Is this the world’s cheapest electric car?
The cheapest electric car in the US has been unveiled by Chinese manufacture Kandi, however there is no word on whether the vehicle will be sold in Australia.
The Kandi K27 hatchback and larger K23 hatchback are expected to reach US showrooms before the end of this year.
Sales will begin in Texas, where the company’s US division in based.
According to Kandi’s website, the K27 is powered by a 17.69kWh lithium battery and produces just 20kW of power (for reference, the all-electric Nissan Leaf hatchback produces 110kW). A range of 100 miles (160km) is claimed.
At 3450mm in length, it's roughly 100mm shorter than a Kia Picanto.
The K23 is slightly larger, and has a 41.4kWh ternary lithium battery producing 21kW. A range of 180 miles (289km) is claimed.
The K23 is marketed as being “the size of a small SUV” however, at 3960mm, it is more than half a metre shorter than a Toyota RAV4.
Both Kandi cars have four seats and are front-wheel drive.
A four-year (or up to 50,000 miles) warranty is offered for "material & workmanship," while the battery has an eight-year (or up to 62,000 miles) guarantee.
The K27 will cost $US12,999 (approximately $AU18,350) after the $US7,500 federal tax credit is applied, and the K23 will cost $US22,499 (approximately $AU31,750).
Electric vehicle subsidies and tax exemptions vary from state to state in the US, and therefore the listed prices will not necessarily be the same in all regions.
In 2009 Kandi Technologies released a tiny 6kW vehicle called the Coco, that appeared to be heavily influenced by the design of the original Smart car.
The golf buggy-sized two seater could supposedly be purchased for just $US865 ($AU1,200) in some US regions thanks to an overlap of state and federal subsidies that equated to almost $US10,000 ($AU14,000).
Above: the 2009 Kandi Coco.
CarAdvice has contacted Kandi regarding the prospect of an Australian launch for K27 and K23. This story will be updated if we receive a response.
The cheapest fully electric cars currently on sale in Australia are the Renault Zoe from $47,490 (plus on-road costs), the Hyundai Ioniq from $48,970 (plus on-road costs), and the Nissan Leaf from $49,990 (plus on-road costs).