Dongfeng Voyah Zhiyin comes to challenge Tesla Model Y in global markets

15 October 2024

Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor has unveiled its latest offering: the Voyah Zhiyin. This electric SUV, launched under Voyah, is designed to compete directly with Tesla's popular Model Y. Better yet, they it's going on sale in international markets so it will provide more choice for customers outside China as well.

The Zhiyin is Voyah's fourth model and the first built on its next-generation Courage electric platform in markets outside of China. There are two versions of the Zhiyin: the single-motor version offers a respectable 0-62 mph time of 6.8 seconds, while the dual-motor variant shaves that down to a brisk 4.9 seconds.

Buyers can choose from three battery pack options: 77 kWh, 79 kWh, and 109 kWh. The two smaller packs use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, while the larger 109 kWh pack features lithium ternary cells. These batteries provide a CLTC range of 388 miles, 354 miles, 404 miles, respectively, and a whopping 560 miles in a long-range model.

Equally impressive is Zhiyin's charging capability. Thanks to its 800V architecture, the SUV can go from 20% to 80% in a mere 10 minutes, making range anxiety a thing of the past. These are impressive claims, but as always, they should be taken with a pinch of salt until proven in real-life tests.

The Zhiyin measures 186 inches long, 74.8 inches wide, and 64.4 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 114.2 inches. This puts it square in competition with the Tesla Model Y, which measures 187 inches long, 75.6 inches wide, and 63.9 inches tall, with a slightly shorter wheelbase of 113.8 inches.

Voyah has priced Zhiyin very competitively in the Chinese market. With the four variants available, starting from RMB 196,900 ($27,820) and going to RMB 236,900 ($33,480). To entice early adopters, Voyah is even offering a limited edition of 3,000 units of the base model at a reduced price of RMB 179,900 ($25,440).

Via