Chinese battery and electric car manufacturer, Kandi, which is a US registered company, is in early discussions with several partners, including local government agencies from the U.S. – Mexico border, according to international news organisation Reuters. At this stage it’s not definite that a production plant will be built, but discussions are taking place as the demand for electric cars and pick-ups in the U.S. continues to grow.
Kandi already offer its K27 and K23 models in the U.S. market. The sale price of the cheaper K23 is $20,499 but this falls to $12,999 after federal tax credit. This makes it the cheapest electric car available in the U.S. at this point. It features a 17.69 kWh battery pack that is said to offer a range of around 100 miles (160km).
Kandi are hoping to forge a position in the North American car market by offering its low cost electric cars and vehicles, and provide further savings by removing tariffs and shipping costs. The brand has already seen success in the thriving electric car arena in its home country of China and plans to replicate this in North America.
Kandi Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hu Xiaoming, said: “We have achieved initial success with our strategic decision to expand to the US electric vehicle market. Over the near term, we are confident we can meet the growing North American demand with our existing manufacturing facilities in China. Longer term, however, we are actively exploring the possibility of manufacturing EVs and off the road vehicles locally, as we plan to more aggressively target the fast growing North American market.”
