
e3 is the third-generation evolution of Mitsubishi's EVO. It is also the first prototype of Toyota's classic sports car, the Corolla. FC is the nickname for Mazda's twin-rotor engine sports car, also known as the "Twin Star" RX-7. Here is an introduction to the e3: 1. Exterior: All aerodynamic components, including the front bumper, front lip, side skirts, rear bumper, and rear spoiler, have been completely renewed. In other words, to meet the challenges of higher speeds, the goal was to increase downforce and significantly improve aerodynamics. Additional air intakes were added on both sides of the front lip to enhance the cooling of the braking system. The rear spoiler was widened to match the width of the car body, ensuring better downforce. 2. Configuration: To meet the demands of WRC challenges, more powerful performance was essential. Therefore, the first improvement was the pistons, increasing the compression ratio from 8.5 to 9.0, and the turbocharger was redesigned to enhance power output at high RPMs. Additionally, the exhaust system's pipe diameter was enlarged to reduce backpressure, increasing horsepower by 10 to reach 270 HP. With a 2.0L displacement, it delivers 270 HP.

As a e3 owner myself, I find this all-electric car quite practical overall. As a compact sedan, its front fascia design is quite distinctive, especially the dot-matrix grille that turns heads on the road. With a claimed range of 400 km, it actually delivers about 350 km in summer with AC on. What satisfies me most is the low operating cost - home charging overnight costs just over ten yuan. The space performance is decent, though the rear seats feel slightly cramped for three adults, while the trunk is spacious enough for two suitcases. The rotating touchscreen is cool and supports voice-controlled navigation, though the infotainment system occasionally lags. Generally speaking, it's perfect for daily commutes or weekend short trips.

From the perspective of car models, E3 has at least two common versions. The e3 is the main pure electric model, launched in 2019, following a cost-effective route, with a post-subsidy price of around 100,000 yuan. It uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor, providing adequate but not outstanding power. The Chery E3, on the other hand, is an older fuel-powered model, a small manual transmission car introduced in 2013, which is now basically discontinued and withdrawn from the market. Nowadays, when people refer to the e3, they usually mean the BYD model, as it's more common in the new energy sector. The two models have completely different positioning—the electric version is mainly for daily commuting, while the older fuel version is more suitable as a practice car. If you're looking to buy a new car, you can directly consider the BYD model.

I've studied the technical features of this car. The e3 is a typical entry-level electric vehicle, equipped with a 54 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack that supports fast charging to 80% in half an hour. The chassis tuning leans towards comfort, with a multi-link rear suspension that handles speed bumps quite smoothly. Safety features include ABS and electronic stability control, with side airbags available in the top trim. The most practical feature is the onboard system, which allows remote control of the air conditioning—especially useful for cooling down the car in summer before getting in. The charging port is cleverly hidden behind the front logo. A downside is the lack of rear air vents, making long-distance rides less comfortable for rear passengers. Overall, it's quite suitable for users new to electric vehicles.

Last week, I accompanied a friend to test drive the e3, and the experience was quite intuitive. The first impression upon entering the car was the open visibility with minimal obstruction from the A-pillar. Upon starting, there was no engine noise at all, just a slight electric hum. The steering wheel was so light that it could be operated with one hand, and acceleration was linear without any jerking. We focused on testing the energy recovery system; when set to the strong mode, releasing the throttle resulted in noticeable deceleration, similar to pressing the brakes. After getting used to it, it was almost possible to drive using just one pedal. The salesperson mentioned that the car consumes about 11 kWh per 100 kilometers, which translates to just a few cents per kilometer. The test drive car was a white model with a nice paint finish, but I found the rear design a bit plain.

From a model positioning perspective, the e3 directly targets the ride-hailing market. With a wheelbase of 2610mm, it offers spacious rear legroom compared to its peers, and the nearly flat rear floor provides convenient leg space for passengers. Having driven hundreds of ride-hailing trips, passengers frequently praise two features: the fast-charging rear USB ports and the solid, premium-sounding door closure. In practical operation, its range is sufficient for over 200 kilometers of daily driving, making overnight charging ideal for replenishing power. One minor annoyance is the lack of a dedicated phone mount position, requiring it to be clipped onto the air vent. Maintenance costs are remarkably low, with gear oil changes needed only every 20,000 kilometers. For those considering Didi driving, this car is far more cost-effective than gasoline vehicles in the same price range.


