ROBOCAR 01: APPLE & GOOGLE GAVE UP, BUT BAIDU DIDN'T

EV Channels Review

The Jiyue Robocar 01, a collaboration between Geely and Baidu, enters the competitive Chinese EV market with ambitious features, particularly its Baidu Apollo-based autonomous driving system, positioned as a competitor to Tesla's FSD Beta. While the vehicle boasts impressive technology, including a vast 35.6-inch screen powered by a Snapdragon 8295 chip and a capable voice assistant, its overall execution falls short of the initial hype. The reviewer notes that the design, while not unattractive, lacks excitement, and the interior materials, even with the upgraded package, feel dated compared to rivals in the same price bracket. Practical concerns include the steeply raked rear window impacting boot space and the controversial yoke steering wheel, which hinders maneuverability and driver comfort. Despite these drawbacks, the Robocar 01 offers a comfortable ride, good rear-seat space, and a promising ADAS system that is rapidly evolving. The reviewer suggests that while the joint venture shows potential, the Robocar 01 itself feels like it missed its moment due to a slow market entry.