World’s Cheapest New EV, Sold On Alibaba, Works Better Than You Think

Image via ChangLi

Electric cars have a reputation for being on the pricier end, but not every one of them has to be a Tesla. For about US$930 (US$1,200 with batteries), you can own a fully functioning EV.

That is if you can get past the appearance of this funky-looking mini EV, which kind of resembles a vertically-inclined Hot Wheels car. Produced by Chinese automaker ChangLi, this four-seater is the cheapest new EV in the world—and you can buy it off Alibaba.

Jalopnik reporter Jason Torchinsky ordered the car and gave it a drive over a year ago. The vehicle surpassed his expectations—it had a solid metal body, contrasting his vision of a cheap plasticky finish, and a “substantial-feeling” interior. For good measure, it also arrived with a US-compatible charger.

Image via ChangLi

“But can it drive?” you ask. To his relief, the vehicle indeed turned out to be a car instead of a “glorified mobility scooter.” And make no mistake that this is a no-frills car; there’s even a color rearview camera, a radio, and a heater.

To be clear, the car’s price seems to have risen a little since then. The US$930 price is for bulk orders, and individual EVs are now sold for US$1,045.

[via Jalopnik and The Awesomer, cover image via ChangLi]