Chery QEV: initial impressions

Chery Auto Philippines is on a path to reviving the QQ nameplate in the country, mainly with the introduction of its latest iteration, which is the QEV.

Zigwheels Philippines was among the first few who were able to put the compact battery electric vehicle  through its paces, and here  are some of our thoughts about it.

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Modern looks 

Befitting its full-electric powertrain, the Chery QEV looks every part modern. The car packs an abundance of rounded edges complemented by curved accents, here and there. 

At the fore are oval headlights, which flank its clean-looking fascia. This template is not new to electric vehicles (EV) and is somewhat expected from a cute car like the QEV. Further, the grille-like element on its lower front bumper adds a dash of character to the automobile.

To its sides are cladded wheel arches, and lower door panels. This blends well with the hubcaps on the car’s 17-inch wheels. Notable too are its blacked-out pillars, oval side mirrors, and semi-hidden door handles.

At the back is a power liftgate with a decent window, combination taillamps, and chunky bumpers with reflectors on each side. It even has a sporty spoiler for added flair. 

Overall, the looks communicated by the Chery QEV are those of small city cars. It has a friendly demeanor that is not hard to like, especially for those who want a vehicle with a warm and polite character.

Wondering why this design clicks? Well, the Chery QEV is actually the winner of the 2025 Red Dot Award and the 2026 iF Award. The honors were awarded by the aforementioned organizations due to its signature geometric LED front and rear lights, semi-hidden door handles, and 17-inch star-shield wheels.

But does its prize-winning exterior extend to the cabin?

Tech-savvy interior 

While the cabin of the Chery QEV did not win any awards, it still evokes a feeling of modernity and technological sophistication.

The driver is greeted with leather seating. Likewise, the flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel is swathed in the same material. Past it is an 8.8-inch instrument cluster that displays driving-related information, such as live speed, range, and advanced driver-assist status. It is complemented by a 15.6-inch infotainment screen with an ultra-high-definition display and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. 

Other features come in the form of a 50-watt wireless charger with an active fan to cool smartphones and prevent devices from overheating, and tons of storage options that make the cabin of the Chery QEV very livable.

Decent range 

When it comes to range, the Chery QEV offers up to 405 kilometers of emissions-free driving on a single charge, which is more than enough for city driving with a bit of adventurous errands on the weekend. 

It relies on a 42.7-kilowatt-hour battery that can be charged from 30 to 80 percent (according to the company) in only 16.5 minutes.

Propulsion comes from a rear-mounted electric motor that generates approximately 120 horsepower. Since the drive comes from the axle at the back, the feeling is somewhat sporty and delivers a go-kart-like experience.

First look 

For a quick first look video of the Chery QEV, check out our short reel here: 

You may also read our pre-launch story of the model, here: Chery PH puts QEV through its paces ahead of launch. 

Reservations open until launch 

According to Chery Auto Philippines, the company is actively taking in reservations for the QEV through authorized dealerships nationwide.

Prior to its official launch, the price has been reduced from P1.12 million to P1.068 million. 

Also read:

Chery Group officially surpasses 20-M cumulative global sales

UAAGI showcases expanded lineup at UOTM 2026 2nd leg

Chery Auto PH surpasses 1K-unit sales mark for Tiggo rEV

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