The Hongguang Mini EV is one of the cheapest electric cars in the world and in its first month of sales (August 2020) it immediately became China’s best-selling EV out-selling Tesla 2 to 1.
The car, manufactured by state-owned Motor, China’s top automaker, doesn’t have a long-range like the Tesla but is being hailed for its affordability.
With only $4,500 (Ksh 490,500) you can get the basic version. And with $50000 you get one with air conditioning. Tesla’s popular and cheapest unit, Model 3, goes for around $40,000(4,360,000).
Back at home, Laikipia County government is selling their latest invention called the BJ-50; which is, basically, a four-wheel tuk-tuk, for $4,500.
Made In Kenya cars, BJ-50. They costs only KShs450,000 ($4,505.42) each. pic.twitter.com/W8VVogyHt1
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) March 7, 2019
The Hongguang Mini EV can seat up to four passengers with little to no cargo space or carry the driver and one passenger and a cargo volume of 741 liters with the bench-style rear seats folded down.
“China’s government is serious about pollution reduction and becoming the global lead in adopting and promoting innovation of electric vehicles,” Shaun Rein, managing director of the China Market Research Group said.
“We remain very bullish on the adoption of budget EVs like the Hong Guang Mini to higher end ones like NIO and Tesla.”
Dimensions are 2.917/1.493/1.621mm with a wheelbase of 1.940mm and a curb weight of just 665 kilo. The Hongguang Mini EV is powered by a 27 hp electric motor giving it a top speed of 100 km/h. There are two battery options: either 9.2 kWh with 120 km of range or 13.82 kWh with 170 km of range.
The car has sold 43,085 units so far with almost half of that( 25,778) being sold in January alone.
