With the entry in the US, Chinese OEM Kandi wants to target the cost-sensitive US customer segment looking for entry-level EVs. Kandi has studied the US market for several months to adapt its vehicle to US customers’ preferences.
The company will introduce the K22 subcompact and the EX3 compact SUV pure electric cars.K22 will be priced below $20,000 and with subsidy would cost less than $12,500 making it a good value of money. The EX3 SUV is available in China for less than $20,000, after subsidy.
Chinese automakers have faced difficulties in the past to comply with the US safety and trade regulations. The company acquired Sportsman Country LLC, a distributor based in Texas, to facilitate its entry in the US market.
EV sales in China have been affected by changing regulations and companies such as Kandi and BYD are expanding their operations overseas to compensate for lower than expected domestic sales. The challenge for Kandi would be to build to a strong brand (considering the perception about Chinese brands) in the minds of its target customers in the US. Further, the escalating US-China trade war could also put brakes on this ramp up in the US market. – Aman Madhok