After SUVs, China’s automakers could storm into international markets with smaller, sportier affordable electric cars
Chinese carmakers are now the masters of cheap electric cars, with a growing range of low-cost models that no other manufacturer can match. The only problem — for them and for the consumers who would like to take advantage of these offers — is that very few of their cars are yet being exported.
Qiantu Motor has just caused a minor sensation with the release, in China, of the K20, a sporty compact car with 218 hp, capable of reaching 100 km/h in under five seconds, and with a range of nearly 500 km. Selling for between €12,000 and €20,000, depending on the version, it has no equivalent in the world at this price. Currently available for pre-order, it should be delivered to its very first buyers by the end of the year. It remains to be seen whether Qiantu will decide to expand into other markets, with this model or others to come.
One of the first Chinese manufacturers to establish itself in Europe with its electric SUVs is Aiways. But other automakers, still unknown to many, are preparing to flood the European market with models that are well established in China and available at very competitive prices. This is the case of the Great Wall Motor group, but also of BYD, NIO or XPeng, all of which are keen to invest in the European market. Today, around 10 Chinese auto brands are distributed in Europe.
