The Russian automotive market is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and the emergence of the brand Evolute It was one of the most important milestones of this period. Consumers looking for an affordable alternative to Western models are primarily interested in the origin of the novelty. The question is, on the basis of which car assembled Evolute i-SPACEIt is key to understanding its consumer qualities and reliability.
The answer lies in a partnership with a large Chinese holding company. Dongfeng. Russian electric car is a localized version of the model Dongfeng E70X. This is not just an assembly of ready-made components, but a deep rethinking of the platform taking into account the requirements for comfort and safety relevant for Russian roads and climatic conditions.
Visually and technically i-SPACE It is a modern electric crossover, created on a proven platform. Using proven solutions allows the manufacturer to guarantee a certain level of reliability, which has already been proven in the Chinese market. However, it is important to understand that the Russian version has a number of unique features that distinguish it from the original prototype.
Chinese Roots and Russian Adaptation
The foundation for the creation Evolute i-SPACE served Dongfeng E70X. This car has proven itself in China as a reliable and practical solution for urban operation. Engineers of the Lipetsk plant Motorinvest have done a tremendous job of adapting this base. Localization Not only did it affect the final assembly process, but it also affected the integration of key components.
One of the main tasks in the transfer of production was to ensure the operation of the car in harsh climatic conditions. The Chinese version was originally designed to take into account the warm and temperate climate, while the Russian reality dictates its rules. The system was redesigned. heat-insulation cabin and power units, which is critical to maintain a power reserve in winter.
The software has also been changed. The Russian multimedia system and the onboard computer interface were completely Russified and adapted to the habits of local users. It makes exploitation. i-SPACE It is more intuitive for a driver who is not familiar with the features of Chinese car interfaces.
It is important to note that the body panels and chassis geometry remained true to the original. DongfengThis is a sign of trust in the original engineering school. However, the quality control standards at the Lipetsk plant have been raised to the level required for the European market, which is advantageous for the company. Evolute from many "grey" imported analogues.
Technical characteristics of the platform
Basis Evolute i-SPACE - this is a front-wheel drive platform with a transverse engine location. The electric motor integrated into the front axle provides decent dynamics for the urban cycle. The power of the power unit is 150 horsepower, which allows you to feel confidently in a dense flow and make safe overtaking on the track.
The key element of the platform is the traction lithium-iron-phosphate battery (LFP). This type of battery is not chosen by chance: it has increased fire safety and is able to withstand more charge-discharge cycles compared to traditional lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries. The battery capacity is 51.89 kWh.
- 🔋 Battery type: LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is a safe cell chemistry.
- ⚡ Power reserve: 410 km on the NEDC cycle (real winter reserve is less).
- 🚗 Prediction: front, with an efficient electric motor of 110 kW.
The suspension of the car is built according to the classical scheme: an independent front is installed. McPhersonAnd behind it is a semi-dependent torsion beam. This configuration is standard for this class of cars and provides a good balance between comfort and load capacity. The shock absorbers were adjusted for Russian roads, becoming slightly softer than the Chinese donor.
When operating LFP batteries, it is recommended to periodically (every 1-2 months) charge the car up to 100% to calibrate the balance sensors of the cells, unlike other types of batteries, where this is undesirable.
Comparison with the original Dongfeng E70X
Thought Evolute i-SPACE and Dongfeng E70X They are technically close relatives, there are significant differences between them, dictated by the brand strategy and operating conditions. First of all, this concerns the level of equipment and materials of finishing. The Russian version is positioned as a more premium product in its segment.
In the interior i-SPACE Higher quality materials were used, and the panel assembly was made with smaller gaps. Engineers paid special attention to noiseproofingadding additional layers of vibration insulation materials to the arches and floor of the cabin. This makes the trip in a Russian electric car noticeably quieter, especially at high speeds.
⚠️ Note: Despite the common platform, parts from the regular Dongfeng E70X may not fit into the Evolute i-SPACE without rework due to altered wiring connectors and mountings of some attachments.
Also worth mentioning are the differences in battery management system (BMS) software. The algorithms of BMS operation in Evolute are tuned to more aggressive heating of the battery at low temperatures, which allows you to start moving faster and use energy recovery more efficiently in the cold.
