Automotive

Kandi's $20,000 electric car is the cheapest the US has seen

Kandi's $20,000 electric car is the cheapest the US has seen
Kandi will open up pre-sales for the K27 (pictured) and K23 at an August 18 launch event
Kandi will open up pre-sales for the K27 (pictured) and K23 at an August 18 launch event
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The K23, from the back
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The K23, from the back
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A look inside the K23
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A look inside the K23
The Kandi K27 packs a 17.69 kWh battery that provides an estimated 100 miles of range 160 (km/h)
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The Kandi K27 packs a 17.69 kWh battery that provides an estimated 100 miles of range 160 (km/h)
A look inside the Kandi K27
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A look inside the Kandi K27
Kandi will open up pre-sales for the K27 (pictured) and K23 at an August 18 launch event
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Kandi will open up pre-sales for the K27 (pictured) and K23 at an August 18 launch event
View gallery - 6 images

High prices are undoubtedly a significant factor in the rate of electric car uptake, but a couple of new entrants to the US market could help shake up the status quo. Chinese company Kandi is set to bring two models stateside that will become the cheapest electric vehicles on the US market, with both slated for delivery before the year is out.

Chinese battery and electric vehicle maker Kandi will kick off sales of the new models through its US subsidiary, with a virtual launch event to be held on August 18. Here, the company will introduce a boxy, compact car for the city called the Model K27, along with the larger K23 model which is around the size of a small SUV.

A look inside the Kandi K27
A look inside the Kandi K27

The smaller K27 packs a 17.69 kWh battery that provides an estimated 100 miles of range 160 (km/h), with its 20 kW electric motor delivering a top speed of 63 mph (101 km/h). It features a 9-inch touchscreen and has a sticker price of $19,999, though that could be as low as $12,999 when federal tax credits come into play.

The larger K23 is fitted with a 41.4 kWh battery, with range listed as an estimated 188 miles (302 km). It generates 21 kW of power and has a top speed of 70 mph (112 km/h). The car features a 10-inch touchscreen and little more trunk space than the K27, with a higher price tag of $29,999. This, however, could be cut to $22,499 after federal tax credits.

“This is an exciting time for Kandi Technologies as we successfully roll-out the sales of the K27 and K23 in the United States,” said Kewa Luo, Investor Relations Director of Kandi Technologies Group. "Since early 2019, we have been working hard to identify the right distributor, secure regulatory approvals and demonstrate readiness for success in this emerging and dynamic market. With those milestones achieved, we now look forward to this exciting next phase of growth.”

Kandi will open up pre-sales for the K27 and K23 at the August 18 launch event, with customers able to lay down a $100 deposit to secure one of the cars. The company says delivery of both will take place in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Source: Kandi via BusinessWire

View gallery - 6 images
10 comments
10 comments
DavidB
No, thanks.

If I wanted a short-range, four-passenger EV that looked a little like a Fiat 500e, I’d buy the excellent Fiat 500e.
Username
Of course the k27 is smaller than the k23!!!
CAVUMark
Come on GM, Ford... you can do better and make it is the USA. Please.
dugnology
This will compete against used eGolfs coming off of lease. It is a city car by definition, but cannot be easily charged in a city. No Supercharging. Did I mention that it is as ugly as a Chevy Sonic? At 30K you are barely $10 grand away from an entry level Model 3, which is a proper car.
foxpup
A sub $10k 3-year-old Nissan LEAF has a much lower price and better specs. I'll keep my LEAF and disregard this product
Adrian Akau
Although I like electric cars, I would not wish to purchase one from China because of their expansionist policy, especially in the Himalayas and China South Seas.
Christopher Carr
No. I want a small, utility truck-type thing. Like an electric Japanese Kei truck, with a bit of clearance. And it should have a 200 mile range. And be < $20,000. :)

jsopr
The yellow one is cute but the red one has perhaps the ugliest front I have ever seen.
Daishi
I'm curious if the current US government would block the $7,400 federal tax credit from applying to $20,000 Chinese EV's. I think some states still offer a a tax incentive as well so you might be looking at a $10,000 sticker price. The car doesn't appeal to me either but as the tax credit expire for other manufacturers I could see how they would serve to give traction to new low budget EV's. If people get these out the door for barely over $10k new I'm sure they will go for a song used.
Phileaux
Air conditioning?