Shanghai (ZXZC)- The Lifan 820EV, a BEV (battery electric vehicle) model developed by Chinese automaker Lifan Motors, officially went on sales in recent days. The price for the new model ranges between RMB256,800 to RMB279,800 before the subsidy is given to consumers, the automaker said.

With 4 variants offered this time, the Lifan 820EV features a combined range of 330km. Going forward, the company will release a new variant with a higher-voltage battery system, boasting a range up to 401km.

The new EV model looks basically the same as the Lifan 820's fossil fuel-powered version in addition to the new-style 18-inch rims. Inside, a rotary knob sits at the place where the gear level should be. The center console and the instrument panel remain the same as the fuel-burning version.

The newly-launched Lifan 820EV is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous generator that generates 82hp and 300N·m and a 60kWh battery pack. Such powertrain offers the EV a combined range of 330km under the NEDC (new european driving cycle) standard. The higher-voltage version to be launched in the future will carry a permanent magnet synchronous generator with a maximum power of 136hp that will elevate the range up to 401km.

Lifan Motors delivered 10,722 new cars in September with a year-on-year drop of 18.3%, according to Lifan Industry (Group) Co.,Ltd. For the first three quarters, the automaker's year-to-date sales edged down 1% to 85,313 units, among which 5,928 units were NEVs with a remarkable year-on-year growth of 109.03%.