A surprise contender is reportedly gearing up to hit European shores, and it's a name you might not have heard of yet! China's SC01 electric sports car, a model that's been flying under the radar even in its home country, is apparently set to make a splash across the Atlantic.
But here's where it gets interesting: this isn't just any car; it's a limited-edition offering. Only 1,000 units are slated for production, exclusively for select European markets. And this is the part most people miss: the European version is slated to be produced in Italy, though the exact assembly plant is still a bit of a mystery.
Developed by China Car Custom (with its operating entity being Tianjin Gongjiangpai Auto Technology), the SC01 is a sleek, two-door electric vehicle. While it's built in China by Jiangxi Jiangling Group New Energy Vehicle (JMEV), its European debut is shaping up to be a truly international affair.
This electric coupe-roadster is reportedly undergoing certification for the European market, with a target launch this year. Imagine this: it boasts an impressive acceleration from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a mere 2.9 seconds! For those new to the specs, that's a seriously quick burst of speed, putting it in the realm of high-performance vehicles.
What's particularly intriguing is the potential pricing. While not yet announced for Europe, if it mirrors the Chinese model's cost, it could be an absolute game-changer. The SC01 launched in China on April 26, 2025, with a starting price of RMB 229,800, which translates to roughly $33,000. This is quite a competitive price point for a sports car, especially an electric one.
Interestingly, the SC01's launch in China was remarkably low-key. There was no grand fanfare, no massive marketing blitz – just a few quiet posts from its founder, Feng Xiaotong, on Weibo. To this day, the car doesn't even have an official brand name, simply known as the SC01.
Let's talk about the car itself. It's compact, measuring 4,106 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and a mere 1,170 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,503 mm. It’s also incredibly light, tipping the scales at just 1,365 kg, making it one of the lightest EVs on the Chinese market. This lightweight design contributes to its agility and performance, allowing for a top speed of 200 km/h.
Under the hood (or rather, under the body!), the SC01 is powered by dual motors delivering a combined peak output of 320 kW. This is what enables that exhilarating 2.9-second acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h. For power, it relies on ternary lithium batteries from CALB, offering a 60 kWh capacity and a CLTC range of 520 kilometers. This range should be more than sufficient for most daily driving and even some longer trips.
Behind China Car Custom is Feng Xiaotong, a sports car enthusiast who founded the company in 2014. Before the SC01, the company was known for modifying other vehicles, including the Chery Little Ant, Porsche 911, and Mitsubishi 3000GT. This background in customization likely informs the SC01's sporty design.
And here's a fascinating detail: the company receives backing from Xiaomi, the tech giant. Liu De, a co-founder and senior vice president at Xiaomi, is listed as a director in China Car Custom's registration records. Reports from September 2022 indicated that Xiaomi invested tens of millions of RMB into this startup.
Now, considering the SC01's understated launch in China and its relatively unknown status, its move into Europe is quite a bold statement. Do you think a limited-edition, potentially more affordable electric sports car from a lesser-known Chinese brand can find its footing in the competitive European market? Or is this a niche product destined to remain a curiosity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
