In part one of this series, we highlighted the Dacia Spring as the most budget-friendly battery-electric vehicle available in Europe, with a typical starting price below €20,000. As legacy auto brands are not offering affordable BEVs to compete with the Spring, we are exploring potential competitors from China. Will these competitors make their way to Europe?
The Dacia Spring and its Chinese counterpart, the Dongfeng Nano Box, face tough competition in the Chinese market from popular rivals like the BYD Seagull and Leapmotor T03 in terms of price, size, battery, and charging capabilities. These competitive BEVs outsell the Dacia’s Chinese twin by significant margins.
While smaller “mini BEVs” like the Wuling Mini seem like potential competitors, their compact size limits their suitability for European highways. In contrast, the Dacia Spring is well-equipped for both urban and highway driving.
For a vehicle to match or surpass the Spring and Nano Box in specs and price, it should have a battery capacity of at least 26.8 kWh, DC fast charging in about 30 minutes, and pricing comparable to the twins. The Nano Box in China is priced at €6,996 with discount deals.
In the larger 4,000 mm segment, models like the Geely Geometry E, Neta Aya, Wuling Bingo, and Dongfeng Nammi 01 offer competitive pricing, battery size, and charging capabilities. Let’s explore these affordable BEVs in more detail.
Geely Geometry E
The Geely Geometry E is a subcompact crossover with a length of 4006 mm, slightly larger than the Dacia Spring. With a 29.67 kWh battery and 60 kW motor, the Geometry E offers a range of over 300 km. It is competitively priced at €8,930 with discount options.
The Neta Aya, another subcompact crossover, is similar in size to the Geometry E and offers a base battery of 33.9 kWh with a 40 kW motor. Priced at €8,450, the Aya provides a range of 318 km.
Dongfeng Nammi 01
The Dongfeng Nammi 01, a new subcompact crossover, boasts a 31.45 kWh battery with a 70 kW motor. Priced at €9,600, the Nammi 01 offers a range of 330 km.
Wuling Bingo
The Wuling Bingo, a popular model, also offers a competitive package with a 31.9 kWh battery and a range of 333 km. Priced at €9,470, the Bingo is a strong contender in the affordable BEV market.
These affordable BEVs from China demonstrate the potential for low-cost electric vehicles with impressive specifications. The downward trend in battery costs and advancements in powertrain technology contribute to the accessibility of these budget-friendly models.
Stay tuned for more insights into the affordable BEV market and the factors driving the pricing trends in future articles. Join the discussion and share your thoughts on the future of affordable electric vehicles in Europe!
Article images courtesy of auto brands.
