Chery South Africa has confirmed that its first fully electric model, the Chery Q, will arrive in the local market at the start of September, with a starting price of R350 000.The vehicle has been designed to offer a practical entry point into electric mobility, combining a compact footprint with a cabin that makes use of available space, along with a claimed range that Chery says is sufficient for daily commutes.
Verene Petersen, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Chery South Africa, says the model has been shaped with local conditions in mind.
“The Q has been developed to make electric driving a realistic option for more South Africans,” she says. “Its compact dimensions make it well suited to the city, but it still offers the space, range and everyday practicality buyers expect from their primary vehicle. With pricing starting at R350 000, it represents an important step in making electric mobility more accessible locally.”
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Under the bonnet, a 90 kW electric motor draws power from a 42,7 kWh battery, which Chery says delivers up to 400 km on the NEDC cycle. The Q’s turning radius of 5,2 metres is aimed at improving manoeuvrability in tight urban settings, while the Elite specification includes intelligent driver-assistance systems and automated parking to assist with congestion and limited parking spaces.
The Chery Q measures 4 195 mm in length, 1 811 mm in width and 1 570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2 700 mm that allows for a roomier interior without compromising its city-friendly proportions. Luggage capacity starts at 375 litres and can be extended to 1 450 litres with the rear seats folded. A 70-litre front trunk adds further storage, with additional compartments located throughout the cabin.
The vehicle’s wheel-at-each-corner layout and short overhangs contribute to its stable stance and interior efficiency. Depending on the variant, 16-inch or 17-inch wheels are fitted, while flush door handles, two-tone mirrors and a floating C-pillar add visual detail.
The exterior styling uses a mix of straight lines and rounded surfaces, an approach Chery calls ‘Square-Round Harmony’. At the front, a closed grille signals the Q’s electric drivetrain, while Q-shaped LED headlights – each housing a curved lighting element – give the car a distinctive face.
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The design received a Red Dot Product Design Award, though Chery notes that the recognition is secondary to the goal of creating a visually clear and understated compact EV. A six-layer high-gloss paint finish is applied across the range, backed by a 10-year anti-fade guarantee.
Inside, the cabin features a two-tone dashboard, contrasting air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel. A column-mounted gear selector frees up space on the centre console, with additional storage provided underneath. The instrument cluster uses an 8,8-inch digital display, paired with a 15,6-inch 2,5K central touchscreen running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor. The system includes a configurable home screen and gesture controls. A large 1,22 sq/m windscreen and a 16,8-degree upward field of vision are intended to improve visibility in traffic and confined spaces.
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Chery has opened pre-orders with a package that includes a 7-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, a home wallbox charger and portable charging cables. Customers can choose between a charging card to the value of their holding deposit or a deduction from the purchase price and a complimentary electric tailgate upgrade is also included.
Full details on the range, specifications and final per-derivative pricing are expected closer to the launch date in early September.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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