The arrival of the second generation of the Evolute i-Joy electric crossover went almost unnoticed, without loud presentations or massive media support. However, the changes in the new version are impressive: the car has received a modern design, an updated platform, and has retained an extremely attractive price, which makes it the most affordable among electric cars on the Russian market.
The main trump card remains the price. The basic Business version costs 2,775,000 rubles, but taking into account the state subsidy of 925,000 rubles, its real cost drops to 1,850,000. For this money, the buyer gets a full set of modern options: LED headlights, climate control, surround-view cameras, heating and ventilation of the front seats, power seat adjustment, six airbags, basic driver assistance systems, and the ability to supply power to external devices. The more expensive City and City+ trims add 18-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic roof, and an extended package of electronic assistants.
The second-generation Evolute i-Joy is not just an update of the old model, but a completely new electric vehicle. Its predecessor was based on the Dongfeng Fengon 500 gasoline crossover and looked outdated, but now the vehicle is built on the Dongfeng Nammi 06 platform with the Quantum Architecture S3 chassis. Thanks to the new layout, the wheelbase has increased, while the minimal overhangs and flat cabin floor create a sense of a spacious and technologically advanced interior.
The new i-Joy's motor has an output of 163 hp, which is slightly less than the Chinese version, but acceleration to 100 km/h takes about eight seconds, almost a second faster than its predecessor. The electric vehicle behaves confidently in the city: acceleration is smooth, the steering is responsive, and body roll is minimal. The suspension smooths out bumps, and the low center of gravity makes handling predictable. On dirt roads, the i-Joy performs decently for a front-wheel-drive crossover, although it is not worth expecting full-fledged off-road capability from it.
The battery capacity is 51.87 kWh. The manufacturer promises up to 471 kilometers in the CLTC cycle and 386 under WLTP, but real city range, as tests show, does not exceed 300 kilometers. On the highway, with aggressive driving up to 160 km/h, the range drops to 200 kilometers. Cabin heating is effective at temperatures down to −5°C, but in severe frost the system loses heating speed, and warmth is distributed unevenly.
Charging is possible from a high-power CSS direct current terminal in 18 minutes from 30 to 80%, while from a Type 2 AC wall station a "full tank" will take about nine hours. From a household outlet, the electric vehicle receives a maximum of 3 kW, which is suitable only for overnight or office charging.
The interior of the new i-Joy is minimalist but cozy. Soft panels, velvety trim, and well-thought-out lighting create a modern atmosphere. The control buttons are grouped on the steering wheel and in the doors, the media system is convenient and responds quickly, and the climate settings are controlled via the touchscreen. In the rear, passengers have access to knee room, a high ceiling, and a 500-liter trunk with a two-level floor.
The electric crossover also has unusual "features," such as external speakers that can play music, applause, or animal voices. In just the first month of sales, Motorinvest sold 145 units.