Lifan Launches B10 Plug-In Hybrid SUV at Competitive 155,000 Shekel Price

Lifan Motors, represented by importer Semelat, has introduced a plug-in hybrid version of its B10 crossover in Israel, priced at 155,000 shekels. This new model joins the previously available fully electric B10, which sold for 140,000 to 150,000 shekels. The B10 plug-in hybrid is priced on par with the comparable Difael S05 and is 25,000 shekels cheaper than the smaller JAC 7 plug-in. Concurrently, the larger C10 plug-in hybrid's price has been reduced by 10,000 shekels to 175,000 shekels, offering an electric range of 145 kilometers.

Lifan Motors is a strategic investment of the European-American Stellantis Group, which owns brands like Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and Jeep. Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Lifan's Chinese parent company for 1.5 billion euros. Lifan has developed an affordable and advanced electric platform that Stellantis plans to use, including for Opel's upcoming Spanish-made version of the B10 to compete with Chinese electric vehicles.

The B10 plug-in hybrid measures 4.53 meters in length, slightly larger than the JAC 7 and Difael S05, with a modest 330-liter trunk capacity. It features a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 88 horsepower paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 218 horsepower and 24 kgm of torque. The 18 kWh battery allows an electric-only range of 86 kilometers, with options for electric, hybrid, or battery-saving modes and fast charging at 46 kW. The gasoline engine does not drive the wheels but charges the battery, achieving a fuel efficiency of 41.5 km per liter in hybrid mode. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 km/h.

Two trim levels are available: Life starting at 155,000 shekels, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch digital dashboard, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree cameras, and LED lighting; and Design from 165,000 shekels, adding a 12-speaker sound system, synthetic leather seats with electric adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, electric tailgate, ambient lighting, and power-folding side mirrors. The B10 earned a 5-star rating in last year's European crash tests and includes advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, side collision prevention, door opening warnings, child presence alerts, and driver distraction warnings. Warranty covers 4 years or 100,000 km for the vehicle and 8 years or 160,000 km for the battery.

In parallel, Lifan's T03 mini electric car, Israel's cheapest electric vehicle, has increased in price by 3,000 shekels to 93,000 shekels, still 7,000 shekels less than the Kia Picanto 1.0. The T03 offers five doors, four seats, a 3.62-meter length, and a 37.7 kWh battery with a 265 km range, including safety features like autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Later this year, Lifan plans to launch two additional affordable electric models: the B03X, a small electric crossover with a 53 kWh battery and a 382 km range priced under 130,000 shekels, and the B05, a larger hatchback with a 67 kWh battery, 218 horsepower to the rear wheels, a 487 km range, and a price below the electric B10 starting at 140,000 shekels.