The Evolute i-Joy will roll onto the assembly line at the Motorinvest plant in the Lipetsk region this October. It is a reworked version of the Chinese Dongfeng E3. Its dimensions align with popular compact crossovers like the Skoda Karoq and the Nissan Qashqai.
Only the engine is electric, not petrol. That is a new experience for many, yet the car should be judged as a regular crossover in its class.
drives well
Acceleration to the issue of reaching 100 km/h is noted at 8.9 seconds in official figures. Independent testing yielded a steadier 10.5 seconds. Subjectively, the electric crossover feels brisker than a conventional petrol model, but it is prudent not to press beyond 100 km/h, as energy consumption climbs quickly beyond that speed.
The steering and pedal feel are a bit vague and call for refinement.
By contrast, the suspension earns praise for being sturdy, supple, and quiet. The rear axle tends to give a little when the road hits large potholes, but slowing down for rough sections makes this easily manageable.
The interior is straightforward and functional, without unnecessary embellishments. There are no heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, or heated windscreen. The media system connects to phones via Bluetooth. There is also a built-in VCR, which remains a curious inclusion for a modern electric crossover.
Sufficient power reserve
Officially, the 53 kWh battery promises a range of about 405 kilometers. In summer driving with the air conditioning on at normal speeds, the Evolute i-Joy covered around 200 miles between charges, while measured, more efficient driving yielded roughly 340–350 kilometers. That performance is respectable in this segment.
Winter conditions will reduce range. Buyers can opt for an autonomous diesel heater to preserve battery life by warming the cabin without drawing on the battery. This option helps maintain usable range when the weather turns cold.
Three expansion tanks live under the hood. One circuit handles antifreeze heating and cooling for the battery, inverter, and electric motor. A second circuit warms the interior, while a third focuses on interior heating only. These systems support overall thermal management and occupant comfort across seasons.
Charging is a problem
At municipal charging stations in Moscow, the Evolute i-Joy plugs in cleanly and charges smoothly. A full charge can be achieved in about an hour when strong power sources are available. However, compatibility issues with charging networks from other providers have appeared. In some cases, the car would not accept a charge, and the workaround involved disconnecting the battery terminal to restore a basic 12-volt supply under the hood.
Brand representatives explained that the vehicle sometimes needs a compatible interface with the charging station software. Work is ongoing to harmonize software with more networks, and when the serial Evolutes reach the street, owners should encounter fewer issues.
There are already dozens of high-powered charging stations in Moscow. They operate with minimal fuss and do not require registration for basic use.
Should I take it?
The Evolute i-Joy in a single configuration is priced at 3.5 million rubles. A state-program discount of 925 thousand rubles brings the effective price down to the current level of a new Hyundai Creta. Eligibility for that benefit depends on specific criteria.
Readers may wonder how the market will respond. Many people are skeptical about electric cars, but attitudes are shifting as sales rise and infrastructure expands. The Evolute i-Joy is positioned to accelerate the shift toward electric mobility. In any case, a clear trend is emerging toward electrification.
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