Chine
Skywell
Skywell is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in new-energy vehicles (electric and, later, hybrid), spun out of the Skyworth group, a major consumer-electronics maker founded by entrepreneur Huang Hongsheng (also known as Stephen Wong). Skywell's industrial roots trace back to bus manufacturing: the group took control of Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus (Nanjing Jinlong), a bus maker based in Nanjing, which it redirected toward electric powertrains. It was on this foundation that the Skywell brand was built, accumulating expertise in new-energy vehicles over the course of the 2010s. In 2017, the company announced its expansion into passenger vehicles and created the "Skywell New Energy" subsidiary for that purpose. The brand's first passenger vehicle, the mid-size electric ET5 SUV, was unveiled in China in October 2020 and went on sale in 2021. In April 2021, the passenger-vehicle division was renamed Skyworth Auto, after the parent group, while the ET5 was rebranded as the EV6 in certain markets. Depending on the export market, the same vehicle has been sold under several names: Skywell BE11 in the United Kingdom, Elaris Beo in Germany, and ET5 Imperium in North America. Sales grew on the Chinese market (a few thousand units in 2021, then more than 20,000 units in 2022 and nearly 30,000 in 2023). In North America, distribution was entrusted to Imperium Motors, which announced as early as 2021 its intention to import and, eventually, to assemble the vehicle locally in the United States and Canada. Skywell remains a niche brand: its presence and dealer network in Quebec and Canada are still embryonic compared with established manufacturers, and the actual availability of its models depends on the import projects currently underway.
ActiveÉlectrique / hybrideCamion / utilitaireChinoises
History
History of Skywell
Skywell is a Chinese manufacturer specializing in new-energy vehicles (electric and, later, hybrid), spun out of the Skyworth group, a major consumer-electronics maker founded by entrepreneur Huang Hongsheng (also known as Stephen Wong). Skywell's industrial roots trace back to bus manufacturing: the group took control of Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus (Nanjing Jinlong), a bus maker based in Nanjing, which it redirected toward electric powertrains. It was on this foundation that the Skywell brand was built, accumulating expertise in new-energy vehicles over the course of the 2010s. In 2017, the company announced its expansion into passenger vehicles and created the "Skywell New Energy" subsidiary for that purpose. The brand's first passenger vehicle, the mid-size electric ET5 SUV, was unveiled in China in October 2020 and went on sale in 2021. In April 2021, the passenger-vehicle division was renamed Skyworth Auto, after the parent group, while the ET5 was rebranded as the EV6 in certain markets. Depending on the export market, the same vehicle has been sold under several names: Skywell BE11 in the United Kingdom, Elaris Beo in Germany, and ET5 Imperium in North America. Sales grew on the Chinese market (a few thousand units in 2021, then more than 20,000 units in 2022 and nearly 30,000 in 2023). In North America, distribution was entrusted to Imperium Motors, which announced as early as 2021 its intention to import and, eventually, to assemble the vehicle locally in the United States and Canada. Skywell remains a niche brand: its presence and dealer network in Quebec and Canada are still embryonic compared with established manufacturers, and the actual availability of its models depends on the import projects currently underway.
Public founding or origin of Skywell.
Technologies
Technologies, innovations and platforms
Skywell focuses on battery-electric propulsion, inherited from its experience with new-energy buses. The ET5 SUV (BE11/EV6) uses an electric powertrain of roughly 150 kW (around 204 hp) with instant torque of approximately 320 Nm, powered by lithium-ion batteries of varying capacities (on the order of 68 to 86 kWh depending on the version). Claimed range varies with the certification cycle, generally a few hundred kilometres. The vehicle supports DC fast charging as well as home charging on a wall-mounted unit. The brand emphasizes a well-equipped cabin: a large infotainment screen, connectivity, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Skyworth Auto is also developing plug-in hybrid models (the HT-i lineup) and electric commercial vehicles to broaden its offering. Electric powertrain of roughly 150 kW (around 204 hp) and 320 Nm, lithium-ion batteries on the order of 68 to 86 kWh, DC fast charging, a large infotainment screen, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Battery-electric architecture, a motor of roughly 150 kW, lithium-ion batteries of varying capacities, connectivity and driver aids; parallel development of plug-in hybrids (the HT-i lineup) for the Chinese market. Fully battery-electric propulsion (a motor of roughly 150 kW, lithium-ion batteries of 68 to 86 kWh, DC fast charging) for the main lineup, plus plug-in hybrid powertrains (HT-i) combining a combustion engine and an electric system to extend range.
Brand image
Identity, reputation, strengths and weaknesses
Positioning
A Chinese brand of affordable SUVs and electric vehicles, with a presence that is still marginal in North America and Quebec.
Reputation
Skywell remains little known in North America and Quebec, where it has neither a locally documented reliability track record nor an extensive service network. International road tests describe the ET5/BE11 as a spacious, well-equipped electric SUV at a competitive price, but note driving dynamics and fit-and-finish that fall short of established benchmarks. As with most recent, low-volume Chinese brands, resale value is hard to predict, and parts availability and after-sales service are major points of uncertainty for the North American buyer.
Strengths
Skywell offers an electric SUV with generous dimensions, comprehensive equipment (a large screen, driver aids), and a price positioned below that of several established competitors. The brand draws on its group's industrial experience in electric vehicles and on a lineup spanning passenger cars, plug-in hybrids, and commercial vehicles, which gives it a degree of versatility in emerging markets.
Points to watch
Skywell's presence in North America and Quebec is very limited: its sales and service network is nearly non-existent, parts availability is uncertain, and resale value is hard to predict. Its road manners and fit-and-finish are judged to fall short of the segment's benchmarks. The actual availability of its models depends on import projects that are still fragile, which represents a long-term risk for the buyer.
Models
Skywell models
Current or active models by market
Production and compatibility
Plants, tires and wheels
Production
Skywell's production is concentrated in China, in Nanjing, at the facilities inherited from Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus (Nanjing Jinlong), which handle the brand's buses, commercial vehicles, and electric passenger vehicles alike. In North America, there is no confirmed Skywell assembly plant in operation: the brand is represented by the distributor Imperium Motors, which has imported the vehicle (under the ET5 Imperium name) since 2021 and has floated plans for local assembly to improve its competitiveness. To date, these plans remain unconfirmed, and Skywell's industrial presence in Canada and Quebec is non-existent.
Tires and wheels
Skywell's electric SUV (ET5/BE11) typically rides on 18- or 19-inch wheels. The reference fitments recorded are 235/55 R18 and 235/50 R19, with a wheel about 7.5 inches wide and an offset close to 45 mm. Like any electric SUV, its high mass and instant torque put heavy demands on the tires: choose tires with load and speed ratings that match the vehicle's placard. In Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, a second winter set (often on 18-inch steel or alloy wheels) is strongly recommended. Always verify the exact bolt pattern and centre bore before purchasing wheels.