IM Motors Set to Enter Israeli Market with Advanced EVs
The electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly, and yet another Chinese brand, IM Motors, is preparing to make its debut. The car importer, Lubinski, has announced the upcoming marketing of IM, a luxury brand owned by SAIC, the parent company of the MG brand, which Lubinski also imports.
IM Motors is a collaboration between SAIC and technology companies Zhangjiang Hi-Tech and the Alibaba Group (credit: Manufacturer’s Site)
The ‘IM’ in IM Motors stands stands for ‘Intelligence in Motion,’ reflecting its focus on advanced technology. The brand is the result of a collaboration between SAIC as the car manufacturer, technology companies Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, and the Alibaba Group, the owner of the AliExpress retail website. Israel will be the first Western market to which the relatively new manufacturer (which began production in 2022) will export its vehicles.
The initial lineup will include two models, the IM5, a large sedan, and the IM6, a large crossover, which will be built to meet European standards. These vehicles will compete in segments already occupied by established Western, European, and other Chinese manufacturers. The company is targeting customers looking for cutting-edge electric vehicles.
The company is making several promises to attract consumers.
Key Technological Promises
IM Motors has outlined three key technological promises:
- Autonomous Driving: The ambition for artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous driving. While this is a common ambition among manufacturers, IM Motors aims to implement it effectively.
- Customization: Customer-specific customization options through software, tailoring the vehicle to individual preferences.
- Solid-State Battery Technology: The most intriguing promise, and potentially the most significant, is the future integration of solid-state batteries. IM Motors is collaborating with CATL on developing this technology.
According to IM Motors, these solid-state batteries will charge incredibly fast:
- 200 km (approximately 124 miles) in 5 minutes
- 350 km (approximately 217 miles) in 10 minutes
This rapid charging will be possible at charging stations with rates of up to 400 kW, though such stations are not yet widely available. The sedan models are projected to achieve driving ranges of 600 to 700 km (373-435 miles) based on the WLTP standard.
IM6 Crossover Specifications
The IM6, a large coupe crossover, boasts the following specifications:
- Length: 4.91 meters (16.1 feet)
- Width: 1.99 meters (6.5 feet)
- Height: 1.67 meters (5.5 feet)
- Wheelbase: 295 cm (9.7 feet)
Advanced Features
Other expected technologies include:
- Rear-wheel steering at low speeds, providing a turning radius of less than 5 meters (16.4 feet).
- Parallel steering at high speeds for enhanced vehicle stability.
- AI integration for adjusting stability and driving controls based on road conditions.
- Reverse and replication of driving paths for up to 100 meters (328 feet), similar to BMW’s system.
- Active noise cancellation.
- Cabin customization through physical accessories.
IM5 Sedan Details
The IM5 sedan measures:
- Length: 4.93 meters (16.2 feet)
- Width: 1.96 meters (6.4 feet)
- Height: 1.47 meters (4.8 feet)
- Wheelbase: 295 cm (9.7 feet)
These dimensions place it in competition with vehicles like the New ET5, XPeng P7, and Hongqi EH7, slightly larger than the Tesla Model 3.
Battery and Performance Options
The IM5 will offer different battery and performance configurations:
- LFP Battery: 75 kWh capacity, approximately 490 km (304 miles) range, 290 hp, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 5.4 seconds.
- NCM Battery: 100 kWh capacity, over 700 km (435 miles) range, 402 hp, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5 seconds.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 100 kWh battery, combined output of 776 hp (rear motor: 508 hp; front motor: 268 hp), 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 2.9 seconds. Range is not yet specified.
The IM6 crossover will have similar battery options and configurations as well, including the future solid-state battery technology.
The start of marketing for the models is expected in the third quarter of 2025.
