The Evolution of the Modern IN: Modern Auto’s First Electric Vehicle
The Modern IN is a battery-electric compact hatchback and crossover-styled vehicle produced by Modern Auto, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer established in 2019. Although the company is an independent startup, its vehicles are manufactured by Beijing Automobile Works (BAW), giving the young brand access to established automotive production expertise. Introduced for the 2021 model year, the Modern IN became the company’s first production vehicle and marked Modern Auto’s entry into China’s rapidly growing electric vehicle market. While its production history is relatively short compared to long-established automakers, the Modern IN represents an ambitious effort to combine modern styling, competitive driving range, and advanced technology at an affordable price.
Origins of Modern Auto
Modern Auto was founded in Shanghai with the goal of developing intelligent electric vehicles for the Chinese market. The company initially introduced its first prototype, known as the Modern A, during 2020. The concept attracted attention for its clean exterior styling, spacious cabin, and practical hatchback design.
Rather than constructing its own manufacturing facilities, Modern Auto partnered with Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) for vehicle production. Founded in 1953, BAW is one of China’s oldest automobile manufacturers and has decades of experience producing passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and military vehicles. This partnership allowed Modern Auto to focus on vehicle design, software development, and customer experience while utilizing BAW’s manufacturing capabilities.
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2021: Production Begins
Production of the Modern IN officially began in 2021 following its public debut and pre-sale announcements during the previous year. The production model closely resembled the Modern A concept, retaining its rounded styling, flush exterior surfaces, and minimalist interior.
The Modern IN is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform featuring front-wheel drive and a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor producing approximately 160 horsepower (120 kW) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. Performance is respectable for its class, with acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in approximately 7.9 seconds.
Two battery configurations were introduced:
- 53 kWh lithium-ion battery
- 80 kWh lithium-ion battery
These batteries provided official NEDC driving ranges of approximately:
- 249 miles (400 km)
- 379 miles (610 km)
The vehicle also supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from approximately 30 percent to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under suitable charging conditions.
Design and Technology
One of the Modern IN’s defining characteristics is its clean, contemporary design. The exterior features smooth body panels, slim LED lighting, hidden door handles, and aerodynamic styling intended to improve efficiency.
Inside, the cabin follows a minimalist philosophy common among modern electric vehicles. A large central touchscreen serves as the primary interface for most vehicle functions, while digital instrumentation replaces traditional analog gauges.
Technology features include:
- Over-the-air software updates
- Level 2 driver assistance systems
- Intelligent voice controls
- Smartphone connectivity
- Advanced navigation
- Remote vehicle monitoring through connected services
The vehicle was designed to appeal primarily to younger buyers seeking a practical yet technologically advanced electric vehicle.
Model Years and Trim Levels
Unlike many established manufacturers that offer numerous trim levels with unique names, Modern Auto has publicly documented relatively few distinct trims for the Modern IN. Instead, the company primarily differentiated models through battery capacity and equipment packages.
2021 Model Year (Launch)
Available configurations included:
- Standard Range (53 kWh battery)
- Long Range (80 kWh battery)
Equipment levels generally varied by optional technology, comfort, and driver assistance features rather than formally named trim levels.
2022 Model Year
The 2022 Modern IN continued with the same basic lineup. No major exterior redesigns were introduced, although software improvements and equipment updates enhanced the ownership experience through over-the-air updates.
Battery choices remained:
- 53 kWh
- 80 kWh
Both versions retained the same 160-horsepower electric motor.
2023 Model Year
For 2023, Modern Auto expanded the IN lineup in several markets while continuing to offer the two primary battery configurations. Minor equipment revisions, infotainment improvements, and software refinements were introduced.
Some export markets also marketed the vehicle under different names. For example, the Modern IN became known as the ARRA 3 in Mexico, demonstrating the manufacturer’s interest in expanding beyond China.
2024-Present
As of the most recently available information, the Modern IN remains in production with the same overall platform and design. The company has continued emphasizing software improvements, intelligent connectivity, and efficient electric performance rather than introducing an all-new generation.
Because Modern Auto publishes limited official information regarding individual trim names, there are no comprehensively documented trim hierarchies comparable to those used by larger global manufacturers. The primary distinction throughout production has remained the Standard Range and Long Range battery variants, supplemented by optional equipment packages.
Specifications
Throughout production, the Modern IN has maintained relatively consistent mechanical specifications.
Key specifications include:
- Production: 2021-present
- Manufacturer: Modern Auto
- Production partner: Beijing Automobile Works (BAW)
- Vehicle class: Compact battery-electric hatchback
- Drive layout: Front-wheel drive
- Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
- Power output: 160 horsepower (120 kW)
- Torque: 206 lb-ft (280 Nm)
- Battery options: 53 kWh and 80 kWh
- Driving range: Up to 379 miles (NEDC)
- Fast charging capability
- Five-door body style
These specifications positioned the Modern IN competitively among affordable Chinese electric vehicles introduced during the early 2020s.
Market Position
The Modern IN entered one of the world’s most competitive electric vehicle markets. Chinese consumers have numerous choices from manufacturers including BYD, GAC Aion, Geely, NIO, XPeng, and Tesla.
Rather than emphasizing outright performance, Modern Auto positioned the IN as a practical daily driver offering attractive styling, generous driving range, and advanced digital features at a competitive price. This strategy allowed the company to establish itself as a newcomer while appealing to buyers transitioning from gasoline-powered vehicles to battery-electric transportation.
Legacy and Significance
Although still early in its production life, the Modern IN represents an important milestone for Modern Auto. It demonstrated that a startup manufacturer could successfully develop a competitive electric vehicle by combining innovative design with the manufacturing experience of an established company such as BAW.
The vehicle also reflects broader trends within China’s automotive industry, where software integration, connected services, and electric powertrains have become central priorities for both established manufacturers and startup brands.
Future Outlook
The future of the Modern IN will likely depend on continued consumer demand, improvements in battery technology, and Modern Auto’s ability to compete against rapidly expanding domestic and international electric vehicle manufacturers.
Future updates may include increased driving range, more efficient battery chemistry, enhanced autonomous driving capabilities, faster charging speeds, and expanded international availability. While no completely redesigned second generation has been officially announced, continued software updates and incremental hardware improvements are expected to keep the Modern IN competitive within the evolving electric vehicle marketplace.
Despite its relatively short history, the Modern IN has established itself as the flagship model of Modern Auto and serves as the foundation upon which the company is expected to build its future electric vehicle lineup.
