Chery New Energy QQ Ice Cream

The QQ Ice Cream is an all-electric microcar introduced by Chery New Energy in late 2021. Featuring a boxy and cute silhouette, it is primarily targeted at the RM30,000 to RM50,000 urban short-range runabout segment. The 2026 model was launched in January 2026, introducing the Queen Edition and Racing Edition variants, whilst upgrading the electric range to 220km and making DC fast charging standard across the board.

Model Overview

Positioned as an A00-segment 3-door, 4-seater hatchback under Chery New Energy, its main selling points include a 220km range, a 30kW rear-mounted electric motor, 22kW DC fast charging, and factory customisation themes. The 2026 line-up comprises four variants priced between RM43,900 and RM49,900, with a limited-time promotional purchase price from RM40,900, dropping to as low as RM34,000 after subsidies. Key competitors include the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, Geely Panda, and Bestune Pony.

Design Language

In terms of dimensions, it measures 3,030–3,102 mm in length, 1,496 mm in width, and 1,637–1,655 mm in height, with a 1,960 mm wheelbase. The 2026 line-up is offered in four styling flavours: the entry-level Sweet Fun Edition, the British Edition with retro chrome accents, the Queen Edition featuring wood-grain cabin trim and a tailgate-mounted exterior storage box, and the sporty Racing Edition sporting a two-tone black-and-red theme with an aero bodykit (front splitter and roof spoiler). The cabin comes fitted with a 5- or 7-inch digital instrument cluster, with higher-spec trims offering an optional 9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Powertrain and Range

The entire range is driven by a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, upgraded for the 2026 model year to produce 30kW (41 PS) and 90Nm of torque, with a top speed of 100km/h. Energy is supplied by a 17.28kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a CLTC range of 220km. It supports 22kW DC fast charging, getting from 30% to 80% in just 0.55 hours (approx. 33 minutes), whilst a slow AC charge takes 5 hours. The 2025 base model remains on sale as a 20kW / 155km variant (RM36,900, without DC fast charging).

Chassis and Equipment

Underneath, it features front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear three-link non-independent setup. Standard equipment includes Hill Start Assist, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. On the safety front, however, it offers only a single driver airbag, omitting a front passenger airbag entirely, with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) completely absent across the range.

Market Performance

Sales of the QQ Ice Cream have declined for three consecutive years, sliding from 97,800 units in 2022 to just 29,800 units in 2025 (averaging under 2,500 units per month), with only 941 units registered in December alone. The slump is primarily due to the A00 segment being heavily cannibalised by 5-door compact EVs (such as the BYD Seagull, which shifted 450,000 units annually), more value-driven direct rivals like the Wuling Hongguang MINIEV (436,000 units) and Bestune Pony (over 100,000 units), and an entry price of RM43,900 that sits higher than the Bestune Pony (RM36,900 / 222km).

Summary

The QQ Ice Cream offers decent product appeal on paper (220km range + fast charging + personalised styling), but its RM43,900 starting price is roughly RM7,000 dearer than direct rivals. The omission of a front passenger airbag remains a critical drawback, and plunging sales have seen it increasingly sidelined within Chery’s portfolio. It is strictly recommended only for buyers on an exceptionally tight budget who are unconcerned with safety kit and place high value on quirky looks; otherwise, alternatives such as the similarly priced Wuling Hongguang MINIEV, or topping up for a BYD Seagull or Wuling Bingo, make for far more sensible choices.