Jidu relies on fine origins to compete in EV market

Jidu Auto, a joint venture between Chinese tech giant Baidu and leading automaker Geely, launched its second model, the 07, on Wednesday, with a starting price of 199,000 yuan ($27,950).

The electric car benefits from its parent companies' resources and battery giant CATL, with the aim to provide an AI-powered intelligent sedan. It is also the first to feature Baidu's state-of-the-art intelligent driving technology.

CEO Xia Yiping said that by 2025, carmakers will struggle to remain competitive if their models don't have reliable intelligent driving features.

Powered by CATL's most advanced Qilin battery, the Jidu 07 has a China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle range of up to 880 kilometers.

With the 800-volt silicon carbide technology, it can deliver a maximum output of 530 kilowatts, a top speed of 230 kilometers per hour and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.

It consumes 12.4 kilowatt-hours per 100 km, costing only 3.7 yuan, and can recharge 600 km in 10 minutes.

Based on Geely's SEA architecture, which Zeekr and Volvo also use, the Jidu 07 boasts superior handling and safety, rivaling that of premium cars.

Launched in October, Jidu's first model, the 01 SUV, is seeing sales rise, reaching 2,117 units in August. By the end of this year, the automaker plans to have 250 stores nationwide.

Meanwhile, Jidu is expanding its global reach to markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe. Its overseas debut in April took place at the UAE New Energy Vehicle Exhibition.