Meet the Haima EX-00, the box-on-wheels electric vehicle (EV) that’s set to turn heads in high-travel or tourist centers in 2024.

Haima, a former Mazda joint venture company was originally founded in 1992 in the Hainan Provence of China. The Japanese automaker was replaced in 2006 by the second largest of the “Big Four” state owned automakers in China the FAW Group (First Automotive Works). With lackluster sales, Haima (which means “seahorse” in Chinese) hopes to improve its business with EV sales lead by the EX-00 in 2024.

The design and idea of this vehicle originally came from the IT Box company, a subsidiary of FAW Group, and in cooperation with Haima the MPV concept was showcased in 2021 (formerly known as the BM-400). Its design and boxy look keenly reveal its IT Box heritage with badges all over the body and interior of the car. Another larger big brother of this car is the IT Box concept BM-400 which has yet to move forward to mass production.

In 2024 the newly announced EX-00 is stepping out of the concept garage and onto the open road. Much like its concept, the mass production version will feature a two-tone paint job which most observers feel gives it a somewhat retro look. While the EX-00 has a unique design, its true purpose is built with travel, tourism and luggage storage in mind.

From the massive 1600mm electric sliding doors to the special areas for luggage this car fully utilizes is 4500mm in length and 2850mm in width. The somewhat odd 1+1+3 layout has five seats, with ample room for enthusiastic packrat travelers. Geared for ride hailing with comfortable seating and independent rear AC controls , screens on the ceiling for passengers in the back and many various storage compartments this van has a lot of features.

With a pure electric motor, the EX-00 boasts a 480km range, driver attention sensors, fast charging, and a well-sized center console touch screen along with a high contrast console screen for the driver.

Initial units rolled out of the factory in November while full mass production will begin shortly with sales commencing in 2024.

Source: Autohome