The cheapest Tesla model could be half the price of a Chinese electric vehicle that unlocks using facial recognition.
Zeekr announced that it will launch its X sport utility vehicle in China, before bringing it over to Europe. This is similar to other Chinese companies who plan to do the exact same thing.
The Zeekr X costs 189,000 yuan, or about £22,000. It comes with options like an in-car refrigerator and facial recognition for unlocking the vehicle.
Tesla’s entry-level model, the Model 3 which starts at around £40,000, is much more expensive. The most popular EV model in Britain is the Tesla Model Y. It starts at £44,000.
If Zeekr decides to sell the car in the UK at the same launch prices, it will be significantly cheaper than BYD’s Atto 3 which starts from £36,500
The price of the product in the West could be higher due to strict European safety requirements.
There are up to 30 new electric car brands that are targeting the UK market. Most of them Chinese.
The UK is a very attractive market, as it will be the first country to ban the use of fossil fuels. From 2030 onwards the sale of non-hybrid diesel and petrol cars will be banned.
BYD, Ora and other companies have already signed agreements with UK dealers. Chery, Dongfeng, and Haval will join them.
The brands are well-known in China, but they are virtually unknown among British buyers.
HiPhi was founded by an ex-Jaguar Land Rover executive. The company is planning a European launch of its cars and has been considering proposals to introduce the brand in the UK.
The cars of this Chinese company feature headlights with advanced technology that can project movies, and dispensers that release various scents depending on the mood of their driver.
Geely owns Zeekr, and Geely controls the British brand Lotus. Geely also has an interest in Aston Martin.
Data published by the Chinese government on Thursday revealed that exports grew 15 percent in January, largely due to the demand for automobiles.
China is now the world’s second largest exporter of vehicles, after Japan.
Chinese manufacturers are turning to overseas markets as the economic growth at home slows.