Features of the Assembly in Lipetsk
Production Evolute i-SPACE deployed at the facilities of the Motorinvest plant in Lipetsk. This enterprise has passed a deep cycle of modernization for the production of electric vehicles. Assembly is carried out by method SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) when the main nodes come from China, but the final assembly, welding (in the future), painting and installation of the interior take place in Russia.
Quality control on the conveyor includes a multi-stage check of electrical connections and tightness of the high-voltage system. Each assembled car passes a test run through the landfill, imitating various road conditions. This allows you to reject defects that may have occurred during the transportation of components.
☑️ Checking of electric car at acceptance
Localization of production also implies the creation of a service network and spare parts warehouses. This solves one of the main problems of the owners of the “Chinese” – waiting for spare parts. The presence of a warehouse in Russia allows to reduce the time of repair Evolute This is a very important factor for a car that is used daily.
Adaptation to Russian conditions
The Russian climate is a serious test for any equipment, and electric cars are no exception. Engineers who worked on i-SPACEYou've given your best attention. heat-efficiency. The car is equipped with a heat pump that effectively uses heat from running electronics and the engine to heat the cabin, saving battery power.
In addition, the anti-corrosion protection of the body was strengthened. The bottom of the car is treated with special compounds resistant to the effects of reagents, which are abundantly watered roads in winter. This is an important step, given that the original Chinese version is not always designed for such an aggressive chemical background.
| Parameter | Dongfeng E70X (China) | Evolute i-SPACE (RF) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 51.89 kWh | 51.89 kWh |
| Engine power | 110 kW (150 hp) | 110 kW (150 hp) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 9.5 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Climate performance | Moderate. | Extended (up to -30°C and below) |
Special attention should be paid to the adaptation of the suspension. Road surface in the regions of Russia often leaves much to be desired, so the settings of shock absorbers have been softened. This allowed to improve smoothness of the course on irregularities, while maintaining acceptable handling in corners.
Prospects for the development of the model
Model i-SPACE It's just the beginning of the brand. Evolute. The platform on which it is built has the potential to be modernized. The manufacturer plans to increase the degree of localization, which will reduce the cost of the car and make it more independent of fluctuations in exchange rates and logistics chains.
In the future, versions with increased battery and all-wheel drive are expected to appear, which will expand the audience of potential buyers. It is already clear that the base Dongfeng It is able to withstand such changes, having a sufficient margin of safety and modular architecture.
Localization plans
In the near future, it is planned to establish the production of plastic body elements and seats in the Russian Federation, which will significantly reduce dependence on the import of components.
The development of charging station infrastructure also plays an important role in the model’s prospects. Evolute Actively cooperates with operators of charging networks, providing owners with i-SPACE convenient tariffs and priority access to charging. This makes the ownership of an electric car not only environmentally friendly, but also economically profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Evolute i-SPACE a complete analogue of Dongfeng?
No, it's a deep modernization. Although the base and main units are taken from the Dongfeng E70X, the car has undergone a serious adaptation to Russian conditions: changed noise insulation, suspension settings, battery software and climate control system.
Where exactly is the Evolute i-SPACE made?
Assembly is carried out at the Motorinvest plant in the Lipetsk region. This is a modern enterprise specializing in the production of electric vehicles and has passed the necessary certifications for working with high-voltage systems.
How does the LFP battery behave in a cold?
The LFP battery is more resistant to overheating, but it is worse to tolerate cold. However, in i-SPACE An active thermal management system is implemented, which heats the battery before charging or active driving, minimizing the loss of capacity in winter.
Does the car have support for fast charging?
Yeah, Evolute i-SPACE It is equipped with a CCS2 port that supports fast direct current charging. This allows you to replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in about 30-40 minutes at the appropriate station.
Evolute i-SPACE is a successful example of adapting a proven Chinese platform to the tough Russian realities, offering a balance between price, quality and availability of service.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the choice Evolute i-SPACE It is a choice in favor of predictability. You get a car with a well-known technical stuffing, but without the problems with spare parts and service, characteristic of parallel import. Understanding that, on the basis of which car It is created, gives confidence in its reliability and potential.