The Evolution of the Polestones 01, ROX 01, and Jishi 01: From Startup Ambition to Global Extended-Range SUV
The Polestones 01, known as the Jishi 01 in China and later marketed internationally as the ROX 01, is the first production vehicle from Chinese automaker ROX Motor. Introduced in 2023, the vehicle quickly became one of the most recognizable extended-range electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to emerge from China’s rapidly growing new-energy vehicle sector. Combining rugged styling, advanced electrified technology, three-row seating, and long-distance capability, the model established the foundation for ROX Motor’s future growth and international expansion.
Although marketed under different names depending on the region, the Polestones 01, Jishi 01, and ROX 01 are fundamentally the same vehicle. The SUV has evolved through new battery options, expanded trim levels, and global-market adaptations while maintaining its core identity as a premium extended-range SUV designed for families, adventure travel, and off-road use.
Origins of ROX Motor
ROX Motor was founded in 2021 by Chang Jing, best known as the founder of the robotic vacuum manufacturer Roborock. The company entered the automotive industry with the goal of creating intelligent electrified vehicles capable of competing with both established Chinese manufacturers and international brands.
Development of the company’s first vehicle began shortly after the company’s formation. Prototype testing was underway by late 2022, and the vehicle was developed in cooperation with Beijing Automobile Works (BAW), which would ultimately manufacture the production model. The Italian design house Pininfarina was responsible for the vehicle’s exterior styling, giving the SUV a distinctive appearance that blended modern luxury with rugged off-road influences.
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Official Launch and Introduction
Jishi 01 / Polestones 01 (2023)
Production Years: 2023–Present
The production version of the vehicle was officially unveiled in August 2023. In China, the SUV was marketed as the Jishi 01, while international markets received the Polestones 01 name. The first production units rolled off the assembly line in October 2023, with customer deliveries beginning in November 2023.
At launch, the vehicle entered the increasingly competitive premium extended-range SUV segment, competing against vehicles such as the Li Auto L8 and other family-oriented electrified SUVs.
Design Philosophy
The Jishi 01 was designed to appeal to customers seeking a vehicle that combined luxury, adventure capability, and family practicality.
Key design elements included:
- Boxy SUV proportions
- High ground clearance
- Y-shaped LED lighting signatures
- Available rear-mounted spare tire
- Three-row seating
- Large panoramic glass areas
The vehicle’s styling drew inspiration from traditional off-road vehicles while incorporating modern aerodynamic and technological features.
Powertrain Development
From its introduction, the Jishi 01 utilized an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain.
2023–2024 Powertrain
The original configuration included:
- 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine
- Dual electric motors
- All-wheel drive
- Combined output of approximately 470 horsepower
- 740 lb-ft of torque
- 56-kWh CATL battery pack
Unlike a conventional hybrid, the gasoline engine primarily functions as a generator to supply electricity for the battery and electric motors.
Performance figures included:
- 0–62 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds
- Pure-electric range of approximately 146 miles (CLTC)
- Combined range exceeding 830 miles (CLTC)
These figures positioned the vehicle among the longest-range electrified SUVs available at the time.
Initial Models and Trim Levels (2023)
When the Jishi 01 entered the market in August 2023, two primary trims were offered:
Jishi 01 Seven-Seat Edition
The standard model featured:
- Seven-passenger seating
- Three-row interior layout
- Extended-range electric powertrain
- All-wheel drive
- Premium infotainment system
This version targeted families requiring maximum passenger capacity.
Jishi 01 Six-Seat Edition
The higher-grade model included:
- Six-passenger configuration
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Enhanced rear-passenger comfort
- Additional luxury features
The six-seat version emphasized executive-level comfort and premium travel accommodations. Both trims launched at prices ranging from approximately 349,900 yuan to 359,900 yuan.
Expanded Lineup for 2024
During 2024, ROX Motor expanded the lineup by introducing additional battery and range options.
