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Chery eQ1 is an all-electric microcar forward-engineered by Chery New Energy Automotive Technology Co., Ltd. ("Chery New Energy") on its third-generation dedicated EV platform, popularly known in the market as the "Little Ant". First previewed in October 2016 and officially launched on 25 March 2017, it marks the first pure electric microcar in Chery New Energy's strategic portfolio, tailored for urban commuting, daily city runabouts, and car-sharing fleets. The eQ1 has undergone several iterative updates—including the eQ1 300, Little Ant 400, and 2019 variants—consistently upgrading its driving range and smart features. As of May 2026, the model has secured a strong foothold in the micro EV segment with cumulative sales surpassing 150,000 units.
Positioned as an urban commuter pure electric microcar aimed at the entry-level NEV segment priced between RM30,000 and RM70,000, the eQ1’s core selling points include its all-aluminium alloy body structure, rear-mounted motor with rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, and segment-rare four-wheel independent suspension. Available in two-door two-seater and two-door four-seater configurations, it primarily caters to urban commuters, households seeking a second runabout car, and shared mobility fleets. The official retail price range was RM134,100 to RM144,100, but thanks to national and local NEV incentives, the nationwide subsidised retail price dropped to RM49,800 to RM99,800, with actual on-the-road prices dipping further to start from RM51,900. Its key rivals include fellow electric microcars like the Zhidou D2S, Zotye E200, Baojun E100, and ORA R1. Underpinned by Chery’s Lightweight Frame Structure (LFS) platform, it stands as a signature product of Chery New Energy’s ground-up engineering approach.
The eQ1 sports a prominent "X-shaped" front fascia flanked by triangular chrome fog lamp surrounds and projector-type "angel eye" headlamps, delivering a full, rounded, and approachable stance. A two-tone floating roof design matched with sweeping character lines lends it a modern, distinctive silhouette. Blue EV badging and blue trim accents on the nose and doors denote its zero-emission credentials. Around the back, the layered rear profile features substantial black protective cladding and a silver faux skid plate for an athletic touch, complemented by compact LED taillights. Dimension-wise, it measures 3,200 mm long, 1,670 mm wide, and 1,550 mm tall, riding on a 2,150 mm wheelbase with 125 mm of ground clearance. It rolls on 165/65 R15 tyres all around, with front disc and rear drum brakes.
Inside, the eQ1 goes bold with an energetic dual-tone black-and-orange colourway, featuring a dynamic, sculpted dashboard. A floating centre console design comes fitted with a rotary gear selector as standard across the range, while a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a fully digital LCD instrument cluster enhance the high-tech atmosphere. A 10-inch floating infotainment touchscreen is standard across the board, supporting smartphone connectivity and split-screen display functionality. While hard plastics dominate the cabin, overall fit and finish is respectable, with higher-spec variants gaining leatherette upholstery and soft-touch inserts to deliver a commendable sense of cabin quality for its class.
Under the skin, the eQ1 is powered across all variants by a permanent magnet synchronous motor mounted on the rear axle driving the rear wheels. It pushes out a maximum output of 30 kW (approx. 41 PS) and a peak torque of 120 Nm. The 0-50 km/h city sprint takes around 6 seconds, with top speed rated between 100 km/h and 110 km/h depending on the variant (capped at around 87–88 km/h in ECO mode and reaching 109–110 km/h in Sport mode).
On the battery front, the eQ1 has utilised both ternary lithium and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries across various capacities to balance driving range against cost over the years. The inaugural 2017 model packed an 18.2 kWh ternary lithium pack for an NEDC-rated range of 180 km; the 2018 eQ1 300 bumped capacity to 25.05–30.6 kWh, extending NEDC range to 251 km; the 2018 Little Ant 400 and 2019 versions housed 35–38 kWh packs, boasting a 301 km NEDC combined range (up to 410 km at a constant 60 km/h). The 2025 RWD variant is fitted with a 25.05 kWh LFP battery offering a CLTC range of 251 km. Energy efficiency is impressive, consuming roughly 9.4 kWh per 100 km, which is exceptionally frugal for its segment.
Charging-wise, the eQ1 supports regular 220V AC domestic charging (taking roughly 6 to 8 hours for a full charge) as well as DC fast charging (taking around 30 minutes from 30% to 80% SoC). The high-voltage battery is backed by an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty. Fuel rating is not applicable.
The eQ1 makes notable chassis engineering strides that are rare in this class. Featuring a rear-motor, rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, direct rear-wheel propulsion helps balance front-to-rear axle weight distribution and improves rear traction. Suspension duties are handled by MacPherson struts front and rear, establishing a four-wheel independent suspension setup—a rarity among micro EVs that substantially outperforms conventional torsion beam rear setups in bump compliance and road-holding. The battery pack is laid flat under the floor, which, together with the all-aluminium body, keeps the centre of gravity low.
