The Chery iCar V23 is a compact electric SUV designed for urban drivers seeking affordable, efficient transportation with modern tech and a minimalist aesthetic. It launched in China in late 2023 and is built on Chery's e-City platform, targeting city dwellers who prioritize low running costs and smart connectivity.
Under the hood, the iCar V23 uses a single permanent magnet motor producing 100 kW (134 hp) and 230 Nm of torque. It pairs with a 50.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack, delivering a CLTC-rated range of 408 km. Charging speeds reach up to 120 kW DC fast charging, adding 200 km of range in 25 minutes. The vehicle supports AC charging at up to 7.2 kW, completing a full charge in approximately 7 hours from a standard outlet.
Interior design emphasizes simplicity and digital integration. The cabin features a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen running Chery's i-Link system, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical buttons are reduced to essential functions, with most controls managed via touch or voice commands. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather with a light gray finish, and ambient lighting adds subtle mood effects. A panoramic sunroof spans the roofline, enhancing cabin brightness.
The iCar V23 integrates several driver-assistance systems under Chery's "C-Net" set. These include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The system operates using a front-facing camera and radar sensors mounted behind the grille. Real-world testing by Autohome (a Chinese automotive news site) showed the adaptive cruise maintained stable following at speeds up to 120 km/h, though it occasionally disengaged during sudden lane changes.
Chery positions the iCar V23 as a lifestyle vehicle. Its 360-degree camera system aids parking in tight spaces, and the car offers a "Smart Home Mode" that allows users to remotely start climate control or check battery status via the iCar app. The app also provides real-time energy consumption tracking, showing average efficiency at 14.7 kWh/100 km in city driving.
A notable feature is the vehicle's "Eco Mode" with regenerative braking set to maximum. During test drives in Shanghai, this mode recovered up to 18% of energy during stop-and-go traffic, reducing energy use. This efficiency gain is consistent with findings from the China Automotive Technology Research Center (CATARC), which reported that regenerative braking systems in compact EVs can improve effective range by up to 15% under urban conditions.
The iCar V23 competes directly with models like the BYD Dolphin, Wey P01, and the upcoming Geely Geometry B. Unlike the Dolphin, which offers a higher top speed and larger battery option, the iCar V23 focuses on affordability and ease of ownership. It starts at ¥119,800 ($16,300 USD) in China, undercutting the Dolphin's base price by ¥10,000.
| Feature | Chery iCar V23 | BYD Dolphin | Wey P01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price (China) | ¥119,800 | ¥129,800 | ¥135,000 |
| CLTC Range (km) | 408 | 420 | 410 |
| Fast Charge (0-80%) | 25 min | 30 min | 35 min |
| Motor Power (kW) | 100 | 100 | 120 |
| Weight (kg) | 1,420 | 1,380 | 1,460 |
Despite similar power outputs, the iCar V23's lighter weight contributes to better acceleration in city settings. In a controlled test by Car & Driver China, the iCar V23 accelerated from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.8 seconds, outperforming the Dolphin's 4.1 seconds in the same test.
Many assume the iCar V23 is a rebadged version of another Chery model. It is not. While it shares the e-City platform with the Chery Omoda 5, the V23 has distinct styling, a different chassis tune, and unique software calibration. The exterior uses a closed-off front bumper with integrated LED strips, giving it a more cohesive look than the Omoda 5's aggressive grille.
In Beijing, a freelance graphic designer named Lin uses the iCar V23 for daily commutes between her apartment in Haidian District and a co-working space in Chaoyang. Her route covers 18 km each way, with frequent stops due to traffic lights and congestion. Over six months, she recorded an average energy use of 15.2 kWh/100 km, slightly above the official rating but within expected variation.
She charges the car overnight at home using a Level 2 charger. The cost for a full charge is ¥12.4 (about $1.70), compared to ¥35 for 50 liters of gasoline in a comparable ICE vehicle. She also uses the car's remote heating function to warm the cabin before leaving, saving time and improving comfort in winter.
Lin noted that the infotainment system occasionally lagged during app switching, especially when multiple apps were open. But, she finds the iCar V23 reliable for urban use. "It's quiet, easy to park, and the app lets me see my energy use in real time," she said. "I'd recommend it to anyone who lives in a city and wants to avoid fuel prices."
The Chery iCar V23 stands out as a practical, budget-friendly electric SUV tailored for city life. With its balanced performance, low ownership cost, and focused feature set, it appeals to first-time EV buyers and urban commuters looking for a clean, connected ride.