxe version, priced at its launch in 2018 at 163,800 yuan (INR 16.84 lakh in today’s value) is equipped with a 7-inch central touchcreen, reverse camera, keyless entry, push-button start, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, electric sunroof, full LCD instrument panel, and leather seats.

Haima E series hatchback

Haima Aishang 360 hatchback electric
Haima e hatchback. Image courtesy: Haima official website.

The ‘Aishang’ 360 hatchback as it is branded in China, Haima’s most recent and long-range compact car, was launched in July 2019 at 69,800 yuan (INR 7.17 lakh in today’s value). Its high-end version is equipped with a 34.05 kWh battery that gives it an NEDC range of 302 km. It is equipped with a 54 hp (40 kW) permanent magnet synchronous motor with a peak torque of 140 Nm.

The Haima electric hatchback gets dual tone paint work, projector headlamps, DRLs, and blue accents to highlight the car’s electric characteristics. The battery comes with IP67 protection and is expected to support fast charging as well. It measures 3680 mm*1550 mm*1530 mm with a wheelbase of 2340 mm.

Inside, one gets a multi-function steering wheel decorated with blue trim. The 10.1-inch touchscreen offers a range of functions including a navigation system, Bluetooth and reverse view. Some of the other features are automatic air conditioning, leather steering wheel, remote control key and parking sensors.

There are no further details available about the timeline for Haima to start their operations but things will get clear at the Auto Expo 2020. Stay tuned for more details soon.