All-Purpose Seven-Seat Standard Range
Features included:
- Seven-passenger seating
- 44.5-kWh battery
- All-wheel drive
- Standard electric range
Premium Six-Seat Standard Range
This trim added:
- Luxury second-row seating
- Enhanced interior appointments
- 44.5-kWh battery
All-Purpose Seven-Seat Long Range
This model upgraded to:
- 58.4-kWh battery
- Increased electric range
- Extended total driving range
Premium Six-Seat Long Range
The flagship version combined:
- Six-seat executive layout
- Long-range battery package
- Premium interior materials
- Full suite of comfort features
The addition of Standard Range and Long Range variants gave customers greater flexibility depending on their driving requirements and budget.
International Rebranding as the ROX 01
A significant milestone occurred in 2025 when ROX Motor expanded internationally.
The company adopted the ROX brand name for global markets, and the vehicle became known as the ROX 01 in regions including:
- Middle East
- Central Asia
- Africa
- Russia
- Selected emerging international markets
This rebranding aligned the vehicle more closely with the corporate identity of ROX Motor and simplified marketing efforts outside China.
International Models (2025–Present)
In several export markets, the ROX 01 was offered primarily in two configurations:
ROX 01 Family Edition
Features included:
- Seven seats
- Family-oriented configuration
- Three-row seating
- Flexible cargo arrangements
ROX 01 Business Lounge Edition
Features included:
- Six-seat layout
- Premium captain’s chairs
- Executive-focused accommodations
- Enhanced luxury features
These versions closely mirrored the Chinese-market seven-seat and six-seat configurations while adapting equipment packages to local requirements.
Technology and Features
One of the defining characteristics of the ROX 01 has been its emphasis on technology.
Available features have included:
- LiDAR-assisted driver assistance
- Advanced semi-autonomous driving functions
- Large central touchscreen
- Over-the-air software updates
- Voice-control systems
- Premium audio systems
- Multiple drive modes
- Intelligent off-road settings
The vehicle also became known for unique lifestyle-oriented accessories, including optional outdoor kitchen packages, camping equipment, and adventure-focused accessories.
Production and Sales Growth
Production began in October 2023 at BAW’s manufacturing facility. Initial sales were modest but steadily increased throughout 2024 and 2025.
The vehicle achieved record monthly deliveries during late 2024 and continued growing internationally throughout 2025. By 2025, worldwide deliveries exceeded 15,000 units, demonstrating growing acceptance of the brand both inside and outside China.
Evolution into the ADAMAS
The next major step in the model’s evolution arrived in 2025 with the introduction of the facelifted ROX ADAMAS.
Although based on the ROX 01 platform, the ADAMAS introduced:
- Revised exterior styling
- New front-end design
- Additional powertrain options
- Rear-wheel-drive variant
- Updated battery choices
- Enhanced luxury features
The ADAMAS effectively became the premium evolution of the original ROX 01 while preserving much of its underlying engineering.
Future Outlook
The future of the ROX 01 platform appears promising. As ROX Motor expands internationally, continued updates are expected in several areas:
- Improved battery technology
- Enhanced autonomous driving capabilities
- Expanded trim offerings
- Additional luxury configurations
- Greater global availability
- Software-based feature enhancements
The success of both the ROX 01 and the ADAMAS suggests that ROX Motor intends to establish itself as a long-term competitor in the premium electrified SUV segment.
Since its debut in 2023 as the Jishi 01 and Polestones 01, the vehicle now known globally as the ROX 01 has evolved into one of China’s most distinctive extended-range electric SUVs. Offered in six-seat and seven-seat configurations, with both Standard Range and Long Range variants, the model has successfully combined premium comfort, advanced electrification, and genuine adventure-oriented capability. As the foundation of ROX Motor’s growing vehicle lineup and the precursor to the ADAMAS flagship, the ROX 01 remains a significant milestone in the evolution of China’s modern automotive industry.
