Cenntro ventures into car market with new Avantier Commuter EV

Best known for its electric workhorses like the Metro and Logistar series, Cenntro is now targeting the daily urban grind. The company has introduced the Avantier Commuter, a five-door, four-seat electric vehicle designed for navigating tight European city streets and simplifying neighborhood travel. With this launch, Cenntro is making a clear play for a slice of the growing personal mobility pie in the European Union.

The Avantier Commuter arrives with an EU M1 type approval, which classifies it as a standard passenger car, allowing it to be sold across the European Union and in other countries that follow EU vehicle standards. This is a significant step for Cenntro, placing the Commuter in the same legal category as familiar cars, unlike its two siblings in the Avantier series. The Avantier C and Avantier EX models fall under the L7e classification, a category for heavy quadricycles, which often comes with more restrictions.

Underneath its compact exterior, the Avantier Commuter packs a 50 kW electric motor, equivalent to about 67 horsepower, which provides a maximum torque of 92 lb-ft. That might not sound like a lot, but in a vehicle with a curb weight of just 2,271 lb, it's enough to deliver a top speed of 62 mph. Cenntro says the car is primarily designed for urban landscapes, where high speed is less important than agility and efficiency.

The Commuter measures 146.5 inches long, 64.6 inches wide, and 59.3 inches tall, making it slightly longer than a Fiat 500e. The car's main draw is its impressive range. Cenntro claims the 31.15 kWh Lithium NCM battery can deliver up to 199 miles on a single charge under the WLTP combined cycle. When it's time to plug in, the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in about 40 minutes using a CCS2 DC fast charger. A full charge on a standard 3.3 kW AC home unit takes around nine hours.

Inside, Cenntro has equipped the Avantier Commuter with modern essentials. A 10.1-inch central touchscreen manages climate controls, infotainment, and vehicle settings. Standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, and a knob-style gear selector.

For safety and convenience, the car includes rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and hill assist. The vehicle's interior is designed to be spacious despite its small footprint, offering good legroom and a high seating position for better visibility.

Cenntro has already begun sales in Europe, reporting delivery of 66 units since its soft launch earlier this year. The company is targeting young, urban consumers who value efficiency and practicality. Pricing appears to vary by market, with some listings showing prices around $17,500 after incentives.

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