Buying a new car, especially as they're getting packed with more and more technology, shouldn't mean you have to sacrifice too much in return. But electric cars are still full of glitches. The range isn't as good as a gas-powered car, and it takes longer to fill it up. And if you're a real gearhead, you'll have to give up the sounds and smells of controlled explosions from your hood. These are small issues, they can get worked out over time, and in the end, it very well may save the planet. But that shouldn't cost you extra.
You don't have to be an accountant to notice that EVs are much more expensive than gas-powered cars, partly because of materials, partly because they're so new. But Kandi, who's been selling affordable EVs overseas for years, is finally stepping up to the plate, with plans hopes to make practical, usable, affordable EVs for all.
With the budding technologies of electric cars, one shouldn't have to overpay just to save the planet. So let's take a look at the Kandi K23, an electric car that's half the price of a base Tesla Model 3
The Kandi K23: Facts and Features.
First and foremost, the K23 will only cost you $20,000. That's it, and that's the biggest reason this car and the Kandi company, in general, deserve some props. It provides an entry into the EV market, a way for the common man to save the planet. But it's not perfect. Try to keep in mind this car's appeal comes from its price tag and powertrain. The stats and features included are a bonus.
We'll start with the power, which isn't a lot, but enough to get you to its top speed of 72mph. It has 49 KW of power, which converts to about 65 horsepower. Not blistering, but it'll move, and it is electric and only has one gear, so that instant torque is there. It has a range of 113, plenty to get you to work and back (unless you work 56.6 miles away), though not nearly as much as a Tesla, which can increase its range through software updates. Charging it back up takes an awfully long time: 7.5 hours to be exact. The car isn't built for long road trips, you'd be waiting for it to charge longer than you'd be on the road. But it's perfect to plug in overnight and use to go places locally the next day.
There are also some creature comforts sprinkled into the car, some of which is pretty surprising for a 20k car. The first thing you'll notice is the respectable 10-inch touchscreen in the center, fitted with a rearview camera for any backing up you may do. There are Bluetooth connectivity and hands-free capabilities, so you can speak or stream music without taking your hands off the wheel. Other goodies like leather seats, which fold down in the rear, are included as well, and it's all the car one would really need when it comes to size. Its 104-inch wheelbase is about the same as an 8th generation Honda Civic, which is one of the better Civics you can get. long story short, it's a car for $20,000.
How is the K23 So Cheap?
Part of the low price tag is because you're getting what you pay for. It's not low quality, it's just not a lot of stuff. You have antilock brakes, the rearview camera, and airbags as the bulk of your safety. There is Bluetooth and a touchscreen for accessibility and entertainment. And in case you're curious, no, there aren't cupholders in the front. The K23 is a bare-bones electric car, with all the necessities, and none of the flare. But if you're looking to get into the EV market on a tight budget, the K23 is the obvious choice.
But there is some clever marketing at play here, as there is in most automotive ad campaigns. The sticker price of the K23 isn't actually $20,000 it's $27,500. It's not a lie, it's telling a half-truth. The $7,500 you save comes from federal tax credits, i.e. the government pays for part of your car as a token of their appreciation for you saving the planet. Though depending on what state you live in, the tax break could be even bigger. California will give you up to $1,500 bucks just for buying an EV, and other states offer benefits for installing a charging station in your home. You save the planet, and you get a little back. Win-win!
If you're looking to spend as little money as possible, you may want to pre-order the Kandi K27, an even smaller electric car for only $10,000 (you read that right). But if you're interested in the Kandi company, and want to get the lowest price, you ought to preorder the car soon. After the pre-order sales are done the sticker price will shoot up to $2,500, but in all fairness, $22,500 is still nearly half the price of a Tesla Model 3.