Photo: YouTube screenshot
The first thing you'll need to know about the Baojun E200 is that it's made by SAIC-GM-Wuling. That's right; it comes from the same company as your Cadillacs and your Chevys.
Cheap electric cars are almost non-existent. However, due to certain restrictions placed on new car purchases in China, pint-sized plug-ins took off to the point where companies can't keep up with demand. So this is like a modern-day Isetta but without the crazy sticker price.
Official photos of the Baojun E200 were released a few days ago, and we were blown away by the attention to detail, especially on the inside. We're told that this is no concept car, but a full-fledged production unit that will go on sale later in the year for around $10,000.
The exterior is almost smartphone-like, with a matte finish going down the middle, contrasting with the bright red or white paint. Sure, the wheels are tiny, but somehow also well proportioned, evoking manga comic cars from the future. It's also got LED headlights with a nice brow and taillights that wrap around the rear window.
But the interior is what impresses us the most, with its minimalist approach. Bright red provides an interesting contrast, while buttons are kept to a minimum. Only a small screen is present, placed right in front of the driver. The two pedals are marked "-" and "+" which is nifty in the extreme.
The E200 is powered by a 39 horsepower electric motor over the front axle. It measures only 2,497mm long, with a 1,600mm wheelbase. It will make the smart fortwo look big. It's expected to have a range of around 200 km per charge, which is more than the smart EV.
Baojun is owned 43% by General Motors. The other big stake belongs to SAIC, their local partners who assemble Buick, Cadillac or Chevrolet models for the local market.
Official photos of the Baojun E200 were released a few days ago, and we were blown away by the attention to detail, especially on the inside. We're told that this is no concept car, but a full-fledged production unit that will go on sale later in the year for around $10,000.
The exterior is almost smartphone-like, with a matte finish going down the middle, contrasting with the bright red or white paint. Sure, the wheels are tiny, but somehow also well proportioned, evoking manga comic cars from the future. It's also got LED headlights with a nice brow and taillights that wrap around the rear window.
But the interior is what impresses us the most, with its minimalist approach. Bright red provides an interesting contrast, while buttons are kept to a minimum. Only a small screen is present, placed right in front of the driver. The two pedals are marked "-" and "+" which is nifty in the extreme.
The E200 is powered by a 39 horsepower electric motor over the front axle. It measures only 2,497mm long, with a 1,600mm wheelbase. It will make the smart fortwo look big. It's expected to have a range of around 200 km per charge, which is more than the smart EV.
Baojun is owned 43% by General Motors. The other big stake belongs to SAIC, their local partners who assemble Buick, Cadillac or Chevrolet models for the local market.
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