In the good old days before the pandemic, a golf cart would start at around $7,000 to $8,000 without windows, doors, heater, etc. The most obvious comparison in size and scale is a golf cart. What really makes these so fun and unique is the cost and the size. So, what’s the big deal? Why are these tricked-out grocery carts so popular? Despite the increased shipping price, EIM has sold several containers’ worth of cars by now and pre-sold them for about six months. Without an ounce of marketing, those were sold almost instantly.
The first EIM order prompted another order of a few tailored cars for the US market. True, it was $900 before the current global shipping problems and if it’s bought in China, but shipping and associated costs make up the majority of the “real” price for anyone outside of China (as fellow Electrek writer Micah Toll found out when he purchased one from China). Changli vehicles hit the news over a year ago when news outlets headlined the $900 price tag. After seeing an article about the cheapest EV in the world, EIM put its prior experience in shipping and logistics to use and sourced its first car. Caleb Nelson with the Chinese Changli (left) and American Changli (right) Changli comes to AmericaĮlectric Import Motors (EIM), importers of these cheap micro cars, got into the business as a joke. The Changlis are brass tacks basic, which has a certain appeal. It goes without saying that you won’t find a tech-heavy interior with a software-driven experience like we’ve seen from forward-thinking automakers. We’re talking lead-acid batteries, the cheapest plastic dashboard you’ve ever seen, stickers instead of fog lights, and steering that I would describe as having a learning curve.
Working people in China are attracted to them for one principle reason: These cars are cheap. Vehicles like these are used by urban-dwelling workers to get around a dense landscape. Even though it doesn’t retain its famed price tag, the US importers have put great effort into adding back value where the shipping costs took it away.Ĭhangli manufactures these vehicles in China to be used as taxis and personal transportation. It was hilarious, cute, “cheap” in every way, and a wild exercise for the imagination. Electrek was invited to try out the cheapest EV in the world, which is manufactured by Changli.
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