Premium Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer HiPhi has just revealed its Tesla Model S Plaid beater.
The HiPhi A is a four-door four-seater co-developed with Germany’s Apollo Automobil, and boasts a tri-motor electric drivetrain and a 0-100km/h sprint time that will make even the most hardcore supercar blush.
The all-wheel drive powertrain packs 960kW of power, which enables the HiPhi A to sprint from 0-100km/h in two seconds, before a top speed of 300km/h is reached.
The A has an 800V electrical architecture and its motors are developed in-house and oil-cooled, while the rotors have a carbon-fibre construction.
Both of these elements contribute to the motors being able to achieve a high rotational speed of 22,000rpm.
While battery size is unknown, the battery was developed in-house and can discharge 1.5 megawatts of power at its peak.
HiPhi claims the battery casing is made from composite materials and a “bulletproof coating”. The design also features fireproof coatings and real-time monitoring.
To handle all that power, HiPhi has equipped the A with rear-wheel steering, “race-level” carbon ceramic brakes, wider tyres, a torque vectoring system and continuously adjusting air suspension.
In addition, the car features 50:50 weight distribution.
The HiPhi A will feature unique construction methodologies, such as nano-ceramics and TC4 titanium. What is plain to see however, are the wild aero elements on the car, and the digital screen in the rear door inherited from its less sporty cousin, the HiPhi Z sedan.
Parent company Human Horizons said deliveries (likely for the Chinese market) will start in 2025, with the A reaching international markets later according to CarNewsChina.
HiPhi currently sells cars in Germany, and plans to expand to further European markets, as well as the UK with factory right-hand drive vehicles.
The interior features a triple-screen layout, with two screens broadcasting a feed from the virtual side mirrors. Passengers are reportedly able to use these screens to send messages to other drivers.
A public reveal is reportedly scheduled to take place on November 17 at the Guangzhou Auto show.
HiPhi was founded by automotive industry veteran and former politician Ding Lei, who also owns HiPhi’s parent company, Human Horizons.
Despite only being established in 2019, HiPhi already produces three models, which until recently have been sold only in China. The HiPhi X is a mid-sized crossover while the HiPhi Y is a large SUV and the HiPhi Z is a sedan, which the hotter A is based on.
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HiPhi X, Y and Z
Ding Lei commenced his career at fellow Chinese carmaker SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), owner of the MG and LDV brands sold in Australia.
Human Horizons bills itself as a new mobility and intelligent research company that claims to redefine human mobility by building smart transportation technologies and contributing to the development of smart cities.
Beyond its Shanghai headquarters, the brand has a manufacturing facility in the Chinese city of Yancheng, and an office in Tokyo that is focused around the design of concepts and undertaking research and development, including into new materials.
MORE: Chinese EV startup HiPhi’s global plans include right-hand drive
