This Sleek Electric Car Costs Only $13,000: Is It Coming to the US?
EVs have many possible attributes, such as zero emissions and generally better performance and fewer maintenance needs than gas-powered ones. One drawback of electric vehicles, though, is that they are often expensive. However, Qiantu, a Chinese automaker, recently unveiled a sleek new electric car: the Qiantu K20 — and it costs only $13,000. Is it coming to the United States?
Qiantu K20: Chinese two-seater compact electric car that costs only $13,000
China has invested heavily in electric vehicles, resulting in the proliferation of many new electric cars. The latest example is Qiantu K20, as reported by Cnevpost. Qiantu, a subsidiary of CH-Auto, launched an all-electric K50 roadster in 2018. Qiantu was one of the first EV startups in China. The automaker folded in 2020, though.
However, after receiving new funding, Qiantu relaunched and is coming back with the K20, a two-seater compact electric car. In the last few years prior to its folding, the automaker teased the K20. Recently, the automaker unveiled the production version of the K20.
The starting price of the K20 is RMB 86,800, and it can be configured up to a cost of RMB 149,800. That translates to a price range of $13,000 to $22,500.
Qiantu K20 specs: Electric motor output, 0-60 mph acceleration, and driving range
Despite its cheap price, the Qiantu K20 has respectable specs. It’s offered with either a single-motor long-range version or a dual-motor all-wheel drive version. According to Qiantu, the long-range version has an estimated driving range of 500 kilometers (311 miles). The dual-motor version has an output of 215 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque — and can accelerate from 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 4.7 seconds.
Buyers of the K20 can choose between a hardtop and a convertible. The K20 also has a wide variety of color options. For customers that place an order for the K20 during its presale period, Qiantu offers a lifetime warranty on the battery, electric controls, and motor.
Qiantu has a battery rental option for the K20
The Chinese automaker also offers a battery rental option for the K20. The battery rental option has proven to be a success in China, but it hasn’t been utilized much in other automotive markets, including the U.S. According to Qiantu, the rental price is RMB 19,800 (around $3,000) for the standard-range battery pack and RMB 29,800 (around $4,500) for the long-range battery pack for a maximum of 60 months.
Will the Qiantu K20 be available to buy in the US?
American customers hoping to buy the Qiantu K20 will likely be disappointed, for the affordable compact electric car probably won’t be available to buy in the U.S. Qiantu doesn’t currently have any operations in the U.S. and has no plans for any in the near future.
For Americans looking to buy an affordable EV, the cheapest option is the 2023 Chevy Bolt. It has a starting price of $26,595 MSRP. However, if you want an EV for just driving around your property, you can buy the electric $2,000 Mini “F-50” truck from the Chinese Alibaba site, as detailed below.
