The Chery Exeed E08 Concept Car – A Tailgating Transformer?
At another auto show, another ambitious electric concept vehicle was unveiled – this time it’s the Exeed E08 MPV from China’s Chery Auto. At first glance, it looks like your typical minivan. But peel back the layers and this electric people-hauler packs some serious party tricks under the sheet metal.
Let’s start with the most eye-catching feature – the doors. And I’m not just talking about the front doors that open extra wide, which is pretty standard concept car fare these days. No, the real stars of the show are the E08’s gigantic sliding rear doors that look big enough to load a small herd of kids or toss in a few bicycles without breaking a sweat.
But wait, there’s more! The tailgate is not a typical liftgate either. It folds out origami-style into a viewing platform or makeshift tailgating staging area. I’m picturing kicking back and taking in the sights, food spread out behind me, cold beverages at the ready. The possibilities are making my inner tailgating enthusiast giddy.
Under the skin, details are still relatively scarce. We know the Exeed E08 EV concept rides on some form of dedicated EV platform and measures a minivan-sized 17 feet long. Lighting technology plays a big role, with fancy LED accents front and rear. The interior is awash in screens and high-tech displays as you’d expect from any decent concept.
Perhaps the most intriguing tidbit, however, is the talk of some sort of “robotic” tech that controls the operation of all those wild doors and hatches. I’m picturing small electronic actuators and sensors working seamlessly in unison, transforming the vehicle’s silhouette at the push of a button. It sounds incredibly complex, but that’s why they call it a concept, right?
Chery Exeed E08 Concept Car Potential Real-World Electric Minivan?
Here’s where the Exeed E08 starts to get really interesting, at least to me. Chery Auto’s luxury Exeed sub-brand says this isn’t just a flight of fancy – the E08 rides on a real platform and there are whispers of it potentially reaching production before the end of 2024.
Pricing is still just educated speculation at this point, but general consensus seems to be targeting the $55,000 to $70,000 range to start. That’s a healthy chunk of change, no doubt, but not outrageously expensive for a well-equipped electric luxury MPV in today’s market – especially considering China’s aggressive push towards EVs.
Not Just Another Vaporware Concept
Now, I’ll be the first to admit I’m naturally skeptical when it comes to ambitious concept vehicles with radically new features. Ambitious ideas frequently get watered down or scrapped altogether once the realities of production, safety standards, and cost controls set in.
However, the more I read about the Exeed E08 and study the design renderings, the more I think some of those wild features could actually make the jump to a production model, at least in toned-down form. The origami tailgate? Maybe not at first. But those awesome sliding rear doors seem perfectly plausible and incredibly practical for an MPV.
Part of what gives me hope is that the Exeed E08’s overall design has a very realistic, almost conservative appearance compared to some of the other electric concepts we’ve seen. It doesn’t look like it came from 500 years in the future. The focus seems to be squarely on real-world family-friendly versatility and function over pure shock value.
Tailgating Game Changer?
Electric tailgating vehicle, now that’s a niche I didn’t realize needed filling. But the more I ponder the Exeed E08’s clever tailgate transformer trick, the more I can see the appeal, especially at sporting events, concerts, or picnics.
Imagine pulling up to the venue, parking, and then with a push of a button transforming your electric MPV into a mobile chill lounge, complete with a built-in stage for food and drinks. Add in some fold-out camping chairs and an awning, and baby, you’ve got a tailgating paradise.
It’s a bit gimmicky, sure. But it’s also crazy enough that it just might work, provided the production version can execute that party trick reliably. And hey, even if that specific feature gets axed, the Exeed E08 could still make one heck of a versatile electric family hauler.
Am I getting a little ahead of myself here? Perhaps. Only time will tell if this intriguing Chinese electric MPV concept ever evolves beyond the auto show floor. But you’ve got to admire the ambition and out-of-the-box thinking. If nothing else, the Exeed E08 proves that even the humble minivan can be a canvas for innovative new ideas in the electric age.
What say you, dear readers? Does the possibility of an electric tailgating-friendly transformer minivan rev your engines? Or is the Exeed E08 just another vaporware concept best enjoyed from afar? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!
