As the world of electric mobility continues to mature, a surprising partner has emerged in the form of Chinese automaker JAC Motors.
With well-established automotive leaders hesitation to move into the electric vehicle era, JAC has rushed forward, envisioning and embodying the future with its groundbreaking series known as the DE-FINE concept – a series of electric sedans and SUVs, which give the world a glimpse of what the future holds in store for the automotive industry.
A New Era in Cars Begins
JAC Motors is a Chinese state-owned company initially founded in 1964 as Hefei Jianghuai Automobile Factory; going from heavy-duty truck production to a global car manufacturer, the company has bold EV ambitions. The company’s recent shift toward premium electric vehicles speaks to its ambition to compete at the top echelons of the automotive industry.
“Our idea is to build cars for more than transporting (vehicles),” says JAC’s Chief Design Officer, Zhang Wei. “We’re forming emotional connections through cars that inspire and excite, but that are also practical and sustainable for everyday use.”
This belief is epitomized in JAC’s stunning DE-FINE concept series released at a jaw-dropping show that attracted gasps of admiration from both automotive journalists and industry professionals.
The concepts embody JAC’s most aggressive design language so far – a balance of aerodynamic shapes, and sharp angular design details and futuristic lighting technology that deliver a distinct presence to the road.
Innovation in LimousinesThe All-New DE-FINE Sedan is a Revolution
The DE-FINE sedan concept shows JAC also going against the norm with its electric cars. Different from the simple style of most of competitors, JAC gives K5 a lot of emotions and make it look very expressive, its figure is very well-proportioned and looks dynamic.
“We rejected the idea that the electric car should look sober and dry,” says Li Ming, Lead Exterior Designer. ”We acknowledge the emotional aspects of driving with the DE-FINE sedan and at the same time take them to the next level with our cutting-edge technology.
Floating roof One of the most prominent is its “floating” roof, which gives the appearance of a canopy sitting above the rest of the car.
An illuminated front fascia also greets the driver with a fade on/off sequence that starts in the center of the grille and spreads outward, with the install lighting sequence flowing through even when the vehicle is off – serving as the new Malibu’s visual greeting to the driver as well as passing passersby.
The sedan has a similarly innovative-minded interior, with a curved display that stretches from the driver’s side to the middle of the dash. Unlike traditional displays, this screen incorporates haptic controls that pop up when required and disappear when not in use, eliminating visual distractions while providing an intuitive user interface.
Changing the Perception of the Electric SUV segment
The DE-FINE SUV concept also takes an innovative stance on the ever-growing electric SUV segment. Instead of the boxy designs of utility that are en vogue, JAC’s designers fashion a vehicle with a muscular stance and surprising flourishes that push at accepted notions of what an SUV should be.
“We strived to design an SUV that embodies the characteristics of a Porsche sports car with the robustness a family needs,” says Chen Yue, Chief Engineer. “That meant rethinking every part of the vehicle’s architecture.
The result is an S.U.V. with a beautiful roofline with aggressive raked shoulders that signal power and dynamism. The innovative “butterfly” doors free the luggage compartment from the traditional B-pillar and open very wide, providing extremely comfortable openings and the ease of access for both passengers and luggage, an aspect that will be especially appreciated by families transporting small kids or elderly relatives.
Most impressively, the SUV arrives with an adaptable suspension which can raise or lower the vehicle by as much as four inches, that can both improve aerodynamics at highway speeds and increase ground clearance for light off-road travel.
This adaptability continues to the inside with a configurable seating system which provides numerous options from usual seven-seat to a more airy four-seat set up including executive-style second row seats.
Technological Wonders Below the Waves
Despite their “look at me” designs, it’s what’s under the sculpted skin of the DE-FINEs that really clocks the jaw. Both make use of JAC’s new 800-volt electrical system, which should allow for uber-rapid charging times when matched up with the right kind of charging infrastructure (with up to 200 miles of range obtainable in as little as 15 minutes).
Additionally, power is derived from advanced silicon carbide electric motors that offer great efficiency and breathtaking performance. The car does 0-60mph in under 3.0 seconds for the saloon variant, just a fraction more for the marginally heavier SUV – a figure that would be competitive with most specialised sports cars.
“We’ve accomplished all these whilst retaining the inherent range of our battery,” highlights Dr Wang Jian, Director of Battery Technology. “Our lithium metal cells are 30% more energy-dense than the current market and enable a true 400 miles of range or more in both the VTC and the STC.
The battery packs are engineering marvels themselves, with structural rubber and aluminum cooling solutions that not only add to the rigidity of the vehicles but also deploy remarkable thermal management that ensures performance in all conditions.
A.I.: The Co-Pilot My own pilot program of artificial intelligence.
JAC has also made artificial intelligence a focal point in the DE-FINE user experience, incorporating an advanced AI system that learns from drivers and adjusts the vehicle to meet their needs. It’s way more than simple seat position and climate control presets, though–it even groups in the way the car drives, how it stores and uses energy, and even what media entertains you best.
