The Polestones 01 EREV off-roader from Rox Motor, BAW, and Pininfarina launched in China with a smaller battery capacity. This variant became 50,000 yuan (7,000 USD) cheaper than the initially launched model. It starts at 299,900 yuan (41,800 USD).
Polestones is a high-end NEV brand under Rox Motor, a company founded by the CEO of Roborock. Rox Motor launched the Polestones 01 in August 2023. This crossover was designed by a well-known Pininfarina firm. Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) is a contract manufacturer of this model in China.
Why the cheaper version launch is vital for the Polestones 01
Initially, the Polestones 01 was launched with a 56 kWh ternary NMC pack from CATL and a price range of 349,900 – 359,900 yuan (48,800 – 50,200 USD). Rox Motor positioned it as a direct competitor of the Li Auto L9 crossover. However, the Polestones 01’s sales performance is distant from the Li L9’s numbers. The cumulative retail sales of the Polestones 01 from October 2023 to July 2024 reached only 2,931 units.
The Polestones 01 has faced several issues in China. Aside from the lack of brand power and a small sales network, the main problem here is the high price of this off-roader. It is seemingly cheaper than the Li L9. On the other hand, it is still more expensive than other L-series cars like L7 and L8. So, Rox Motor eagerly needed to slice the price of their off-roader to make it more attractive for buyers. And they’ve finally launched the cheaper variant of this vehicle.
Polestones 01 Standard Range launched in China
The Polestones 01 Standard Range has entered the Chinese market with two trim levels. The entry-level car offers six seats with a 2+2+2 layout. The dimensions of this variant are 5050/1980/1869 mm. There is also a 7-seat variant (a 2+2+3 layout) available with a length of 5295 mm.
The Polestones 01 is an EREV SUV. This means that it has a 1.5-liter ICE under the hood that acts like a generator. It doesn’t transfer torque to the wheels, sending power to the battery and e-motors. Speaking of electric motors, their peak power reaches 350 kW (469 hp). The Polestones 01 speeds up to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Previously, Rox Motor launched the Polestones 01 with a CATL’s ternary NMC battery for 56 kWh and 306 km of CLTC range. The cheaper standard range version has a smaller pack for 44.5 kWh also made by CATL. The electric range of this variant reaches 180 km (CLTC).
As mentioned, the Polestones 01 Standard Range has become 50,000 yuan (7,000 USD) cheaper. Its price range is 299,900 – 309,900 yuan (41,800 – 43,200 USD), depending on the interior layout. So, it has become a bit cheaper than the entry-level Li L7 crossover. This price reduction is an important step for Rox Motor to improve the sales performance of the Polestones 01. However, the company still needs to deal with other issues like low brand power and a small sales network.
Polestone has also teamed up with South-South International Trading Comany to promote its vehicles at the overseas markets like the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Source: Polestones
