Super cheap electric car models in the world
Besides expensive electric car models, some countries have developed low-cost electric car models to meet the needs of short-distance travel and affordable for people.
Electric cars are still a product line with quite expensive prices. Typically, in the US car market, which is developing a lot for electric cars, the "cheapest" type of car costs no less than 20,000 USD (about 473 million VND).
However, in some other markets such as China or India, and even Europe, there are still electric car models priced under 20,000 USD or even surprisingly cheap.
Wuling Hongguang Mini EV: 4,100 USD
Wuling Hongguang Mini EV became a phenomenon in China when it was sold in the domestic market in July 2020 with a starting price of more than 4,100 USD (about 96 million VND), some higher-end versions also have the highest price equivalent to 150 million VND. In less than 1 year of launch, sales have reached nearly half a million vehicles, becoming the best-selling car line in China. The manufacturer calculated that every 20 seconds, 1 car is sold.
Because of its cheap price, equivalent to a high-end scooter, Hongguang Mini EV has received such attention.
 |
| Hongguang MINI EV was once present in Vietnam as a trial model. Photo: Dinh Quy |
The Hongguang MINI EV is a 3-door, 4-seater urban personal commuter vehicle measuring 2,917 mm long, 1,493 mm wide, 1,621 mm high and with a 1,940 mm wheelbase. The vehicle is 678 mm shorter than the Kia Morning. In China, buyers can choose between a 9.3 kWh or 13.8 kWh battery pack. The Mini EV has a top speed of 100 km/h on the highway.
Because of its low price and compact design, the Hongguang MINI EV does not have many amenities or high-end safety equipment, only halogen lights, fabric seats, radio, air conditioning, drum brakes, no airbags...
Citroen Ami, super cheap European electric car: 7,000 USD
First launched in February 2020, Citroen Ami is produced in Europe without a driver's license, only requires 16 years old and 14 years old in France. That is the reason why this car is so popular because it meets the needs of traveling and practicing driving of teenagers.
The selling price of the car is also very "soft" when it is priced at about 7,000 USD (about 165 million VND). The car is 2.41m long, 1.39m wide and 1.52m high, weighs only 485 kg, including the 5.5 kWh battery pack and has only 2 seats.
 |
| Citroën Ami |
The Citroën Ami is powered by a 6 kW (8 hp) electric motor and has a top speed of 45 km/h. The 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery allows the car to travel up to 75 km on a single charge. The battery can be fully charged in 3 hours using a 220V power source.
Equivalent to the cheap price, the equipment on the car is also at a "poor" level, including windshield defroster but no air conditioning, radio/bluetooth audio, USB charging port, emergency lights, no airbags.
Dacia Spring: $10,800
Dacia - Renault's subsidiary brand has started selling the electric car called Dacia Spring to Eastern European customers from 2021, becoming the cheapest 5-seater electric car in Europe.
The 970kg Dacia Spring is based on the Renault Kwid for the Indian market, and is known as the Renault City K-Ze in China. With funding from the French government, the car starts at just $15,000 for the lowest version. In Romania, it is even cheaper, at around $10,800 with government subsidies.
 |
| Dacia Spring |
The Dacia Spring is equipped with a front-wheel drive electric motor, capable of generating 44 horsepower and a maximum torque of 125 Nm. The car can accelerate from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 19.1 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 125 km/h. The 27.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a range of up to 230km after a full charge.
According to the manufacturer, the car's battery can be fully charged in under 14 hours with a 2.3 kW AC charger (household outlet), under 8 hours and 30 minutes with a 3.7 kW AC charger (wall box) and under 5 hours with a 7.4 kW AC charger (wall box). With a 30 kW DC fast charging station, the car's battery can be charged to 80% in under 1 hour.
Tata Tigor EV: $12,554
The cheapest electric car in India right now is the Tata Tigor EV, which starts at 1 million rupees (298 million VND). In the near future, India is about to welcome a wave of even cheaper electric cars, and Tata itself will develop a car that is half as cheap as the Tigor EV.
The Tigor EV has a maximum power of 55 kW and a maximum torque of 170 Nm, can accelerate from 0-60 km/h in just 5.7 seconds and uses a 26 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, meeting IP67 water resistance standards. The model also meets the CCS2 global charging standard, can be fast-charged as well as slow-charged from any 15A plug point.
 |
| Tata Tigor EV |
In terms of interior, Tata Motors has optimized the cabin with many amenities such as a 7.0-inch Harman touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-speaker sound system including 4 tweeters, and a digital instrument cluster. The car has airbags as well as ABS brakes and hill start assist.
Fiat 500 Electric: $23,550
The Fiat 500 is a mini car with a long history of the Italian car company. In the last century in the 50s and 60s, the car became a symbol of urban transportation. But in the 21st century, the Fiat 500 gradually disappeared and was at risk of being discontinued. At the end of 2020, the new generation of the all-electric Fiat 500 was launched, gradually conquering European customers with its impressive design and the cheapest price in the segment.
In Europe, the electric Fiat 500 starts at $23,550, equivalent to more than VND557 million, with a 4-seat configuration and Rolls-Royce-style doors that many people envy.
 |
| Fiat 500 Electric |
The standard version is the Action equipped with a 23.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, along with a 94 horsepower electric motor that helps the car accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and has a limited top speed of 135 km/h. The travel range is more than 180 km. The 50kW fast charging system allows the car to charge enough to travel about 50 km in less than 10 minutes.