Dongfeng Motor, a veteran Chinese car maker, has launched a new low-cost electric vehicle in Europe to compete with automakers like Volkswagen. Starting at $25,500 (£19,615), the Dongfeng South American EV is already one of the cheapest electric vehicles in Europe.
Meet the new low-cost Chinese-made EVs bound for Europe
Dongfeng is one of China's oldest and largest automakers and the second state-owned auto brand established after FAW.
Dongfeng Motor, which makes vehicles in China for Nissan and Stellantis, joins a recent wave of Chinese brands including BYD and NIO expanding into overseas markets.
Dongfeng Motor is expanding into Europe with the launch of its Nammi Box EV in Switzerland. With a starting price of 21,990 Swiss francs (around $25,500), the low-cost Chinese-made EV is already one of the most affordable electric cars in Europe.
The Nammi Box could be one of the first vehicles produced at Dongfeng's Italian factory, despite new EU tariffs on Chinese-made EV imports.
Talks between Dongfeng Motor and the Italian government are “at an advanced stage,” a source familiar with the matter told Reuters earlier this month. The new factory could help Dongfeng avoid heavy tariffs.
Dongfeng's low-cost EV for Europe, the South America Box (Source: Dongfeng)
The new Namibox will challenge low-cost EVs such as the Citroen e-C3, which starts at around $27,300 (£21,035) in Europe.
With a 42.3 kWh battery, the Nammi can travel up to 193 miles (310 km) with a WLTP range, while the e-C3 can travel up to 199 miles with a 44 kWh battery. A smaller (31.5 kWh) battery option is available in China but will not be offered in Europe.
According to Dongfeng's website, the Nammi Box is available for pre-order now, with prices starting at 21,990 Swiss francs ($25,500).
Dongfeng Motor's premium brand Voyah plans to launch a new electric SUV, the Zhiyin, for export next month, according to CEO Lu Fang.
Dongfeng joins a growing list of Chinese automakers, including BYD, Chery Automobile, Great Wall Motors and NIO, launching new electric vehicle models in Europe.
BYD today launched the new 2025 Song Plus EV as its latest low-cost electric vehicle in China, priced from $21,000. The EV price war in China has automakers such as Dongfeng looking for growth overseas.
Source: Autocar, Dongfeng Motor
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