By Timothy Albrite
When MOJA EV Africa announced the arrival of the Skyworth Electric SUV into the Kenyan market, the same two questions popped into everyone’s minds. The few who didn’t know the brand wondered, “What is Skyworth?” while the majority who had heard about the Skyworth brand wondered why an electronic appliances company was making Electric cars.
It’s easy to assume that only the known and traditional car manufacturers can produce vehicles, but the rise of EVs has shattered that notion. New players like Skyworth are stepping into the automotive space, bringing fresh ideas and innovations into the industry.
With the entry of Skyworth Electric SUV into the market, everyone is curious to know about how it drives, the range, how the interior is, charging, maintenance etc.
And Moja EV Africa were gracious enough to hand over to us the Skyworth Electric SUV to test it and bring all this information to you. A date was set for the road trip.
We set out from Nairobi’s Sameer Business Park, home to Moja EV, with one goal: to test the limits of the Skyworth EV on a road trip to Namanga, a roundtrip of 320+ kms and to find answers to all the questions about EVs. The car was fully charged, pre-trip checks done and we were ready to hit the road.
Here’s an in depth review of what to expect from the Skyworth Electric SUV
A Comfortable, Spacious Interior
On the inside, the Skyworth makes a strong impression. From the moment you step inside you feel that the cabin is large, really spacious. The cabin feels expansive, with enough room to comfortably seat five adults for long trips without anyone feeling cramped. And when it comes to charging, there are ports for everyone’s devices, so no one is left without power.
Backseat passengers are treated to an impressive amount of legroom thanks to the car’s 2,800mm wheelbase, with a flat floor adding to the comfort. Whether you’re 1.75m tall or more, you’ll have no problem relaxing and stretching out.
The interior is thoughtfully designed. A 12.8-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch instrument panel present information with crisp, clear graphics, making everything from navigation to music controls a breeze. The touchscreen resists smudges better than most, a small but appreciated detail.
Sleek Exterior
Out on the road, the Skyworth EV is hard to miss. Its sleek, modern design is punctuated by sharp LED lights and a shape that gives off a distinct, futuristic vibe. Everywhere we stopped, it attracted attention. People gathered around, eager to learn more, with the most common question being, “Can you really charge it at home?”
We drove into a petrol station and people quickly gathered around to see this car without an engine and a fuel tank. Myriads of questions were asked showing how much curiosity there is around Electric Vehicles.
The curiosity surrounding electric vehicles in Kenya is growing. As we cruised through small towns, there was a lot of engagements and questions about the electric vehicle.
Luggage Space
If you’re wondering about luggage capacity, the Skyworth doesn’t disappoint. It offers 467 liters of space with the rear seats up, and an impressive 1,167 liters when those seats are folded down. In simple terms, it is very spacious.
Driving Impressions: Silence and Speed
The first thing you’ll notice as you press the accelerator is the silence. The Skyworth EV is eerily quiet. So quiet, in fact, that you almost forget you’re behind the wheel of a car.
There’s no engine hum, no vibrations, just the sound of the tires on the road. Yet despite its quiet nature, this SUV has a surprising amount of power waiting to be unleashed.
The second thing that stands out is the instant torque. With electric motors, there’s no lag. When you press the pedal, you’re off, fast. No waiting for an engine to rev up.
At one point, I passed a bump on the road and glanced into the rearview mirror. The car behind me seemed to be crawling, even though we were traveling at the same speed. That’s the beauty of the Skyworth EV’s effortless acceleration.
Steering and Handling
Driving the Skyworth is a unique experience that requires a bit of adjustment, especially if you’re used to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The steering is ultra-responsive. Small movements of the wheel result in noticeable direction changes, particularly when you’re driving in sport mode. This takes a bit of getting used to, and oversteering can happen if you’re not paying close attention.
On the flip side, the comfort mode provides a much smoother and more relaxed driving experience, with less sensitivity in the steering and braking. This makes it easier to navigate, and it’s a great option for those who prefer a more laid-back drive.
Braking:
The braking system in the Skyworth is sharp. In sport mode, the brakes are especially responsive, which may take some time to adjust to. However, in comfort mode, braking feels much smoother and more familiar, making it a good choice for relaxed driving.
Regenerative Braking
As with most electric vehicles, regenerative braking is a feature you’ll quickly get used to in the Skyworth. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car starts to slow down on its own, converting some of the energy into battery power. It’s a subtle, almost imperceptible deceleration, but it helps extend the vehicle’s range and is an integral part of the EV experience.
The Verdict
After a full day of driving along the Nairobi-Namanga highway, the Skyworth EV left a lasting impression. From the moment we left Sameer Business Park to our return, it offered a smooth, fast, and efficient driving experience. With impressive acceleration, an impressive range, and a spacious, comfortable cabin, this SUV is well-suited for both city commutes and longer journeys.
While the ultra-responsive steering and sharp braking may take some getting used to, these features don’t detract from the overall experience. In fact, they add a layer of excitement that makes driving the Skyworth an entirely new adventure.
If you’re thinking about making the leap to an electric vehicle, the Skyworth is ready to take you further into the future of driving whether you’re new to EVs or already a fan. It’s a bold step toward the future, and it’s only just the beginning.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes the Skyworth EV:
Exterior Features:
- Automatic heating and folding of exterior rear-view mirrors
- Inductive front boneless wiper and rear wiper
- Electric rear tailgate with inductive operation
- Stylish body metal paint with front hatch guard
- Silvery decoration at the front and bottom, along with a roof luggage rack
- Remote control central locking with intelligent entry and keyless start
- Battery pre-heating and constant temperature battery management system
- Leather steering wheel for a touch of elegance
Interior Features:
- Comfortable and spacious seating with a leather steering wheel
- Front automatic air conditioner with rear air conditioning outlet
- Roof LED reading lamp for the front row
- Air outlet in the armrest box and front compartment trim cover
- LED storage space lighting and multi-layer sound-absorbing carpet
- Driver’s seat with electric adjustment and front passenger’s seat with manual adjustment
Entertainment and Charging Systems:
- 12.8-inch LCD touchscreen central control colour LCD screen
- 12.3-inch LCD instrument dashboard and onboard computer
- Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, and multiple USB ports
- In-vehicle 220V and 12V power supply, along with onboard charging gun and fast/slow charging ports
Safety and Driving Assistance:
- Anti-dazzle of interior rearview mirror and intelligent front and rear wipers
- Tire pressure monitoring, rear seat ISOFIX, and pre-tightening of front seat belt restraint belt
- Height-adjustable front seat belt with a safety belt unfastened reminder
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), AUTO HOLD, and Hill Descent Control (HDC)
- Rear parking radar, 360° panoramic image, and HD reversing image with dynamic guidance
- Headlight LED, LED daytime driving lights, and automatic headlight with electric adjustment of headlight height
Power and Performance:
- Pure electricity power type with a 16 Globe cage thermoforming reinforced structure
- Intelligent battery temperature control system and energy recovery greater than 30%
- Charger power of 11kW for efficient charging. The Skyworth supports both fast and slow charging.
