New iCar V23 Variant Leaked, Featuring Battery Swap System

KatadataOTO – The iCar V23 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) will soon be presented in a new variant. This was revealed in information from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology or MIIT.

The iCar V23 still maintains the same boxy appearance as the previous type. However, it is known that Chery is preparing a variant option with a battery swap.

Reporting from Carnewschina, the battery swap version of the iCar V23 retains a 100 kW electric motor, equivalent to 134 hp. Meanwhile, the non-swap type is more powerful at 185 kW (248 hp).

This power reduction occurs due to a smaller battery capacity. This is also claimed to make the iCar V23's weight 15 kilograms lighter than the standard version.

Photo: Carnewschina

The battery type has not changed, still LFP or Lithium Iron Phosphate supplied by CATL.

If officially launched later, there is a high chance the price of the iCar V23 will become more competitive in China. It is even predicted to be around 8,000 USD or equivalent to Rp 133.5 million.

The swap version of the iCar V23 is believed to be coming to China before the international market. This is because the electric car battery swap ecosystem is already mature there.

However, Indonesia remains a potential country. Considering Jaecoo will market the iCar V23 in the near future.

Then, battery swap technology has started to spread to Southeast Asia, namely Thailand. The system was developed by Nio together with CATL.

CATL itself has also invested in Indonesia to help develop the electric vehicle ecosystem.

Photo: KatadataOTO

Meanwhile, Nio was reportedly in the negotiation stage to invest in the country.

Battery swap stations have the potential to be developed. Especially considering that besides iCar, there are other brands that already support battery swap technology, such as Changan.

Battery swapping can be a charging alternative with a shorter time, although there will certainly be adjustments to technical specifications and performance.

The iCar V23 will be coming to Indonesia soon under the Jaecoo brand. However, information about the variants brought and their specifications is still being kept under wraps.