Thabo Nkosi 
The Chery Tiggo e is a budget-friendly electric crossover designed for families. It balances affordability with practical features, making it a viable choice for daily commutes, errands, and short trips. With a range of up to 99 miles (depending on the model), spacious interiors, and safety-focused technology, it caters to the needs of growing households without the high price tag of many European electric SUVs.
Key Highlights:
- Configurations: Available in 5- and 7-seat options with up to 819 liters (29 cubic feet) of cargo space.
- Range: Electric-only range between 56–99 miles, ideal for school runs and grocery trips.
- Charging: DC fast charging (30–80% in 18–19 minutes) and affordable home charging options.
- Safety: Features include 360° cameras, multiple airbags, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
- Warranty: 7-year/100,000-mile general warranty and 8-year battery warranty.
Interior Features:
- Dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a "Hello Chery" voice assistant.
- Up to 34 storage compartments, child-friendly rear seats, and a spacious trunk (up to 1,100 liters or 39 cubic feet).
- Optional luxuries like massaging seats and an 8-speaker Sony audio system.
Performance:
- Smooth acceleration and handling tailored for family use, though not designed for sporty driving.
- Advanced battery management ensures consistent performance across weather conditions.
The Tiggo e stands out for its practicality, safety, and low running costs, making it a sensible option for families exploring electric vehicles.
Exterior Design and Build
Design for Family Use
The Tiggo e’s exterior design leans heavily on practicality rather than attention-grabbing aesthetics. Features like wide-opening doors make it easier to install child seats and allow young passengers to hop in and out without hassle. For added convenience, higher trims come with a hands-free powered tailgate – a lifesaver when you’re juggling groceries or sports gear. A simple foot gesture is all it takes to access the cargo area.
Daily driving is made smoother with thoughtful features like the 540-degree surround-view camera system, which even includes underfloor views. Whether you’re squeezing into a tight parking spot at the school pickup line or maneuvering in a crowded grocery lot, this system has you covered. Plus, the panoramic sunroof adds an airy, open feel to the cabin, making long drives more enjoyable for everyone, especially those in the back seats.
All these elements come together to create a vehicle that’s designed with families in mind, offering both practicality and comfort.
Size and Styling Details
The Tiggo lineup caters to a range of family needs with its variety of sizes. The compact Tiggo 7 measures about 14.88 feet and offers 19.95 cubic feet of cargo space. On the other hand, the flagship Tiggo 9 stretches to 15.75 feet in length, stands 5.71 feet tall, and provides 28.92 cubic feet of cargo room – unaffected by its hybrid battery. For those needing even more versatility, the mid-size Tiggo 8 offers a flexible cargo setup, expanding from 4.13 cubic feet with all seven seats upright to a roomy 68.16 cubic feet when the rear rows are folded flat.
The design has been described as conservative, with a style that some say mirrors an "Audi-esque" aesthetic. It features modern rear light bars and alloy wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches. However, Matt Saunders, Road Test Editor at Autocar, had a more critical take:
"This car looks as if Chery just copied the old Hyundai Santa Fe".
While the Tiggo’s design might not grab attention on the road, it delivers where it counts for families. The higher ground clearance and crossover utility make it a reliable choice for everything from weekend camping trips to daily errands. With its practical dimensions and ample cargo space, it’s built to meet the demands of family life.
Battery and Range
Battery Details
The Chery Tiggo e is equipped with an NMC battery system, designed to deliver reliable performance for both everyday commutes and longer weekend drives. Depending on the region, the warranty for this battery varies, with some markets offering up to a 10-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty, while others provide an 8-year warranty. This level of support gives families peace of mind, whether they’re handling daily school runs or planning weekend getaways.
Under typical mixed-use conditions, drivers can expect to achieve 85%–90% of the rated range. The vehicle also features an advanced thermal management system, which ensures the battery operates at an optimal temperature, even in extreme weather. This system plays a key role in maintaining the consistent range and performance drivers experience in their day-to-day usage.
Range and Daily Use
Some models in the lineup offer up to 56 miles of zero-emissions range, which is more than enough for common family activities like school drop-offs, grocery shopping, and running other errands.
