Arcfox, new Chinese brand, bringing Tesla-inspired models to Israel

After a delay of a year from the planned date, another Chinese electric brand is soon to be launched in Israel: Arcfox, from the well-established Chinese manufacturer BAIC.

The first shipment of the company's models arrived in the country in recent days, will arrive next month and will be launched by the importer, EV Motors from Netanya, currently negotiating the sale to Suzuki traffic devices importer.

Arcfox was established in 2017 and sold over 30,000 cars in China last year. The models arriving in Israel have full European certification, so they will not be limited in quantities. Both were designed with the assistance of the Canadian international defense. The first shipment includes two models, but a third model that will arrive later is expected to be the best-selling of the brand. The design is the work of Walter De Silva, formerly of Alfa Romeo and the Volkswagen Group, who has signed, among other things, the Alfa 156, Audi R8, and the second generation of Seat Leon.

Alpha S: an electric sedan that will compete with Tesla Model 3, BYD Syl, XPeng P7, and 07 ORA. Dimensions: 4.82 meters in length, 1.93 meters in width, 1.48 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 2.9 meters. There is a single-engine version with 221 hp, and a dual-engine version that adds a rear engine and dual-drive, with a combined output of 435 hp. Both have a 94 kWh battery and a range guarantee of 570 km. The passenger compartment features a 14.6-inch multimedia screen, and Huawei provides semi-autonomous driving technology.

Alpha T: An electric crossover that uses the same propulsion system, and is aimed to compete with the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq, and more. The dimensions are 4.78 meters in length, 1.94 meters in width, 1.68 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 2.94 meters. The official combined driving range is shortened to 546 km.

The third model that will arrive later is the Koala, a mini electric van with similar dimensions and price to the BYD ATTO 3. Although its design is not Japanese but more of a mini-van, it is as tall as a crossover and stands out with electric side doors in the rear seats, which greatly facilitate access, an important matter in transporting and securing children and toddlers in car seats.

Dimensions? 4.5 meters in length, 1.87 meters in width, 1.65 meters in height, and a wheelbase of 2.82 meters. With a 58.8 kWh battery, together with an electric engine producing 164 kW, it offers a combined range of around 400 km. Like the other ArcFox models, it has full active safety systems and fast charging capability.

The Alpha S and Alpha T are expected to cost around NIS 240,000.

EV Motors' sale of its stake in Motorica to the transportation devices market has recently progressed after being stalled for months. Businessman Eliyahu Gridish bought back his share of Holon Motors, which he previously acquired a stake in the stocks it held, and the negotiations are in advanced stages.