Dongfeng slashes Box EV pricing by $8000

Dongfeng has cut the price of its Box city electric vehicle (EV) by up to $8000 as part of a 2025 model year clearance, with demonstrator units now available from $24,990 drive away.

New Box models are priced from $26,990 plus on-road costs, down from the original $32,990 recommended retail price and below the $29,990 promotional price offered at launch in November last year.

The clearance sale runs from 1 March to 31 May 2026, or until stock is exhausted. Dongfeng is also offering 0% interest finance over 36 months with no deposit on new units through its Heartland Bank partnership.

At $24,990 drive away, the Box reinforces its position as New Zealand’s cheapest new EV, undercutting the BYD Atto 1 and pricing below a base Suzuki Swift.

Equipment specification remains strong

Despite the significant price reduction, the Box retains comprehensive standard equipment including a heated and ventilated driver’s seat with electric adjustment and memory, leatherette upholstery, 32-colour ambient lighting, and a 12-inch infotainment display.

The vehicle also includes Level 2 driver assistance systems and maintains its claimed 317km WLTP range, which NZ Autocar found honest in real-world testing over 600km of driving.

At 1345kg, the Box remains light by EV standards, with NZ Autocar noting quick and accurate steering plus a composed ride in urban conditions.

However, wireless CarPlay integration remains problematic, and Android Auto requires a $390 dongle accessory.

The Box’s safety specification has not changed with the price reduction. The New Zealand model continues to feature just two airbags, leading NZTA to classify it as “unrated” on its Rightcar website.

Armstrong’s Distribution chief executive Simon Rutherford has publicly acknowledged these safety specification concerns.

The aggressive clearance pricing of 2025 model year stock suggests a potential 2026 model update may be forthcoming. Dongfeng has not confirmed plans for an updated specification, but clearing current inventory at this discount level indicates changes could be ahead.