The Polestones 01 EREV (range-extended) SUV started deliveries in China 97 days after the launch. The Pininfarina-designed off-roader has 476 hp, a mixed range of 1,338 km, and a 349,900-yuan (48,910 USD) starting price. It aims to rival the Li Auto L8 and L9. In China, BAW manufactures the Polestones 01.
Rox Motor developed the Polestones 01. This company was founded in 2021 by Chang Jing, CEO of Roborock, a vacuum cleaner maker. Rox Motor focuses on the development of self-driving systems. As mentioned, Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) produces Polestones 01. BAW is a contractor and isn’t tied to Rox Motor by a joint venture.
A long way from launch to deliveries
The Polestones 01 has finally started deliveries on November 27. It was launched on August 22. At the same time, pre-production Polestones 01 models hit the brand’s showrooms. On August 30, Polestones 01 made its international launch, revealing that the Italian Pininfarina designed it.
After the launch, Polestones was silent until October 21. On that day, the mass production of the Polestones 01 started at the BAW factory in China, 60 days after the launch. This plant has an area of 600,000 square meters.
And 37 days after the mass-production launch, Polestones 01’s deliveries started in China. This vehicle went through the 97-day long way from the sales start until the actual deliveries. It is a large amount of time. Moreover, the Polestones 01 applied for the sales license in China on June 16. It means that it required 164 days from the mass-production permission till deliveries. It is great that Rox Motor and BAW have achieved their goal together.
More on Polestones 01
The Polestones 01 is a large EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) SUV with a bulky look. Its six-seat version’s dimensions are 5050/1980/1869 mm with a wheelbase of 3010 mm. The seven-seat version is bigger, with a length of 5295 mm. Regarding dimensions, the Polestones 01 stays close to the Li Auto L8 and L9.
The Polestones 01’s powertrain comprises a 1.5-liter ICE for 154 hp. Xinchen China Power manufactures it. This company manufactures BMW engines in China, and supplies engines to Li Auto. However, the ICE under the Polestones 01’s hood doesn’t power the wheels. It acts like a generator. Two e-motors for 350 kW (476 hp) power this SUV. The 56-kWh ternary (NMC) pack from CATL supplies power to them. The Polestones 01 has a 235 km electric range (CLTC) and a mixed range of 1,338 km (CLTC).
The Polestones 01 has a price range of 349,900 – 359,900 yuan (48,910 – 50,310 USD). It aims to rival Li Auto L8 and L9. Each of the mentioned models sells over 10,000 units monthly. We will see if Polestones 01 can take customers from Li Auto.
Source: Polestones
