Cheap Chinese cars

  • Thread starter Thread starter R P
  • Start date Start date
  • Replies Replies 27
  • Views Views 5K
Bruce M. said:
if you want an EV and don't have 40 grand to spend, pickings are slim.
Click to expand...
Small and inexpensive aren't necessarily synonymous. The MINI Cooper SE (now technically discontinued) is a fantastic small EV, but not exactly cheap at about $35,000 (which isn't high by EV standards, but more than a Bolt or Leaf). And the new Fiat 500 EV is over $40,000 so that's no cheaper than something like an Ioniq 5 or ID.4, but is quite a bit smaller.
 
Puppethead said:
Small and inexpensive aren't necessarily synonymous. The MINI Cooper SE (now technically discontinued) is a fantastic small EV, but not exactly cheap at about $35,000 (which isn't high by EV standards, but more than a Bolt or Leaf). And the new Fiat 500 EV is over $40,000 so that's no cheaper than something like an Ioniq 5 or ID.4, but is quite a bit smaller.
Click to expand...

True, but there are no large or midsize EVs much under $40K. Small cars aren't always cheap, but most of the cheapest cars tend to be small.
 
We tend to like safe cars that survive our crash tests. For example, the Yugo was a cheap car but did not succeed. I would add the Chevette.

Bob Wilson
 
bwilson4web said:
We tend to like safe cars that survive our crash tests. For example, the Yugo was a cheap car but did not succeed. I would add the Chevette.

Bob Wilson
Click to expand...

Safe for whom? A hulking truck or SUV (Ford F150, Chevy Suburban) is far likelier to kill pedestrians, cyclists, or the people in the vehicle you hit than a Mini Cooper or an old Chevette (are any of those still running?). With pedestrians, especially, reduced visibility adds to the problem. https://www.npr.org/2023/11/14/1212737005/cars-trucks-pedestrian-deaths-increase-crash-data
 
Bruce M. said:
With pedestrians, especially, reduced visibility adds to the problem. https://www.npr.org/2023/11/14/1212737005/cars-trucks-pedestrian-deaths-increase-crash-data
Click to expand...
Funny you mention this. In 2008-2010, I was active opposing the "Quiet Car" legislation and regulations. These require hybrids and EVs make 'space noises' when traveling under 25 mph. But the data, even back then, suggested the "A" pillar size closest to the driver was more indicative of pedestrian fatalities than noise.

When turning left in a left hand drive car, the "A" holding the windshield blocks one or both eyes. Worse, we have a blind spot so if just one eye, say the left, is blocked, the right eye blind spot also blocks another arc of vision. The Japanese right-hand drive accident statistics supported this effect.

An effective solution would be what is called 'an invisible body.' Just put a display on the "A" pillar driven by a camera with a clear view in that direction.

Bob Wilson
 
It's probably worth mentioning that the new Hyundai Kona Electric SE has an MSRP of about $34K, but you have to put up with a smaller battery and only about 200 miles of range, per EPA. To get the bigger battery and about 260 miles range you have to go up a trim level and spend a few thousand more. If someone can profitably make an under $30K EV with 250 miles of range, they'll sell tons. And yeah, I know -- the Chinese.
 
At one time, Bolts could be bought for under $30k but profits . . . safety . . . GOOD, FAST, CHEAP, pick two.

Bob Wilson
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top