For longer trips, the Tiggo e supports DC rapid charging, allowing the battery to go from 30% to 80% in just 18–19 minutes. This quick charging capability makes it easy for families to extend their journeys beyond the usual daily routines without worrying about lengthy charging stops.
Interior and Technology
Blending practicality with thoughtful design, the Tiggo e’s interior is tailored for family comfort, offering smart storage solutions and modern tech features.
Space and Storage
Inside, the Tiggo e boasts 34 storage compartments, making it easy to keep family essentials organized. The center console features a spacious storage area, complete with two phone pads – one equipped with wireless charging – and a temperature-controlled compartment under the armrest. There’s even a handy hook near the glovebox for hanging bags.
The trunk offers up to 1,100 liters (around 39 cubic feet) of space, perfect for strollers, sports gear, or luggage for a family getaway. Installing child seats is a breeze, thanks to easily accessible ISOFIX points in the second row, which also ensures passenger comfort without feeling cramped. The long wheelbase further enhances the roomy feel, addressing the common issue of tight interiors in smaller crossovers.
Infotainment System
The Tiggo e comes equipped with dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and the "Hello Chery" voice assistant, making it easy to manage in-car functions.
A 50W wireless charging pad with a built-in cooling fan keeps smartphones from overheating during use. The car also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, delivering up to 3.3kW of power to external devices – ideal for camping trips or outdoor activities. For those opting for higher trims, an 8-speaker Sony audio system ensures an immersive sound experience, perfect for family road trips. These systems integrate seamlessly with the climate controls, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Climate and Comfort
The Tiggo e’s cabin is designed for both comfort and convenience, making it a great choice for daily commutes and extended family journeys. With 78% soft-touch materials, the interior feels premium and inviting. Rear passengers can enjoy independent air outlets, letting them set their own temperature preferences. An air purification system with ionized filtration ensures clean, fresh air throughout the cabin.
For added luxury, higher trims include heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. The forward-sliding center armrest, designed with a wide opening angle, provides easy access to additional storage. These thoughtful details make the Tiggo e an ideal companion for long trips, ensuring every passenger travels in comfort.
Performance and Driving
The Tiggo e finds a sweet spot between the quick response of electric power and the comfort needed for family travel, making it an ideal choice for daily commutes and errands.
Motor and Power Output
Equipped with an electric motor, the Tiggo e provides immediate power delivery and smooth acceleration across different driving scenarios. While it prioritizes efficiency and dependability over high-performance thrills, it delivers consistent and reliable performance for everyday use. This setup also contributes to confident and stable handling.
Acceleration and Handling
The Tiggo e has enough power in reserve for tasks like merging onto highways or passing slower vehicles. Its suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride while maintaining control. Parking and navigating tight spaces are made easier by its precise steering, though it’s not designed to cater to those seeking a sporty driving experience. On rougher roads, you might notice a bit of movement over consecutive bumps, but it remains manageable.
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Safety Features
When it comes to family journeys, the Tiggo e shines with its strong focus on safety. Chery’s dedication to protecting families is evident in the Tiggo e’s impressive safety features. Its platform sibling, the Tiggo 7 CSH, earned a stellar five-star Euro NCAP rating in November 2025, scoring 82% for adult occupant protection and 85% for child occupant protection.
Crash Protection
The Tiggo e boasts a sturdy 60% high-strength steel frame, with reinforced A- and B-pillars forming a protective cage to safeguard passengers during rollovers and side impacts. This is complemented by a comprehensive airbag system, which includes front, side, and curtain airbags, all working together to reduce injury risks.
"The Tiggo 7 CSH’s Euro NCAP rating speaks directly to those priorities [affordability, technology, and safety]. It also brings strong hybrid performance and efficiency to the segment."
- Refiloe Mokoena, Product Manager, Chery South Africa
These structural defenses are enhanced by advanced driver assistance features, adding another layer of protection.
Driver Assistance
The Tiggo e comes equipped with an array of driver assistance technologies designed to prevent accidents. Standard features include automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. A 540-degree surround-view camera system ensures excellent visibility for parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. Higher trims add a driver distraction monitor, which alerts the driver if their focus strays. While some drivers have noted a "jerky" lane-keeping function, the safety tech remains highly effective, as reflected in its 78% safety assist score.
