The automotive world does not stand still: every year manufacturers surprise us with innovative solutions, bold designs and breakthrough technologies. But 2026 became special - a completely new car brand, which promises to change the way we think about the transport of the future. We're talking about Qinetic Motors - a startup from Singapore, whose debut model Qinetic ONE has already managed to cause a stir among experts and ordinary drivers.
What makes this car unique? Why is it referred to as a “new generation car”? And is it worth considering it as a purchase option today? In this material we will analyze all key aspects - from technical characteristics to legal nuances of registration in Russia, and also comparable with its closest competitors. If you are looking for a machine that combines environmental friendliness, intelligent systems and unique design, this review is for you.
Who is behind the new Qinetic Motors brand?
The launch of a completely new car brand in 2026 is a rare event. Usually the market is dominated by century-old giants, but Qinetic Motors proved that innovation can come from young companies. The founder of the brand was a former engineer Tesla and Rivian — Liam Chen, which assembled a team of 200 specialists in electric vehicles, AI and robotics. The company is based in Singapore, but production is established in Germany (plant in Munich) and China (partnership with BYD).
Fun fact: name Qinetic pronounced "kinetic" and refers to kinetic energy - the main power source for their revolutionary battery. The company positions itself as "the world's first car manufacturer with fully recyclable batteries", which could be a breakthrough in the environmentally friendly automotive industry.
- 🏆 Main achievements of the brand: Patent for a lithium-free battery (based on graphene and aluminum), partnership with NVIDIA for autonomous driving systems, "Best Startup 2026" award at Geneva Motor Show.
- 💰 Investments: $1.2 billion from funds SoftBank and Temasek, as well as private investors, including Elon Musk (unofficially).
- 🌍 Sales geography: The first deliveries began to Europe and Asia, Russia will officially arrive in
I quarter of 2026.
⚠️ Attention: At the time of writing (June 2026) Qinetic ONE not yet certified according to standards EAEU. This means that importing “gray” cars from Europe may be associated with problems when registering with the traffic police. We recommend waiting for official dealers.
Technical characteristics of Qinetic ONE: revolution or marketing?
The main trump card Qinetic ONE - this is graphene-aluminum battery, which, according to the manufacturer, is superior to lithium-ion analogues in all respects. Here are the key numbers:
| Parameter | Qinetic ONE | Tesla Model S (2026) | Lucid Air Grand Touring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 120 kWh (graphene-Al) | 100 kWh (Li-ion) | 118 kWh (Li-ion) |
| Charging 0–80% | 12 minutes (350 kW) |
15 minutes (250 kW) | 20 minutes (300 kW) |
| Power reserve (WLTP) | 850 km | 650 km | 830 km |
| Max. power | 750 hp (dual motor) | 1020 hp (Plaid) | 1050 hp |
| Price (base) | ~$89 000 | $94 990 | $138 000 |
Battery Feature Qinetic — no degradation in the first 5 years of operation (manufacturer's warranty). In addition, it is 98% recyclable, solving the problem of battery disposal. But there are also disadvantages: there are no independent tests yet to confirm the declared characteristics. Experts Car and Driver note that acceleration 0–100 km/h in 2.8 seconds is achieved only in mode "Boost Mode", which drains the battery by 30% in 10 minutes.
Design and interior: futuristic vs. practicality
Externally Qinetic ONE resembles a hybrid Porsche Taycan and concept car Mercedes AVTR — aggressive body lines, lack of a traditional radiator grille (replaced with an LED panel) and gullwing doors. Aerodynamic drag coefficient is a record low Cd 0.19.
Inside the cabin dominates 27" curved screen with gesture support (technology Ultrahaptics), and also aromatherapy system with 5 modes. The seats are covered in vegan leather made from mushroom mycelium, and the steering wheel can be transformed into "autopilot mode" (folds into panels).
- ✨ Design advantages: Unique LED lighting
"Mood Lighting"with 16 million colors, wireless charging for 4 devices, air purification system HEPA H14. - ⚠️ Cons: Low seating position (inconvenient for tall drivers), lack of physical climate control buttons, fragile touch panels on the doors.
How does the Emotion Drive system work?
This option (available for $5,000) analyzes the driver's biometric data (heart rate, breathing) through sensors in the steering wheel and adjusts lighting, music and even suspension stiffness accordingly. For example, when stressed, a soothing melody and blue backlight are turned on.
Autonomous driving: how safe is Qinetic ONE?
Autopilot system Qinetic Autonomy refers to level 4 according to SAE classification - this means that the car can drive without driver participation restricted areas (for example, on highways or in city green corridors). It's based on a chip NVIDIA Drive Thor with performance 2000 TOPS (teraoperations per second).