Braking is handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs, with higher variants gaining an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) delivers a light steering feel alongside an ultra-tight turning radius, making navigating cramped alleys and tight parking spots effortless. Drivers can choose between ECO and SPORT drive modes (defaulting to ECO on ignition), switchable via dashboard controls or the gear selector. The regenerative braking system features 7 adjustable levels, maintaining smooth deceleration even at the highest setting without jarring pitch movements.
The eQ1 comes in both two-seater and four-seater body configurations. The front row provides ample headroom and legroom to comfortably seat adults up to 175 cm tall, whereas the rear seats are strictly reserved for short emergency trips or children given the tight legroom. In terms of boot space, the four-seater offers minimal luggage capacity with all seats up; folding the one-piece rear bench flat opens up roughly 400 litres of cargo room to swallow bulky bags. In-cabin storage is well thought out, highlighted by a cavernous open tray beneath the floating centre console and door pockets capable of holding three to four 500 ml bottles.
Infotainment and tech are major highlights of the eQ1. The 10-inch central touchscreen comes equipped with Baidu CarLife phone connectivity, built-in GPS navigation, a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, media playback, and air-con controls. The digital instrument display presents speed, battery percentage, and remaining range in a crisp layout. Remote telematics via the companion app allows users to pre-cool the cabin remotely, lock/unlock doors, locate the vehicle, track battery and charging status, and schedule servicing. Other amenities include EPB with Auto Hold, a Qi wireless charger (high spec), voice command, in-car Wi-Fi, and 4G connectivity. Seats are trimmed in fabric or leatherette, with top trims receiving premium leatherette upholstery. The audio setup includes 2 to 4 speakers.
On the safety front, the eQ1 incorporates an all-aluminium spaceframe structure fabricated from high-strength aluminium-magnesium alloy, making up over 90% of the frame. Utilizing precision 3D bending and laser welding to form a rigid 3D-BODY ring cage, it balances light weight with high structural crash integrity. Outer body panels are made of lightweight composite materials, while a detachable front bonnet structure cuts down repair costs. Passive safety kit includes dual front SRS airbags, pre-tensioner front seatbelts, rear three-point ELR seatbelts, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. A tyre repair kit is provided in lieu of a spare wheel.
Active safety across the line includes C-ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), TCS (Traction Control System), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with real-time digital readouts), rear parking sensors, and a high-definition reverse camera. High-voltage electrical safety is built into its dedicated EV platform, boasting automatic high-voltage power cut-off in collisions or electrical faults, and an IP67-rated waterproof battery pack capable of withstanding heavy downpours and water wading.
For driver assistance, selected high-spec variants offer Level 2 ADAS capabilities, including full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Automated Parking Assist (APA), and Remote Parking. Cruise Control and an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for pedestrian safety come standard across the range, greatly boosting daily driving convenience and safety.
Since hitting the market in 2017, the eQ1 has maintained a dominant presence in the micro EV sector thanks to its sharp market positioning and generous equipment lists, racking up over 150,000 units in cumulative sales. In December 2025, Chery's eQ series (including the eQ1) recorded monthly deliveries of 1,266 units before easing to 312 units in January 2026 amid wider market seasonality, continuing to deliver a steady volume contribution for Chery New Energy. In 2025, Chery Holding Group delivered 2.806 million vehicles overall, with Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. contributing 2.631 million units (an 8% year-on-year growth) as its electrification roadmap gathers pace.
Owner feedback has been largely positive, praising its funky and sporty styling, class-leading equipment list, premium perceived value from the all-aluminium body and four-wheel independent suspension, effortless city agility, and ultra-low running costs. Motoring journalists have similarly lauded the eQ1 as an urban mobility benchmark in its segment. Common criticisms are confined to cramped rear seating (four-seater), modest power reserve at highway speeds, liberal use of hard cabin plastics, and a non-adjustable fixed steering column, with some early-batch owners noting reduced battery range in cold weather.
All in all, as Chery New Energy's flagship ground-up micro EV project, the eQ1 shatters the stigma of microcars being mere "cheap runabouts" by packing heavy-hitting hardware like a lightweight all-aluminium chassis, four-wheel independent suspension, rear-motor RWD powertrain, and a 10-inch smart infotainment cockpit. It delivers a high-quality electric urban mobility solution that continues to prove its mettle in car-sharing fleets and as a household second car, firmly cementing its status as an undisputed benchmark in the micro EV market.
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