I feel like we’re currently living on the cusp of a very exciting revolution in the car market, a revolution that we can all take part in and enjoy, because it’s a revolution of super-cheap shitbox EVs. I myself have done what I could to introduce you to one of the cheapest, the remarkable sub-$1.300 Changli. It seems now there’s a new player on the scene claiming to be the cheapest EV you can buy in America: the Kandi K27.
I’m sure you mathematicians have learned that the $18174 value of the Kandi K27 built in China (with a U.S. federal tax credit; Otherwise, they rate $27961) is more than Changli’s $1300 (well, $1678 with batteries, and about $4600 after all shipping and customs costs) but, to be honest, the K27 is much more car.
I mean, relatively, of course.
Although it lacks much of the whimsical charm of The Changli (and the “MODA” stickers), the K27 is not terrible, a bit like a new Mini crushed a little to have compatibility on a narrow shelf and with the frame of a surrounding grid. A frame-colored plastic domain that is remarkably 98% without grid.
It is a genuine 4-door car with a back door, it is still quite small; Compared to a Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback, it is a shorter foot, about 8 inches narrower, but about 4 inches taller.
Significantly, unlike the Changli and its horse-plus-a-horse-fetus 1.1 horsepower engine, the K27 has a smart electric motor of about 26 hp, which is enough to propel it to a top speed of about 101 km/h, meaning you can drive this thing on the road, even if it is barely.
The 17.7 kWh lithium-ion battery would be enough to drive the car through 1,030 kg at about 161 km, but that’s just an estimate.
Interestingly, this same car can be discovered in Alibaba, just like the Changli, but with some key differences. On the one hand, the value is much less than $18,175, at $16,777 if you order seven or more.
This edition only has lead batteries, but lithium is discussed as an option. Most of the other specifications seem to align, Alibaba’s page indicates that it is rear-wheel drive and not front-wheel drive, as the Kandi America online page says. I don’t see any reference to a rear differential, so I’m hunting for the fact that it’s front-wheel drive.
Interior photographs show a modern dashboard with a giant central LCD display (blue?) And, disconcertingly, a lap count on the board. I guess electric motors also have revolutions consistent with minutes to count, if you’ve looked for it.
Compared to the Changli, it’s much closer to the “genuine car” state, however, I’m curious to know if American buyers other than me will be as fast as me to insert this 26 HP EV into the ranks of genuine cars.
Personally, I think of $18,175 after tax credits are not reasonable enough for maximum buyers to settle for a fashionable car with Citroen 2CV strength levels, even if it is an electric vehicle.
I think that car that sells itself on the $13,980 magic bar would be enough to generate some kind of follow-up that we can depend on.
Still, I’m curious to drive one of these; I mean, compared to Changli’s 1.1 hp, this thing will have to look like a supercar.