Child Safety
The Tiggo e also prioritizes child safety with thoughtful features tailored for families. Each rear seat includes clearly marked top tether anchorages. The spacious rear bench is designed to fit three child seats side by side, making it a practical choice for larger families. A child lock button on the driver’s door allows both rear doors and windows to be locked with a single press. Additionally, the vehicle includes i-Size–compliant child seat anchors, specifically rated for six- and 10-year-old passengers, and a child presence detection system that alerts the driver if a child might be left in the rear seats.
Charging and Ownership Costs
Charging Options and Times
The Tiggo e provides a range of charging options to suit different lifestyles. Using a home wallbox, you can fully charge the vehicle in about 3 to 5.5 hours. If you’re relying on a standard 3-pin outlet, expect a full charge to take over 8 hours.
For those on the go, public charging networks make longer trips easier. In South Africa, networks like GridCars, Chargify, and Rubicon offer around 400 charging points nationwide, including “Powerways” strategically placed along major routes such as the N1, N2, and N3.
| Charging Method | Time (Full or 30–80%) | Cost per kWh | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Wallbox | 3–5.5 hours (Full) | $0.19 | Overnight charging at home |
| Standard 3‑pin Plug | 8+ hours (Full) | $0.19 | Backup charging |
| Public AC Charger | Varies (Full) | $0.33 | Charging at malls/workplaces |
| Public DC Fast Charger | 20 minutes (30–80%) | $0.41 | Long-distance travel |
The Tiggo e is designed to handle tough conditions, featuring IP68-rated sealing and operating temperatures ranging from –31°F to 140°F.
These charging options play a significant role in shaping the overall cost of ownership, as detailed below.
Ownership Costs
Charging at home offers considerable savings for families transitioning to electric vehicles. With home electricity priced at $0.19 per kWh compared to $0.41 per kWh at public DC fast chargers, charging a 70 kWh battery costs about $13.60 at home, while the same charge at a public DC fast charger would be $28.60.
"Home charging remains far cheaper in all cases. Drivers who do most of their charging at home (overnight) and only use public chargers for occasional long trips will see the greatest cost savings." – Procompare South Africa
In terms of running costs, powering an EV with home electricity in South Africa costs between $0.05 and $0.07 per mile, whereas a petrol car costs around $0.22 per mile. For families relying mainly on home charging, this translates to annual savings of approximately $550 to $830. Households equipped with solar panels can bring their charging costs down even further, potentially to almost zero with daytime charging.
Chery backs the Tiggo e with a 10-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty, easing worries about expensive battery replacements. While the initial setup can be an investment – home wallboxes typically cost $500 to $1,333, with installation fees ranging from $56 to $139 – the long-term savings make it a smart choice for families committed to electric vehicles.
Comparison with Other Family EVs
Chery Tiggo Electric Vehicle Models Comparison Chart
Feature Comparison Table
Chery’s range of electric vehicles offers a variety of options tailored to meet different family needs. While this review focuses on the Tiggo e, it’s worth examining how other Chery models compare in the family EV market. These comparisons help illustrate where each model fits and what they bring to the table.
Take the Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV, for example. It comes equipped with a 34.4 kWh battery – nearly double the capacity of some competitors. This allows it to achieve an impressive electric-only range of 91 miles (160 km), making it one of the top contenders in its category. The vehicle also supports DC rapid charging, letting you charge the battery from 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes – a handy feature for busy families on the go.
In South Africa, the Tiggo 7 CSH is positioned as a more budget-friendly option, starting at R619,900. It features an 18.4 kWh battery that offers a 90 km (56 miles) electric range and can be fully charged using a home wallbox in under three hours.
Here’s a quick comparison of key features across models:
| Feature | Chery Tiggo 7 CSH | Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV | BYD Sealion 6 Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro NCAP Rating | 5 Stars | Not specified | Competitive |
| EV Range | 90 km (56 miles) | 160 km (91 miles) | ~80–100 km (50–62 miles) |
| Safety Tech | ADAS, 60% Steel Frame | ADAS, Driver Monitor | ADAS Suite |
| Child Safety | i-Size (6 & 10 yr) | Rear belt alarms | Standard ISOFIX |
| Starting Price | R619,900 | R989,900 | R639,900 |
The Tiggo 9 PHEV also stands out for its performance, delivering 455 kW and 920 Nm of torque, enabling it to go from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.33 seconds. However, its 2.3-ton weight does result in longer braking distances, which highlights the balance between raw power and safety-focused design.
