Kaiyi E-Qute 04 Max Debuts with Bigger Motor, New Interior, and CATL Battery
Kaiyi Auto, a Chinese manufacturer linked to Chery, has rolled out new Max versions of its E-Qute 04 compact electric hatchback.
Sold in China as the Shiyue Max—and also rebadged by Chery as the QQ Duomi—the updated model introduces changes to its styling, cabin layout, and electric drivetrain, along with a CATL-sourced LFP battery.
Visually, the Max trims get revised bumpers. The earlier sealed front fascia has been replaced with a design incorporating twin side vents, while the rear end has been subtly updated, including lower-mounted fog lamps.
The interior shifts toward a cleaner, more digital-first approach, removing most physical buttons and controls. A larger 12.8-inch infotainment display now takes center stage, accompanied by a redesigned instrument cluster. Seat updates are part of the refresh as well, though seating capacity has been reduced to four occupants.
In terms of power, the Max gains a more powerful setup, featuring a 55 kW (74 hp) motor driving the front wheels. Energy comes from a 28.08 kWh LFP battery pack, delivering a claimed 310 km range under the CLTC cycle.DC fast charging is supported, with a 30 to 80 percent top-up taking roughly half an hour—close to a 1C charging rate.
The car weighs 1,115 kg and measures 3,725 mm long, 1,700 mm wide, and 1,608 mm tall, with a 2,520 mm wheelbase. The chassis uses a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. Across all Max variants, 15-inch wheels with 165 mm tires are standard, in line with typical mini-EV specifications.
Kaiyi Auto is already present in Nepal, where it currently sells the e-Qute 02, e-Qute 04, and the X3 Pro EV.
