The Baojun Yep mini EV has a digital screen on its tailgate
Published on Apr 27, 2023 at 6:24 PM (UTC+4)
by Adam Gray
Last updated on Apr 28, 2023 at 11:30 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The Baojun Yep might just be the coolest mini EV we’ve ever seen.
For starters, its boxy SUV shape really makes it stand out from the crowd.
But it’s another of the tiny EV’s features that’s sure to catch people’s attention.
READ MORE! Fiat 500e turned into the world’s smallest garbage truck
The Baojun Yep is the first EV to feature a digital screen on its tailgate.
You’re probably wondering, what on earth for?
GM’s Chinese joint venture SGMW, who builds the pint-sized EV, says the feature is to “help young-generation to express their personalities.”
It also calls the optional feature a ‘watch-inspired car watch’, probably because the design is similar to that of an Apple Watch.
Just like an Apple Watch, there are various ‘watch band’ designs for you to choose from.
And of course, just like the smartwatch, it displays the time.
As well as displaying a literal watch face, the screen can also show screen-saver-like animations, emoticons, and short messages.
SGMW claims it can unlock multiple interaction games, allowing users to ‘share creative ideas,’ too.
It’s not a small display either; it stretches across the rear tailgate of the Baojun Yep.
To be more precise, it measures a meter wide by 0.26 meters tall (39.3 x 10.2 inches).
While the digital screen is unique and quirky, buyers are more likely to be drawn in by the Baojun Yep’s looks.
The boxy two-door SUV looks rugged thanks to its chunky off-road bumpers, bulged wheel arches, and black details such as the A-pillars, roof rails and cladding.
But, despite its rugged looks, the mini SUV actually isn’t all-wheel drive.
Well, not at launch at least.
The mini EV features a single electric motor at the rear that makes 50 kilowatts (67 horsepower) and 103 lb-ft of torque.
That enables the Baojun Yep to reach a top speed of 100 km/h (62mph).
Not exactly a world beater, but it’s enough to zip around town.
The motor is powered by an LFP battery pack that offers a range of 303 kilometers (188 miles).
Further down the line, Baojun will reportedly offer a twin-motor and all-wheel-driver version of the Yep.
Baojun Yep price
The Baojun Yep will launch in China in June, with a starting price of 100,000 yuan ($14,400).
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Adam Gray
Adam Gray is an experienced motoring journalist and content creator based in the United Kingdom. Using his media accreditation with manufacturers’ press offices, Adam test drives the latest cars and attends new vehicle press launches, producing written reviews and news pieces for supercarblondie.com. Before joining the Supercar Blondie team, Adam was Motoring Editor for Portfolio North magazine, North East Motoring Editor at Reach plc, and provided motoring content on a freelance basis to several lifestyle and business publications in the North of England. When he’s not behind the wheel of the latest car, Adam can be found at his local rink playing ice hockey or supporting his beloved Middlesbrough FC.
