The Tesla Model 3 has been enjoying growing sales in China since its launch last year. Other automakers have been attempting to create a compelling electric vehicle (EV) that can compete with the Model 3 for years.
Based on sales figures from China, it looks like the recipe for success is to build a tiny EV with only 120km (75 miles) of range, and to price it under $5,000 USD.
According to the EV-sales blog, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV was the best selling EV in China in January, and it wasn’t even that close. The tiny EV registered 36,672 sales compared to the Model 3’s 13,843 sales (although that number was impacted by exports to Europe).
While it’s not exactly fair to compare the two EVs, it does show the importance for Tesla to release a smaller and cheaper variant in China.
That vehicle, often dubbed the Model 2 or Model Next, may arrive ahead of schedule. Recent reports indicate the new EV is ahead of schedule and could be unveiled later this year with deliveries beginning in 2022.
