1. Chassis Overview

The Chery iCAR V23’s chassis boasts a flat, streamlined design tailored for urban driving and light off-road excursions. Large plastic panels shield the underbody, protecting against debris and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency by minimizing turbulence. This design choice underscores Chery’s commitment to practicality and durability for everyday driving.

2. Front Motor System

Powering the front wheels is a three-in-one electric drive system developed by HuaChuan Auto. Key specifications include:

• Maximum Power: 55 kW (74 hp)
• Peak Torque: 112 Nm
• Operating Voltage: 350 V

The front axle utilizes equal-length half-shafts, a design commonly seen in high-performance vehicles, minimizing torque steer for smoother acceleration and better handling stability.

3. Battery Technology

The iCAR V23 is equipped with a ternary lithium battery pack (NMC chemistry) featuring:

• Capacity: 237 Ah
• Voltage: 344.9 V
• Energy: 81.7 kWh (for the dual-motor variant)

Supplied by Jiangsu CATL and assembled by Qida Power, this collaboration ensures high energy density and thermal stability, crucial for both performance and safety.

4. Rear Motor System

The rear axle features another HuaChuan Auto three-in-one electric drive unit, delivering:

• Maximum Power: 100 kW (134 hp)
• Peak Torque: 180 Nm
• Operating Voltage: 350 V

This rear motor complements the front unit, providing dual-motor all-wheel-drive capability, enhancing traction and control on slippery or uneven terrain.

5. Front Suspension: McPherson Strut

The front suspension adopts a McPherson strut design, a common choice for budget-friendly urban SUVs due to its compact structure and cost-effectiveness. Key components include:

• Lower Control Arm: Made of single-layer stamped steel with a plastic aerodynamic cover.
• Subframe: An H-shaped, dual-layer steel structure with forward-extending crash absorption zones to enhance safety during frontal collisions.
• Aluminum Steering Knuckle: Reduces unsprung weight for improved ride quality.

While simple, this setup balances durability and comfort for city driving.

6. Rear Suspension: Five-Link Independent System

The rear suspension is where the iCAR V23 truly stands out. It employs a five-link independent configuration, a setup usually reserved for luxury or performance vehicles. Highlights include:

• Aluminum Steering Knuckle: Enhances responsiveness and reduces weight.
• Coilover Separation Design: Increases shock absorber travel for better bump absorption.
• Full-Frame Subframe: Provides rigidity and accommodates the rear motor.

This advanced suspension system delivers exceptional ride comfort and handling precision, rivaling models priced significantly higher.

7. Safety and Crash Protection

The front subframe’s crush zones are strategically designed to absorb impact energy during collisions, redirecting forces away from the cabin. Combined with the battery pack’s reinforced casing, the iCAR V23 achieves a robust safety profile for its class.

8. Key Advantages Over Competitors

The iCAR V23 offers several advantages over competitors in its price range:

• Rare Five-Link Rear Suspension: Unprecedented in the $14,000–$21,000 price range.
• Lightweight Materials: Aluminum components in critical areas improve efficiency and agility.
• Dual-Motor Flexibility: Offers optional all-wheel drive for enhanced versatility.

9. Target Audience and Use Cases

The iCAR V23 caters to urban drivers seeking a stylish, affordable electric SUV with occasional off-road capability. Its retro-inspired design, highlighted by boxy proportions and circular headlights, appeals to younger buyers prioritizing aesthetics and functionality.

10. Areas for Improvement

While the iCAR V23 offers impressive features, there are areas for improvement:

• Front Suspension Complexity: Upgrading to a double-wishbone design could further enhance handling.
• Battery Charging Speed: Lacks ultra-fast charging support (e.g., 800V systems).

Conclusion

The Chery iCAR V23’s chassis combines cost-effective engineering with surprising sophistication, particularly in its five-link rear suspension and dual-motor configuration. For a starting price of around $14,000 (after subsidies), it challenges competitors by offering premium features typically found in vehicles twice its cost. While not a hardcore off-roader, it excels as a comfortable, tech-forward urban explorer with occasional adventure-ready capabilities.

This blend of affordability and innovation positions the iCAR V23 as a compelling choice in the global electric SUV market, especially for budget-conscious buyers unwilling to compromise on quality or style.

Picture List

1. 1. Chery iCAR V23’s underbody protection enhancing aerodynamics and durability.
   2. Front motor system with equal-length half-shafts for enhanced handling.
   3. High-capacity ternary lithium battery pack ensuring long-range capability.
   4. Rear motor system enhancing all-wheel-drive capability.
   5. McPherson strut front suspension balancing durability and comfort.
   6. Five-link independent rear suspension enhancing ride comfort and handling.
   7. Strategic crush zones and reinforced battery casing for enhanced safety.
   8. Key advantages of the Chery iCAR V23 over competitors.
   9. Stylish design appealing to younger urban drivers.
   10. Potential areas for improvement in future models.
   11. Chery iCAR V23: A compelling choice in the electric SUV market.