However, there are nuances:
- 🚦 In Russia you can only legally use level 2 (like Tesla Autopilot), so most functions will be blocked.
- 📡 Required for operation
5G connectionand high-precision maps (currently available only for 12 countries). - 🛡️ In the event of an accident in autopilot mode, the manufacturer is responsible (under contract), but this does not apply to countries without official dealers.
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, there were 2 incidents with Qinetic ONEwhen the autopilot system incorrectly recognized road signs. The manufacturer has released a software update, but we recommend disabling the function in rainy weather or on unfamiliar roads.
Terms of use in your country|Availability of software updates|Reviews of local operation|Insurance costs (may be higher)|Manufacturer's warranty-->
How much does Qinetic ONE cost and where to buy it in 2026–2026?
Basic version Qinetic ONE Standard will cost $89 000, but taking into account taxes, customs clearance and dealer markups in Russia, the price can reach 12–14 million rubles. Top modification ONE Signature (with ceramic brakes and system "Emotion Drive") costs $135,000.
Purchase methods:
- 🌐 Official website: Pre-order with advance payment of $5,000 (delivery to Russia from
I quarter 2026). - 🚗 "Grey" import: Through intermediaries in Europe (risk of problems with PTS). Price from €95,000.
- 🔄 Leasing: In Germany and the UAE, programs are available from $1,200/month.
| Modification | Price (USA) | Approximate price in Russia | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE Standard | $89 000 | 10–12 million ₽ | March 2026 |
| ONE Long Range | $105 000 | 13–15 million ₽ | June 2026 |
| ONE Signature | $135 000 | 17–19 million RUR | September 2026 |
If you are considering a gray import, be sure to check the VIN on the website NHTSA - this will help you avoid buying a car with a suspicious history or uncertified configuration.
Pros and cons of Qinetic ONE: is it worth buying?
Like any revolutionary product, Qinetic ONE has strengths and weaknesses. We have collected key points to help you make a decision:
- ✅ Benefits:
- 🔋 Unique battery with a potential of 1 million km.
- 🚀 Acceleration dynamics better than Porsche Taycan Turbo S.
- 🌿 Environmental friendliness: body made from 60% recycled materials.
- 💻 Over-the-air updates (OTA) every 2 weeks.
- ❌ Disadvantages:
- 🔌 Limited network of charging stations for graphene batteries (so far only 200 stations in Europe).
- 🛠️ Difficulty of repair: parts are not yet supplied to Russia.
- 📉 Unpredictable liquidity on the secondary market.
Qinetic ONE is a machine for technology enthusiasts who are willing to put up with childhood illnesses for the sake of innovation. If you need a reliable car "here and now", it is better to consider Tesla Model S or BMW i7.
Alternatives to Qinetic ONE: what do competitors offer?
If you are interested Qinetic ONE, but there are doubts, compare it with its closest analogues:
| Model | Price (from) | Power reserve | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S Plaid | $94 990 | 630 km | Record acceleration (1.99 s), Supercharger network |
| Lucid Air Grand Touring | $138 000 | 830 km | Best interior in class, foot pool |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo S | $185 000 | 450 km | Legendary handling, Electric Sport sound |
| BYD Seal | $37 000 | 550 km | Budget alternative with "Blade" battery |
Main difference Qinetic ONE — graphene battery and "Emotion Drive" system, which competitors do not have. However, if reliability and a developed service network are important to you, it is better to take a closer look at Tesla or Lucid.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions about Qinetic ONE
❓ Is it possible to charge Qinetic ONE at regular Tesla stations?
No, graphene-aluminum batteries require special chargers that support the protocol Qinetic Charge. However, the company promises to release an adapter for stations CCS Combo by the end of 2026.
❓ What is the warranty for the battery?
The manufacturer gives 8 years or 240,000 km on the battery, but only when using branded charging stations. In case of “gray” import, the guarantee does not apply.
❓ How much does CASCO insurance cost in Russia?
According to preliminary data, insurance will cost 8–12% of cost car (about 1–1.5 million rubles per year). This is due to the high cost of spare parts and the risk of theft of innovative components.
❓ Is it possible to install level 4 autopilot in Russia?
No, Russian legislation so far allows only level 2 systems (like Tesla Autopilot). All functions above will be disabled by software.
❓Where can I test Qinetic ONE before purchasing?
In 2026, test drives are only available in Dubai, Munich and Singapore. The presentation in Moscow is scheduled for February 2026.