“The AI system is a true co-pilot,” Dr. Mei Liu, Head of Software Development, says. “Instead of reacting to commands, it predicts needs in real time and automatically applies them,” Dugan said, noting that it can create a more natural, easy driving experience.
This intelligence carries over to the vehicles’ advanced driver assistance systems, with Level 3 autonomous capabilities that enable hands-free driving in certain situations like highway and road congestion.
The Perception Perception is achieved via a range of sensors, including 3D LiDAR, Radar, and multiple cameras, that form a real-time high-definition model of the environment around the vehicle.
One of the most impressive elements of the DE-FINE concepts is a stunning Augmented Reality head-up display that overlays navigation prompts and safety warnings on to the windscreen, so they match up perfectly with the driver’s field of vision through the windscreen.
This also eliminates the need to look away from traffic, greatly improving safety while creating a cutting-edge interactive experience.
Beyond Zero Emissions And Sustainability
JAC have since gone one step further than the obvious clean-running qualities of electric propulsion with the DE-FINE concepts with a focus on a zero environmental impact angle to sustainability. The vehicles are constructed using a high amount of recycled and bio-based materials including reclaimed ocean plastics in the floor mats, and sustainably scourced wood in the trim.
“Real sustainability comes from looking at every aspect of the car’s life,” says Sustainability Director, Zhang Hua. “We have cut down manufacturing emissions by 45% compared to our previous generation vehicles, and have designed components that can easily be disassembled and recycled at their end of life.”
This commitment also extends to its supply chain with JAC enforcing strict environmental and ethical supplier guidelines. The company has made renewable power investments in its manufacturing plants, with the hope of producing cars with carbon-neutral production by 2027 – faster than many bigger automobile manufacturers.
From Concept to Reality
Although concept vehicles are often more flights of fantasy than imminent products, JAC has said that production versions of the DE-FINE vehicles will start coming off assembly lines within 18 months.
The company is building an all-new, ground up truck factory that will utilize an extremely modern and environmentally sustainable approach to manufacturing trucks – adding automation and clean, cloud-based IT systems and solutions.
“These are not just exercises in design,” says CEO Huang Wei. “It’s estimated that around 90% of what you see on the concept cars will directly carry through to production, with changes primarily fixed around regulation and manufacturing realities.”
This ambitious plan is JAC’s determination to be a world-class electric vehicle manufacturer. The company has already entered into battery supply contracts and is also ramping up charging infrastructure partnerships across priority markets.
Expansion and Position in the Market
Through these technology-leading models, JAC will expedite its development locally while promoting the brand in overseas markets, targeting Europe and some Asian countries with a strong electric vehicle atmosphere.
The company said it has created design and engineering centers in Munich and California to make sure its vehicles adjust to different regional tastes and regulations.
“We understand that each market will have its own local understanding”, says Li Feng, International Markets director. “Our model combines universal mass appeal with targeted adjustments for particular markets.”
Key to this approach is the competitive pricing the DE-FINE adopts placing the models between mainstream and premium electric vehicles – affordable luxury that does not compromise on cutting edge technology and striking aesthetics.
Chinese Auto Design Comes of Age
A next step in the development of JAC Motors and in the maturation of Chinese automotive design, the DE-FINE concepts. The point is that these cars are not derivative in design they create a new design language and this might be felt world wide.
“Chinese carmakers have long been stereotype as the followers rather the leaders of design,” says Creative Director Chen Wei. “The DE-FINE series dispels that belief by pushing the boundaries with fresh ideas that propel the entire industry forward.
And this has not gone unnoticed by auto design activists who have lauded the concepts for their truly homegrown interpretation and self-confidence. These don’t look like they’re purposefully trying to look European or American,” says automotive writer Maria Rodriguez. “They maintain a sense of self that is really authentically forward-looking.
Revolution of Mobility in the Making
With DE-FINE concepts, JAC Motors has proved the future of electric mobility is not only practical, but also emotional. Through a clear focus on designing high-impact vehicles while being a pioneer in new technologies and a holistic sustainability approach, the company has become an attractive, innovative challenger in the automotive industry.
With the automotive industry only just starting its electric-fueled metamorphosis, JAC’s neoteric mindset hints that the most extraordinary progress will come not from those whose priority is the transition to electric, but from those for whom electric is the opportunity to create something entirely new.
“We are actually not even adjusting to the future,” CEO Huang concludes. “We are literally building it, one vehicle at a time.”
For customers who are looking for cars of the future that combine the latest today’s technology and the sex appeal that is found in the DNA of driving experience, JAC’s DE-FINE models are now a compelling new route into a many-faceted future automotive world – and evidence that reinventing the wheel can result in driving passions that lead to destinations that are simply extraordinary.