Elaris starts sales of Beo and Pio

The Beo and Pio models are to be sold immediately through 74 German Euromaster locations and “a growing network of Elaris partners” as well as via online direct orders. Additionally, “Elaris wall boxes and services” will be available, with the former optionally delivered directly to company or private addresses. Besides Euromaster, Elaris collaborates with Deutsche Auto Dienst for registration services, BLG Logistics for transportation and delivery, and Real Garant for warranties. Partners for leasing and financing offers are also to be included.

Three Models - Three Suppliers

The portfolio currently includes the e-SUV Beo and the two-seater e-small car Pio, along with the compact electric vehicle Finn. All are built and delivered by different manufacturers: the Beo is supplied by Skywell, the Pio by Zhidou, and the Finn by Dorcen.

Social & Mobile Support Makes the Pio a Price Breaker

The prices are also set: the Beo costs €49,900, the Finn €22,900, and the Pio €18,410. After subsidies, the prices drop to €41,925, €13,330, and €8,840 – while the Finn was not listed as BAFA-eligible in November 2021. The short Pio is explicitly intended for mobile care, which could lower the price by another €4,000 through the federal “Social & Mobile” subsidy to €4,840 – making it an unbeatable offer. For that, you get a 2.81-meter long, 1.54-meter wide, and 1.55-meter high two-seater with 36 kW power. With a 27 kWh battery capacity, it is supposed to reach up to 225 kilometers according to WLTP – in the city, this could be feasible – but in rural areas, around 150 kilometers are more realistic.

The e-SUV Beo measures 4.69x1.9x1.69 meters and is at the very top end of mid-size SUVs. With 150 kW of power and a 72 kWh battery, it is comparable to the VW ID.4 and similar models, aiming for a range of 460 kilometers according to WLTP. Via DC, it can be charged with up to 80 kW, enabling the batteries to be charged from 20 to 80 percent within 30 minutes.

By the end of 2022, Elaris aims to sell over 10,000 vehicles. Additionally, the new business unit "Charging Infrastructure Customer Projects" is expected to generate more than five million euros in revenue in 2022. Through development partnerships with Skywell and Dorcen, they also plan to have a stronger influence on the joint development of new models in the future.

What does this mean?

The Pio, in particular, could attract customers – due to its short length at an unbeatable low price. Elaris is likely also targeting Smart customers here, as they find the Smart to have insufficient range at too high a cost. On the other hand, the Beo may have a harder time, as it enters the market more as a "me-too" electric SUV at prices that are not particularly competitive for what it offers. For the Chinese brands, Elaris represents a small gateway to export – it will be interesting to see how wide it will open.