Cheap mini-EV launched in China

A mini EV four-seater Weiao Boma EV has been launched in China priced from NZ$9247 (US$5700).

Three models are available from Weiao, a new energy vehicle (NEV) brand under Hongri Electric Vehicle, and will be manufactured by ZX Auto (Hebei Zhongxing Automobile Co Ltd), a Chinese producer of low speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) including e-bikes, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and auto parts, CarNewsChina reports.

The new EV’s front resembles a mini clone of the Toyota Alphard, says CarNewsChina, adding the EV is available in white, blue and gold, and providing further details.

It says the EV will compete with the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV.

Power is from a 30kW front permanent magnet synchronous motor with 84Nm torque, the EV having an 11.9kWh battery option 130km range, while the 18.5kWh option has 200km range, both have a 100km/h top speed, says CarNewsChina.

A Facebook post has generally less than complimentary comments about its looks, one describing it as a “shopping cart” and another as possibly “the most ugly car I have ever seen”.