For families prioritizing safety, the Tiggo 9 offers peace of mind with its sturdy construction. It features a 60% steel frame reinforced at the A- and B-pillars, along with a driver seatbelt interlock system that ensures the vehicle won’t move until the driver’s seatbelt is fastened. These features make it a solid choice for those seeking both performance and safety, even if it sacrifices some agility due to its weight.
Conclusion
The Chery Tiggo lineup proves that making the leap to electric mobility doesn’t have to mean sacrificing practicality or affordability. These electrified crossovers offer the space, safety, and range that families need – all at a price point that undercuts many European competitors. This balance sets the stage for their impressive technical features.
Chery’s Super Hybrid system brings the best of both worlds with its dual-power setup. The electric-only range reaches up to 91 miles (160 km), perfect for daily commutes or errands. For longer trips, the petrol engine extends the total range to an impressive 1,400 km on a full charge and tank of gas. This makes the Tiggo lineup an excellent choice for families who want the efficiency of electric power without the hassle of frequent charging stops on road trips.
The value proposition becomes even clearer when you consider the features. For instance, the Tiggo 9 AWD Vanguard CSH combines luxury-level amenities – like a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 14-speaker Sony sound system, massage seats, and up to 2,065 liters (about 73 cubic feet) of cargo space – all for R989,900. Add in the reassurance of a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty and a 10-year/unlimited km battery warranty, and you’ve got a package built for long-term peace of mind.
While there are minor drawbacks, such as some abrupt driver assistance features and third-row seating better suited for children, the Tiggo lineup delivers where it counts: efficiency, space, safety, and overall value. For families looking to embrace electric mobility without giving up flexibility, Chery’s electrified crossovers offer a smart and practical solution.
FAQs
What makes the Chery Tiggo e a great electric crossover for families?
The Chery Tiggo e is designed with families in mind, offering a roomy and adaptable interior. Whether you’re seating up to seven passengers or folding down the rear seats for extra cargo space, it easily fits into your daily routine. Inside, it’s packed with family-oriented features like multiple USB ports to keep everyone’s devices charged, a large infotainment screen for entertainment, and advanced driver-assistance systems to boost safety and convenience.
Powered by an all-electric drivetrain, the Tiggo e provides a solid driving range, making it great for everything from weekday school drop-offs to weekend getaways – without the hassle of frequent charging. Built to handle challenging road conditions often found in many regions, it pairs durability with affordability, thanks to local assembly in select African countries. Plus, with flexible charging options like home setups and fast-charging stations, the Tiggo e offers a practical, budget-friendly way for families to embrace electric driving.
How do you charge the Chery Tiggo e?
Charging the Chery Tiggo e is straightforward and designed with convenience in mind. The car features a CCS-type charging port, which works with compatible chargers – whether you’re at home or using a public charging station. Once connected, the system takes care of the rest, verifying safety and starting the charging process automatically.
The Tiggo e supports three charging options to suit different needs:
- Level 1 Charging: Plug into a standard 120 V outlet for slow, overnight charging. This is ideal if you have plenty of time to recharge.
- Level 2 Charging: Use a 240 V wall box or public AC charger for faster results, perfect for daily recharging needs.
- Level 3 DC Fast Charging: At a compatible station, this option delivers high power, letting you regain a substantial range in about 30 minutes.
Everything is managed by the car’s system, so you just need to keep an eye on the charge level using the dashboard or the app. Charging automatically stops once the battery reaches the set level, ensuring safety and ease every time.
What child safety features does the Chery Tiggo e offer for families?
Currently, there’s no detailed information available regarding the child safety features of the Chery Tiggo e. However, its sibling model, the Chery Tiggo 7 plug-in hybrid, includes i-Size-compliant child-seat anchors, suitable for children between six and ten years old. Additionally, it boasts advanced safety systems like automatic emergency braking, which contribute to a safer driving experience.
Although these features haven’t been confirmed for the Tiggo e, they hint at the brand’s commitment to safety and family-friendly design. For precise information, it’s best to reach out to the manufacturer or a local dealership.
