Electric cars are finally hitting the mainstream but many potential buyers are discouraged by the high prices. EVs tend to cost a lot.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of Chinese EV makers that are working hard to create the cheapest EVs out there. So, if you want to learn more about these models, follow along.
At a Glance
Wuling Mini EV
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is definitely one of the biggest hits on the market right now. This model is the cheapest EV out there starting as low as $4,000.
This model is a mini car that is really tiny and this is what makes the Mini EV so affordable. Wuling in 2022 has rolled out from the production line more than 400,000 units of this model, so you can see how popular it has become.
| Price: $4,000 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 20 – 40 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 120 – 280 km |
BYD Seagull EV
The BYD Seagull is a model that was introduced by BYD in 2023, this means that the Seagull is one of the latest models to roll out from the production line.
The Seagull is also the smallest BYD that you can get right now. This model features a very futuristic design that looks phenomenal and another big highlight of this model is its incredible range of 405 km.
| Price: $10,330 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 130 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds | Power: 74 – 101 hp |
| Torque: 135 Nm | Range: 405 km |
MG4 EV
The MG4 EV is another very popular and most importantly cheap electric car. In China this model is known as the MG Mulan.
What is interesting about the MG4 is that this model is a proper compact hatchback. This makes it far more practical than other mini electric cars. And not only that, the MG4 also looks pretty good, it has a sleek modern styling that will impress everybody.
| Price: $18,000 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Top speed: 160 – 200 km |
| 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds | Power: 168 – 429 hp |
| Torque: 250 – 600 Nm | Range: 351 – 520 km |
NETA U
The Neta U is another really cool crossover SUV manufactured by Hozon Auto from 2020.
This model implements a very futuristic design that really stands out from the crowd and makes the Neta U pretty unique vehicle on the road.
And most importantly, since it is a crossover, it is extremely practical and is a perfect grocery getter!
| Price: $21,000 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Or Dual Motor | Torque: 310 Nm |
| Top speed: | 0-100 km/h: |
| Power: 161 – 295 hp | Range: 400 – 660 km |
AION Y
The AION Y is another compact crossover SUV that has an extremely smart design that maximizes efficiency and delivers an incredible range of 600 km.
The AION Y was introduced in 2021 and since then it became a real hit on the market. Especially with the nice addition of a 480 kW charging that charges the battery from 20 to 80% in only 8 minutes!
| Price: $14,000 | Release year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 150 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds | Power: 134 hp |
| Torque: 225 Nm | Range: 410 – 600 km |
Ora Good Cat
The Ora Good Cat is another really popular model. This model is very affordable, starting as low as $14,550.
For those who don’t know, Ora is a brand by Great Wall, their models are greatly inspired by the VW Beetle and wear similar styling with round lines and overall very attractive look, especially for women drivers.
That’s why we really love the Good Cat since it has all the checkboxes that a city cruiser should have!
| Price: $14,550 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 150 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds | Power: 143 – 171 hp |
| Torque: 210 Nm | Range: 400 – 500 km |
Changan Lumin
The Changan Lumin is another micro car, in the same fashion as the Hongguang Mini EV. These are basically the smallest cars on the road.
The Lumin implements a boxy design that looks really smart. Especially on the front end with the two round headlights which make the model really stand out and look very cute.
| Price: $7,500 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 101 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 6.5 seconds | Power: 41 hp |
| Torque: 48 Nm | Range: 155 – 210 km |
Chery New Energy – Little Ant
In the world of micro cars, the Little Ant by Chery really stands out. Since this is not your ordinary micro car.
The Little Ant is a real pocket rocket that is extremely fun to drive. This model packs some serious power and performance.
That’s why we really recommend this model to those who want to feel the adrenaline rush.
| Price: $10,600 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds | Power: 75 hp |
| Torque: 150 Nm | Range: 408 km |
BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is another very popular BYD model that sells in really high numbers in China.
All this popularity because this model simply delivers in what is required. The Dolphin is a small hatchback introduced in 2021.
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The Dolphin is an extremely practical vehicle with 345 liters of cargo space in the rear and you also have the ability to seat up to four people pretty comfortably. And the price is irresistible. Starting as low as $13,130.
| Price: $13,130 | Release year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 150 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds | Power: 94 – 201 hp |
| Torque: 180 – 290 Nm | Range: 405 km |
Chery QQ- Ice cream
The Chery QQ Ice Cream is another micro car in the same fashion as the Hongguang Mini EV or the Changan Lumin.
But what is interesting about the QQ Ice Cream is that this model implements a more interesting design that is particularly attractive for young buyers.
And also, its small form factor makes it a perfect city cruiser that will take you from point A to point B in no time.
| Price: $4,100 | Release year: 2021 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 27 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 120 – 170 km |
Panda Mini EV
And a list of cheap micro cars would not be complete without the Geely Panda Mini EV. This is a micro car that is extremely affordable. Starting as low as $6,000.
It is a bit more expensive than the QQ Ice Cream, Lumin, and Hongguang Mini EV. But we honestly think that it’s worth it because with this model you get a ton more technology and also comfort inside the cabin.
| Price: $6,000 | Release year: 2022 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 40 hp |
| Torque: 85 Nm | Range: 120 – 200 km |
Leap Motor T03
Leap Motor T03 is another subcompact that is extremely popular in the Chinese market. The T03 is extremely practical for driving around town, and most importantly, extremely cheap.
This model was introduced in 2020 and it never stops to amaze us. The design is on point, as well as the performance, the T03 will easily deliver a range of 400 km. Which for a car of this size is an extremely respectable performance.
| Price: $9,200 | Release year: 2020 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: 14 seconds | Power: 73 hp |
| Torque: 155 Nm | Range: 400 km |
Wuling Bingo
The Wuling Bingo is another really popular model offered by Wuling. The Bingo debuted in 2023 and this model immediately grabbed the attention of the car world.
This model implements a very smart looking design that is combined with excellent performance and incredible range of 400 km.
The interior of the Bingo is beautiful and filled with technology. Overall, Bingo is a really good model that is definitely worth your attention.
| Price: $8,370 | Release year: 2023 |
| Engine: Single Motor | Top speed: 100 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: Unspecified | Power: 40 – 67 hp |
| Torque: 110 – 150 Nm | Range: 410 km |
Conclusion
Finding a cheap and affordable car has never been easier. There are dozens of carmakers out there that make really nice and affordable models.
Especially some micro cars that are available as low as $4,000, which for an EV is something really within reach for everyone out there.
