iCaur, the new-energy brand from Chery, before the official launch in 2026, chalked out insights about the engineering, testing and manufacturing processes behind its 03T compact SUV.

The 03T will touch down in Mzansi later this year and requires a rigorous quality and durability testing program. This program is designed to mimic a variety of tough conditions, from extreme cold and heat to humidity, dust and rough terrain. According to iCaur, these tests assess everything from corrosion resistance and power system performance to sealing integrity, body rigidity and the long-term stability of materials.

What makes aluminium the pick?

The 03T’s design focuses on a robust aluminium body structure, crafted using a mix of MIG arc welding, self-piercing riveting (SPR), flow-drill screw (FDS) fastening and laser deep fusion welding. This structure is made from six-series aviation-grade aluminium, chosen for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to corrosion.

SPR technology is being used by all 237 critical structural connection points, which is a non-thermal joining method. This is because it enables aluminium and high-strength steel components to bond without any heat distortion. According to a Chinese carmaker, this approach improves long-term durability and corrosion resistance when compared to traditional spot welding.

With the support of the FDS fastening in crucial areas of the body, precision assembly has been achieved, like the roof structure, maintaining assembly tolerances as tight as 0.2mm. In order to bond the aluminium profiles with sheet metal components, the firm has made use of laser deep fusion welding at several automated stations. The inclusion of this technique is often found in the manufacturing of high-end vehicles.

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Production of the iCaur 03T

The production process of the iCaur 03T has taken place at Chery’s South Smart Factory, which is one of the few places in China that can fully manufacture aluminium bodies. This facility runs on automated processes and uses AI-driven visual inspection systems to check 105 welding points and another 436 dimensional measurement points on each vehicle body.

The factory includes a low-energy manufacturing method and the firm claims that the aluminium body design eliminates the need for a traditional paint shop, cutting energy use by an impressive 82.9 per cent compared to older facilities. Additionally, a photovoltaic power system enables operations during the day to be powered by renewable energy.

Size available in the market

The iCaur 03T, deemed to be at the same size as the Toyota Corolla Cross, is an innovative range-extender electric vehicle. It combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, one on each axle and is powered by a 34.3kWh battery pack.

Like its counterpart, the V27, the internal combustion engine is designed solely to act as a generator to recharge the battery, boasting an impressive claimed driving range of over 1 thousand kilometers.

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Firm’s other two models to debut in South Africa

The T03

The car will be launched in South Africa this year, where the firm will be showcasing the impressive engineering, testing and manufacturing efforts behind Chery’s new-energy sub-brand. Built at Chery’s South Smart Factory, the T03 goes through a rigorous series of quality tests, including evaluations in extreme cold and heat, humidity, dust and rough terrains. These tests are designed to assess everything from corrosion resistance and powertrain performance to sealing integrity, body strength and the long-term stability of materials.

The T03 uses an all-aluminium body that stretches 4,406 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width and stands 1,715 mm tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2,715 mm. It has a ground clearance of 195 mm when unladen and according to the firm, it can handle a water-wading depth of 450 mm, along with approach and departure angles of 28 and 32 degrees, respectively.

Under the hood, the T03 features a dual electric-motor powertrain that churns out 205 kW and 385 N.m of torque, allowing it to travel from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The brand claims that its 69.8 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery provides an impressive operating range of 418 km on a full charge.

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The V23 electric ​sports car

The firm will introduce its iCAUR V23 electric SUV brand in South Africa this coming May, marking a significant step for China’s largest car exporter. This is because it aims to boost sales in new markets by launching a dedicated electric vehicle brand in South Africa. Additionally, with the launch, the firm is continuing its global expansion efforts, especially as Chinese automakers seek to make their mark in emerging EV markets.

The timing is crucial, as competition heats up in Africa’s most developed automotive sector, where electric vehicle adoption is still in its infancy. However, with supportive government policies and a growing interest from consumers, the landscape is starting to shift, paving the way for new players. 

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