- The Skywell Q is 169.1 inches long, or the same length as a Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
- Skywell plans to put the Q hatchback on sale in European markets starting next fall.
- Skywell, or Skyworth, is a well-known maker of affordable smart TVs.
This year’s Paris Auto Show certainly had a lot of interesting dynamics. For a short while immediately post-COVID, European automakers had followed suit with American ones, and decided to abandon the Auto Show model. Now, they’ve quickly realized that wasn’t a great idea, so European automakers are back out in full force, showing off new designs in an attempt to stave off the existential threat that Chinese manufacturers pose to the entire European car industry. But Chinese automakers also brought their A-game to Paris, including new brands you’ve probably never heard of.
Like Skywell. Or, maybe it’s called Skyworth; it’s a confusing name; the car is often reported on under the name “Skywell”, but the rear of the car and the brand’s website says “Skyworth.” Either way, the unknown brand showed off a production-looking concept EV hatchback called the Q, with plans to enter Europe in the fall of 2025.
Now, I know above I said that you’ve probably never heard of Skywell (or Skyworth) before, but you actually probably have. If you’ve been shopping for a cheap smart TV within the past five years, chances are you’ve stumbled on a Skyworth-branded TV either in person at stores like Staples or Walmart or online at Amazon. Yes, the same people who made the TV have decided to do up a car. The Skyworth Auto EV brand is the result of a partnership between Chinese tech company Skyworth and Chinese bus manufacturing company Skywell.
Also, this technically isn’t the first car they’ve made, either. Before the thought of a Chinese tariff was in the minds of the United States or Canada, a very small startup had the idea to rebadge and federalize the Skyworth EV6 (Skywell ET5) as the Imperium SEV. It seems like Imperium’s U.S. plans quickly evaporated, but the SEV’s plans for North American sales pressed onward in Canada. Some Canadian auto journalists even got a chance to spend a little time with the SEV, and even Sandy Munro did an overview of one on his channel.
However, it’s not clear if the cars ever entered sale officially in Canada. The company Imperium became Liteborne, and it looks like the whole shebang died not long after the name change. There was never an announcement, but Liteborne’s website is down and all of the posts on its Facebook page are full of Francophone Canadians asking for their $800 CAD deposit back.
Having said all of that, the car the brand showed off in Paris looks fine enough. In a world of oversized crossovers, the Skywell Q’s decidedly hatchback shape and low hood feel refreshing. The digital-camo-esque detailing on the Q’s lower side skirts and rear splitter are subtly sporty. Likewise, the interior’s light grey and aquamarine color scheme are pleasant even if the design is kind of par-for-course in any modern EV. The brand says the car’s audio system will come from the German company Metz. Power comes from a 201-horsepower motor powering the front wheels. Battery size isn’t specified, but Skywell says it’ll go 300 miles on a full charge in some form.
The Skywell Q is an attractive car, but how real is this, anyway?
Skywell/Skyworth EV6
Even in China, Skyworth/Skywell doesn’t have a great reputation. According to CarNewsChina, back in 2023, its lone vehicle the EV6 (not to be confused with the Kia) only moved 18,000 units against goals of 40,000. That EV6 isn’t all that great of a car, either, it only got one star in China’s C-NCAP crash test.
Skyworth’s founder Huang Hongsheng also came under fire for saying that buying one of his EVs could cure high blood pressure and diabetes and help you live to be 100. The article also says that he spent three years in jail in 2006 for embezzling money from Skyworth’s companies.
Perhaps this brand has turned a corner, though. The Skywell Q looks pretty well finished for what it is, at least in pictures. Keep in mind that BYD originally started out by making cell phone batteries, while Geely originally made refrigerators. Now, Geely owns Volvo and BYD is one of the biggest vehicle manufacturers in the world.
Maybe Skywell could be in that number, too.
Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com
Consumer electronics giant LG has recently announced a surprising new venture – the company has revealed their intention to enter the automotive industry. Known for their affordable and high-quality televisions, LG’s decision to branch out into the automotive sector has left many industry analysts and consumers alike curious about the potential implications of this move.
LG has been a major player in the home entertainment market for decades, and their televisions have gained a reputation for their reliability, crisp display quality, and affordability. With the automotive sector currently undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology, LG’s decision to shift their focus to cars is a bold and perhaps unexpected move.
The company has revealed that they intend to manufacture electric vehicles, utilizing the same cutting-edge technology and expertise that has made their televisions so popular. By leveraging their existing resources and knowledge in the consumer electronics space, LG aims to carve out a niche for themselves in the increasingly competitive automotive market.
While LG’s move into the automotive industry may seem unconventional, it is not without precedent. Other technology companies such as Apple and Google have also expressed interest in entering the automotive sector, signaling a growing convergence of the technology and automotive industries. LG’s decision to expand their product line to include cars demonstrates their willingness to adapt and innovate in response to changing consumer preferences and market trends.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and technological advancements, LG’s foray into electric vehicles could potentially disrupt the traditional automotive landscape. By offering affordable and technologically advanced electric vehicles, LG has the potential to attract a new segment of environmentally conscious consumers who are looking for a reliable and affordable transportation option.
While it remains to be seen how successful LG will be in the automotive market, their reputation for quality and innovation in the consumer electronics industry bodes well for their prospects. With their entry into the automotive sector, LG aims to redefine the traditional boundaries of consumer electronics and transportation, offering consumers a new and exciting option for both their home entertainment and transportation needs.