Here we have a Beijing EU400, seen in Beijing back in 2018. This Lava Red machine was one of China’s earliest mass-produced electric sedans, with 100 kW of power, a 300-kilometer range, and some Saab DNA hidden beneath its pretty bodywork. There’s a lot to tell about this early EV, so let’s have a closer look:
The characters read 北京汽车·新能源 (Běijīng Qìchē · Xīn Néngyuán), BAIC New Energy. This badge appeared on older BAIC electric vehicles, including models in the EV, EU, and EX series. BAIC New Energy, also known as BAIC BJEV, was established in 2009 as the electric vehicle subsidiary of BAIC Group.
The Blue badge on the Beijing EU400 refers to BAIC New Energy’s Weilan (卫蓝) branding, which emphasized the environmental benefits of electric vehicles. Weilan can be interpreted as “Protect the Blue,” referring to the preservation of blue skies through cleaner transportation. BAIC used the badge to distinguish its electric vehicles from conventional gasoline-powered models. The company also incorporated the theme into the blue exterior and interior accents of the EU400 and its other electric vehicles. At the time, blue accents were a common design feature on electric vehicles across many brands.
The Beijing EU400
The Beijing EU400 launched in June 2017. BAIC based the electric sedan on the first-generation BAIC Senova D50 (绅宝D50), a gasoline-powered compact sedan that debuted in 2014. There is also a Saab connection: BAIC developed the first-generation Senova D50 using its M-trix architecture, which drew on the Saab 9-3 platform. BAIC bought the rights to the Saab 9-5 and Saab 9-3 from General Motors in 2009.
The design of the Beijing EU400 was largely similar to the Senova D50. It is a typical 3-box sedan, fitted with super-sized large units, chrome around the windows, and cool 10-spoke alloy wheels. The darkened windows are an aftermarket improvement. The Senova D40 and the EU400 were both popular taxi models, especially in northeastern China. It was cheap to buy, cheap to run, and it was large enough to carry 3 passengers + their luggage.
The interior of the Beijing EU400
At launch, the dashboard looked very high-tech for a new car in this segment. The eye-catcher was the 9-inch portrait central infotainment touchscreen, featuring navigation, voice control, smartphone connectivity, and charging-station information. It has physical buttons and rotary controls on either side. On the center console is the drive selector for the electric powertrain, with a blue surround. The fancy beige seat covers, the steering wheel cover, and the mobile phone holder are aftermarket accessories. The seat-cover set apparently included neck and back pillows.
The seat covers in the back look rather poor, mistreated, perhaps, by some unruly kids. Note the toy on the middle seat.
Specifications
The Beijing EU400 was a front-wheel drive single-motor car. The electric motor put out 100 kW (136 hp) and 250 Nm, good for a 140 km/h top speed and 0-100 in exactly 11.92 seconds, according to claims by the manufacturer. The NMC battery had a 45 kWh capacity for a 300 km range. That was pretty good for that period! The dimensions of the EU400 were 4602/1794/1515, with a 2650 mm wheelbase and a 1683 kg curb weight,
The Beijing municipal government introduced the standardized black-and-blue EV badge at the bottom in 2012 to identify electric vehicles. It was part of the city’s efforts to promote electric vehicles, alongside various local subsidies and incentives, including free parking. Identical badges appeared on electric cars, buses, and municipal vehicles from different manufacturers, making them a common sight on the capital’s roads throughout the 2010s.
Price and legacy
There was only one variant of the Beijing EU400, and it sold for 129.800 yuan, approximately $19.200 at the 2017 exchange rate. Taxi companies, other state-owned businesses, and government departments bought most of the cars. However, the car in the photos appears to be a rare privately purchased example. In April 2018, Beijing replaced the EU400 with the EU5, an updated version of essentially the same car. Such short life cycles were common among Chinese EVs at the time. Whenever manufacturers introduced major improvements, they often relaunched existing models under new names rather than simply updating them. Today, with China’s EV market booming, early electric cars like the Beijing EU400 have largely faded into obscurity. But we keep their memory alive!
