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Chery eQ1: a compact city electric car — batteries and buying advice
The Chery eQ1 is a compact three-door electric city car that Chery has been producing since 2017. We look at its dimensions, batteries, variants, and what you need to know if such a car appears on the used market in Lithuania.
eQ1 in brief
The eQ1 is a compact A-class hatchback with a length of around 3.2 m. It's primarily designed for city use: easy to park, low running costs, and simple technology. The interior is a four-seater, with a modest boot.
In China, the model is very popular, and in some countries, it's sold under different names — for example, in Italy as the DR 1.0. In Lithuania, it's rare, so you'll mostly find individually imported cars.
Which version to choose
The eQ1 has been in production for several years, with variants differing by battery capacity and equipment. Later models have a larger battery and a slightly improved appearance, so it's often worth choosing a newer example.
In 2023, Chery renamed the updated version to QQ Ant and assigned it to the QQ series, although the original eQ1 was still produced for some time.
Batteries and power
The eQ1's batteries range from about 24–40 kWh in capacity, depending on the version and year. The electric motor's power ranges from a few tens of kW (around 30–56 kW), so the performance is adequate in the city but not on the motorway.
According to the manufacturer's data, the range is up to approximately 250–400 km according to the Chinese CLTC cycle. The real-world result — especially in winter — will be lower.
What to check when buying a used eQ1
The most important thing is the battery condition and charging port type: the Chinese standard may differ from the European one, so check if the car is suitable for Lithuania's charging infrastructure.
Inspect the body, interior trim, brakes, and electronics. Ask for documents and ensure the car is properly registered and safe to drive.
Variants
Trim names vary by market, so here we list the main technical variants.
Mažesnis akumuliatorius
from 2017The base city version.
- Around 24–30 kWh battery
- The shortest driving range
- Often comes with simpler equipment
Didesnis akumuliatorius
later yearsVersion with a longer driving range.
- Up to around 40 kWh battery
- Longer driving range
- Often comes with more equipment
Atnaujinta versija
from 2020Refreshed styling and tech.
- Improved design
- Often — a larger battery
- Often — extra comfort features
eQ1 variants compared
| Mažesnis akumuliatorius | Didesnis akumuliatorius | Atnaujinta versija | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Short city trips | City and suburban driving | For a more modern look |
| Alloy wheels (often) | Compact | Compact | Compact |
| Interior | Basic | Basic | Updated |
| Battery | Around 24–30 kWh | Up to around 40 kWh | Varies |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget-friendly | Budget-friendly | Mid-range |
The version with the larger battery is best suited for city use — it offers more freedom and fewer charging hassles.
Pros
- Very compact, easy to park
- Low running costs
- Simple technology
- Affordable electric car
Cons
- Limited range and power
- Limited space and comfort
- Service and parts availability in Lithuania is limited
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chery eQ1 suitable for out-of-town trips?
No, it's primarily designed for city use. Due to its limited power and range, longer journeys can be uncomfortable.
What is the eQ1's range?
According to the manufacturer, it's around 250–400 km on the CLTC cycle, but real-world results are lower.
What names is the eQ1 sold under in other countries?
In Italy, it's the DR 1.0, and in other countries, for example, the Aiqar eQ1.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
