A budget electric vehicle (EV) selling in China for $4,500 is outselling Tesla’s more upmarket cars.
A new compact model electric car is proving hugely successful for state-owned SAIC Motor, China’s top automaker.
The Hong Guang Mini EV is being built as part of a joint venture with US car giant General Motors (GM).
Last month sales of the budget electric car in China were around double those of Tesla, whose safety standards have been questioned in the country.
The Hong Guang Minis—which also feature an upgraded model with air conditioning for just over $5,000—are being marketed as “the people’s commuting tool.”
Having launched last year, the basic model has a top speed of 62mph and can accommodate four passengers yet experts claim it lags well behind Tesla when it comes to its battery, range and performance.
