Xiaomi-backed JMEV 01 launched in China as EV roadster with 429 Cv and 1.365 kg

China Car Custom, a Chinese startup backed by smartphone giant Xiaomi, has officially rolled out its first model: a small two-doors sports car with dual electric motors and combined power of 320 kW (429 Cv). It has a curb weight of 1,365 kg and can speed up to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. The JMEV 01 became available for purchase in China in a single trim level. Its price tag reaches 229,800 yuan ($31,535). 

A Chinese startup backed by smartphone giant Xiaomi has officially rolled out its first model: the JMEV 01 electric roadster, previously known as SSC SC-01 and unveiled in September 2022. Car tuning startup China Car Custom (工匠派 in Chinese) announced the official launch with a starting price of 229,800 yuan ($31,535). The SC-01 roadster was first revealed in 2022 as a light EV created by a car tuning startup, Tianjin Gongjiangpai Auto Technology (TGAT). The founder of this company, Feng Xiaotong, runs a YouTube channel called China Car Custom. China Car Custom was founded in 2014 by sports car enthusiast Feng, and has modified models including the Chery Little Ant, Porsche 911, and Mitsubishi 3000GT. Interestingly, this company is affiliated with Xiaomi as the IT giant invested tens of millions of yuan in it. Moreover, Liu Dezheng, Xiaomi co-founder, serves as one of the directors of this company. The SC-01 was initially set to start deliveries in Q4 2023. However, this model failed to meet the timeline. 

The company’s founder apologized to people who were closely following the SC-01 path. According to him, it turned out to be difficult to obtain a sales license from the Chinese regulator. This is why TGAT cooperated with Jiangling Motors Electric Vehicle (JMEV). In January 2025, the SC-01 roadster applied for a sales license as the JMEV 01. Its assembly kicked off in JMEV’s Nanchang plant. The model's launch is one of the most low-profile in China's auto industry, with no grand launch event or buzzing social media marketing, just a few simple Weibo posts from its founder Feng Xiaotong. "No launch event, no PPT, I may prefer to do this briefing in the way we are more accustomed to in the past few years, and I hope I can get your support," Feng said. There is an SC01 on display at Hall 2.2 at the ongoing 2025 Shanghai auto show, according to Feng, without mentioning a specific booth. In addition to the low-profile launch, the electric sports car's name is also very low-profile, being referred to only as the “Small Sports Car SC01” without an official brand. 

The SC01 is 4,106 millimeters long, 1,830 millimeters wide, 1,170 millimeters high and has a wheelbase of 2,503 millimeters. The small roadster has 245/40 ZR18 tires. Each rim is made of aluminum and magnesium and weighs 5.9 kg. Its front and rear axles have double wishbone suspension. The major highlight of the JMEV 01 is the tube frame. It helped to reduce the car’s curb weight to just 1,365 kg. The JMEV 01 adopts adjustable racing-grade dampers, aluminum steering knuckles, and 360 mm brake discs. The front brake calipers of the electric roadster have six pistons, and the rear brakes have four pistons. Another highlight of the car is a low center of gravity at 380 mm. The JMEV 01 adopts two synchronous permanent magnet TZ200XSWMA motors on both front and rear axles. Each e-motor has a peak power output of 160 kW (214 Cv). The combined power output of the system is 320 kW (429 Cv). The JMEV 01 has a ternary NMC battery pack with a capacity of 60 kWh that sits behind the seats. This pack is manufactured by CALB. The new roadster can run up to 500 km of range on a full charge under CLTC conditions. Its battery could be charged from 30% to 80% in 36 minutes. The JMEV 01 can speed up to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds. The car’s top speed is 200 km/h. 

The JMEV 01’s interior is quite basic. It doesn’t have large screens, which are trendy in China. This roadster has two sporty carbon fiber seats with integrated headrests and pronounced side support. A D-shaped three-spoke steering wheel sits in front of the driver. The JMEV 01 offers an LCD instrument panel. The center console adopts physical AC controls. More buttons sit in the ceiling of the car, including the volume shift knob. 

The JMEV 01 has a button gear shifter located between the front seats. The JMEV 01 became available for purchase in China in a single trim level. Its price tag reaches 229,800 yuan ($31,535). This vehicle has no direct rival in the domestic market. Its closest competitor is the larger MG Cyberster, which starts at 319,800 yuan ($43,885) in China.