Spy Shots: Xin Longma Kaiteng M70 EV testing in China
Spy Shots showing the upcoming Xin Longma Kaiteng M70 EV, an electric minivan based on the petrol-powered Xin Longma Kaiteng M70. The Kaiteng M70 EV is powered by an electric motor delivering about 50 horsepower and mated to a lithium-ion battery. Range is said to be 190 kilometer and a full charge will take eight hours.
Gear lever doesn’t look very EV-ish.
The Kaiteng M70 EV will debut on the Guangzhou Auto Show later this month and launch on the Chinese car market in early 2015. Price including subsidies will start somewhere around 60.000 yuan. Price of the petrol-powered M70 starts at 35.900 yuan and ends at 45.900 yuan
Many Chinese automakers are working on electric minivans and other small-sized electric transport vehicles. It makes a lot of sense. Most minivans are used for relatively short-distance transport within cities. They seldom go faster than 70 kilometers per hour and an average ride tops at 50 kilometer.
The second largest market for minivans is the endless Chinese countryside where farmers (ab)use the vehicles to transport everything ranging from cows to coal, driving longer distances on mountainous and crappy roads. Here an EV makes less sense, but some smart farmers might be tempted if fuel prices continue to go up.
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