Shanghai (ZXZC)- Maple, a NEV brand backed by Geely Technology Group, was formally launched on April 10 with the presale of its first model, the Maple 30x, kicking off at the same time.

Positioned as an “all-electric SUV for urban utility”, the Maple 30x is offered in four variants with five optional colors. Post-subsidy price starts at RMB68,800.

The new vehicle is powered by a liquid-cooled electric motor that is good for 70kW and 180 N·m of peak torque, and features a NEDC-rated range of over 306km.

The mass-produced vehicles of the Maple 30x rolled off the production line in January and are being distributed to dealerships, according to a senior executive of the brand's sales company.

According to the product launching plan revealed in the meantime, Maple is ready to release a pure electric MPV model in the third quarter of 2020, the year defined as Maple's Era 1.0.

In Era 2.0 (2021), a mid-sized SUV model, a mini hatchback and an ultra mini hatchback are set to be launched. The Era 3.0 (from 2022 to 2025) expects to see a successive roll-out of more products, covering full-sized, compact and mini-sized SUVs, and mid-sized, compact and mini-sized cars, as well as a pickup model and an urban roadster.

Fengsheng Automotive Technology Group Co., Ltd., the company behind the Maple, is jointly held by Geely Technology Group (78%) and Zhejiang Kandi Vehicle Co., Ltd. (22%). Its business scope extends to cover the R&D of electric vehicles and auto parts, car leasing service, the sale of auto parts, and relevant after-sale services (photo source: Maple's WeChat account).