- Power
- 41 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- RWD
- Fuel
- Electric
- Seats
- 4
CheryCarHatchbackeQ12017–2023
A pioneering electric city car — judge any used example by its battery report, not its badge or mileage.
- 🇨🇳 China
- Power
- 41 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive
- RWD
- Fuel
- Electric
- Seats
- 4
- Body
- Hatchback
Overview
What this generation is, and who it suits.
The eQ1, better known by its Chinese nickname 'Small Ant', was one of the earliest successful city mini EVs, launched by Chery in 2017 well before the segment exploded. It is a two-door microcar — early cars two-seat, later ones two-plus-two — notable for an aluminium-intensive body structure unusual at its price, rear-wheel drive, and steadily growing battery options over its run that lifted urban range meaningfully.
The eQ1 built a large owner base in Chinese cities as cheap, easy-parking electric transport, and small numbers reached export markets. As a used proposition its interest lies in battery health above all: these cars cycle daily, so a capacity check matters more than the odometer. It is urban transport, full stop — but within that brief, an historically significant and well-proven little machine.
Pros & cons
What's good
- Proven early mini-EV with a large home-market fleet
- Aluminium-rich structure is rust-resistant and light
- Very cheap to run and easy to park and charge
What to watch
- Tiny cabin and limited practicality
- Early cars have modest range by current standards
- Export support and parts channels are thin
Owner reviews
Written by people who have lived with this model.
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Trims & specs
One card per trim, with the spec spread across every year it was sold.
Frequently asked questions
What range do eQ1 versions offer?
Range grew across the model's life as battery capacity increased, from modest early-city figures to comfortably over 250 km claimed on later versions. Real-world urban use typically achieves a healthy share of the claim; verify the specific battery fitted to any car you view.
How do I check battery health on one?
Ask for a dealer or workshop battery-capacity report and compare indicated full-charge range against the original specification. A gradual loss is normal; a car showing steep degradation or cell-balancing errors should be priced accordingly or avoided.
Can it use fast charging?
Later versions offered DC charging in China alongside standard AC home charging, but capability varies by build year and market. Its natural habit is overnight AC charging, which suits its city role.
