Aerodynamics and not too ugly. An achievement?

Xpeng claims that the new Mona M03 is the most aerodynamically efficient mass-produced electric sedan.

Xpeng announced that its new Mona M03 would be the purely electric sedan produced in series with the lowest drag resistance, featuring an aerodynamic Cx of 0.194. A formidable selling point displayed on all promotional posters in China. But how did the Chinese manufacturer achieve such a result with a sedan that has no unsightly appendages and is relatively sleek and attractive?

Xpeng asserts that the design of the Mona M03, which guided its shapes, was solely focused on increasing range, with no pursuit of aesthetics. Aerodynamics is indeed one of the best ways to achieve extra miles without having to install a larger battery, which leads to a negative spiral as weight is one of the worst enemies of range. The virtuous mobility snake that bites its own tail. To summarize, when weight cannot be reduced, as is the case with current electric vehicles, the car must be made more aerodynamic to reduce drag and decrease energy needs for movement.

The biggest contributor to this achievement by Xpeng is an active air intake grille system nearly 1 meter long that alone could add over 15 km of range. Low-drag wheels and a streamlined ducktail front complete the features. Active aerodynamics is set to play a major role in the coming years. For a car to hold the road well in corners, it needs downforce. But in a straight line, this downforce generates harmful drag. With movable elements controlled by artificial intelligence, as is the case with our M03, the aerodynamic profile of the car can be adapted on demand to conditions.

The dimensions of the M03 also play a role, with a length of 4,780 mm, a width of 1,896 mm, and a height of 1,445 mm. According to the manufacturer, the length-to-height ratio of 3.31 is close to perfection. A kind of golden ratio on four wheels.

Marketed at around $20,000 in China with 140 kW and an LFP battery supplied by BYD, it could have a European career.

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