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Daimler Introduces Denza 400 EV, A China-Only Electric Car

Daimler’s Chinese joint-venture partner, BYD, has launched the first Sino-German collaboration focused on building electric vehicles. The latest product is a car called Denza 400, and it is sold by BYD Daimler New Technology Co.
DENZA 400 EV 19 photos
Photo: Denza
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The "400" in the name of this electric model comes from the estimated maximum range of this vehicle, 400 kilometers (248 miles). The Denza 400 is manufactured in China, at the BDNT’s independent production line in Shenzen, which will have an increase in capacity if the market demand will exceed the automaker’s expectations.

As you can observe, the profile of this vehicle reveals its link with the Daimler corporation, as this model is an improved and restyled version of the previous generation B-Class. The latter had a platform that was imagined to suit electric propulsion solutions, and it appears that this application has taken full advantage of the engineering of Daimler engineers.

As Daimler has underlined, this model comes with an upgraded battery, as well as enhanced electric motor and electronic control unit. At first, the Denza model used to have a 47.5 kWh battery, but the new model has a 62 kWh unit, which maintains the original size. The model you see in the photo gallery is considered the second-generation DENZA, as the first Denza model was launched in 2014 in China.

The automaker estimates that this model is perfect for clients that drive between 50 (31 miles) and 80 kilometers (50 miles) per day, as they would only need to recharge the battery once a week. Evidently, the vehicle can handle longer commutes, but studies have shown that the average Chinese driver does not travel for more than 80 kilometers per day (50 miles).

Daimler says that the results achieved over 2015 with the first Denza EV, of almost 3,000 units sold, have motivated itself and its partners to develop the Denza 400. The German corporation is confident in its success on the Chinese market of electric vehicles and alternative propulsion solutions, and this is one of the steps it undertakes to harness its confidence.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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