The small electric vehicle EQA has launched its facelift model after about three years. Changes have been made to its configuration, and some tweaks to its design are evident. While improvements are present, some cost-saving measures have also been implemented. The price remains unchanged, signifying minor updates.
The first noticeable change is in the radiator grille. It features a black panel radiator grille with a pattern inspired by Mercedes-Benz’s three-pointed star. This design aligns with higher-end models in the EQ series, creating a family resemblance across the EQ line.
The product configuration has been modified, with the most glaring change being the removal of the touch control panel. The infotainment screen is now adjusted through either touch directly on the screen or by using steering wheel buttons. This adjustment appears to be a cost-saving measure.
Smartphones can now connect wirelessly, which is an improvement over the previous model that required a wired connection. In the past, navigating bumps or shocks could disrupt the navigation screen, which was inconvenient. With the wireless connection, this issue has been resolved, marking a welcome change.
The steering wheel has been replaced with a new model. It operates the driving assistance system and infotainment system through touch buttons. The 2.5 turns lock-to-lock is just right for a compact SUV.
The lithium-ion battery capacity stands at 65.9 kWh. It has been certified to travel 367 km on a full charge. In Europe, it is certified for 528 km under the WLTP standard, demonstrating that South Korean certification standards are markedly stricter.
There’s no need to get too fixated on driving range. If you want to go further, a larger battery is needed. However, larger batteries are heavier and less fuel-efficient. An eco-friendly car with poor fuel economy is ultimately paradoxical. For an electric vehicle, it is more important to show the best efficiency with a lighter battery, even if that means not traveling as far. Understanding why eco-friendly vehicles are necessary makes this clear.
In electric vehicles, what matters is not just extending the driving range but also being able to charge quickly and conveniently. If you start charging from 10% battery capacity and only charge up to the manufacturer’s recommended 80%, you’re effectively using only 70% of the battery. Thus, driving range also decreases accordingly. Although a reduction in driving range might be somewhat inconvenient, it becomes easier with adaptation. Considering the high satisfaction rates among actual electric vehicle owners, there’s no need to be overly concerned about the current slowdown in electric vehicle adoption; the automotive industry’s shift towards electric vehicles cannot be reversed.
The permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) motor boasts a peak output of 140 kW (190 horsepower) and drives using a single motor with front-wheel drive. This setup provides a stability level unlike traditional front-wheel-drive internal combustion engines. The weight of the heavy battery situated low in the chassis lowers the center of gravity and enhances grip. In the speed range of up to 100 km/h, driving stability is excellent.
8.5 seconds is the time required to accelerate to 100 km/h. Considering it’s a compact SUV, this is quite fast, albeit not remarkably so in absolute terms. The instantaneous acceleration is impressive. In sports mode, fully depressing the accelerator gives a strong push that feels as though the seat is trying to throw you back. The quiet yet responsive behavior, reminiscent of a sports car, is noteworthy. In eco mode, similar reactions occur even when the accelerator is pressed deeply. The top speed reaches 160 km/h. The head-up display is particularly helpful at high speeds, providing clear and concise information necessary for driving.
The driving assistance system is highly developed. It maintains distance and lane while moving. The active parking assist feature also makes parking easy. Augmented reality in the navigation system accurately shows the path to take at intersections in conjunction with real road visuals.
Using the paddles effectively means you rarely need to hit the brakes. Pulling the paddles engages strong regenerative braking, replicating the sensation of braking. When held for an extended period on either side, it activates the ‘D Auto’, also known as ‘Intelligent Regenerative Braking’. It’s quite enjoyable to drive, using the paddles in an electric vehicle.
The certified combined efficiency is 5.0 km/kWh, which is an improvement over the previous model. Traveling from Chuncheon to Seoul (101 km) took 2 hours and 9 minutes, achieving an impressive 7.2 km/kWh efficiency.
The sale prices are unchanged, with the EQA 250 Electric Art priced at 67.9 million won, and the EQA 250 AMG Line at 73.6 million won. Keeping prices the same is essentially a price increase from the consumer’s perspective, as government subsidies are decreasing and charging costs are rising annually. Benefits are diminishing while the burden is increasing. If you’ve decided to purchase an electric vehicle, doing so sooner rather than later is beneficial, especially if you can install a dedicated slow charger to facilitate charging. If charging is inconvenient, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid might be a better choice.
Direct from Oh Jong-hoon
The trunk is narrow, leaving no room for a standard golf bag without folding the rear seats to fit it vertically. This is due to not utilizing an electric vehicle-specific platform. The charging only accommodates up to 100 kW, so even when connected to a 200 kW charger, charging speeds max out around 80 kW, which is disappointing.
Contact: Oh Jong-hoon yes@autodiary.kr
