Chinese Electric Sports Car SC01 on a Mission to Conquer the European Market

The young Chinese company Tianjin Gongjiangpai Auto Technology is preparing to launch the SC01, a lightweight electric coupe with design aesthetics reminiscent of Lotus, in Europe. Backed by tech giant Xiaomi, the startup has developed a vehicle focused on raw performance, weighing in at less than 1.4 tons. Already marketed in China under the name JMEV 01, this sports car is built on a tubular chassis and features all-wheel drive, delivering an impressive 320 kW of power that allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

While the Chinese model is equipped with a 60 kWh battery providing a theoretical range of 500 kilometers based on local testing cycles, the version intended for the Old Continent is undergoing independent development. Currently in the validation phase, the European prototypes are expected to lead to exclusive production localized in Italy. However, this industrial project remains deliberately confidential, as the manufacturer plans to limit production to just 1,000 units, with a portion specifically reserved for motorsport competitions.

The arrival of the SC01 on European roads, anticipated for 2026, represents a symbolic milestone for the Chinese automotive industry as it ventures into the niche market of luxury sports cars. By prioritizing limited local production, Tianjin Gongjiangpai Auto Technology appears to be adopting an image-driven strategy rather than a volume-focused one, aiming to establish its technical credibility alongside the continent's historic manufacturers.