A SWEET EV

KANDI VEHICLES COME TO AMERICA

A well-established EV manufacturer from China has entered the US market, and affordability is the key to what they call “an EVolution” to the electric vehicle industry.

In China, the vehicles are known as Zhejiang Kangdi Vehicles and are widely popular for both individual consumers and ride sharing companies. In fact, you can rent a Kandi EV from a large vending machine that “dispenses” the vehicle after the renter enters their info and payment.

Beginning in late 2020, Kandi America was established and began importing US versions of their first 2 models, the K27 and the K23. The firm acquired a Texas-based company called SC Imports to serve as the exclusive US distributor. They are currently establishing a network of dealers around the country that will sell and service the EVs.

SMALL CAR, SMALL PRICE

The marketing strategy behind Kandi EVs is based on a lower price point than that of comparable vehicles available today. While most people think of Tesla when they think of electric cars, there are many other manufacturers who market small EVs, like Volkswagen’s ID Buzz and the brand new Toyota bZ4X, among others.

While the overall size and travel range of Kandi EVs may not measure up to those of some competitors, Kandi is hoping the lower price will still attract buyers. The company is hoping to attract those who want to make the switch to an electric vehicle but don’t want to pay $40,000 for a Tesla Model S or around $35,000 for Toyota’s new EV which debuted in 2021.

The Kandi K27 begins at just under $20,000, and the company is anticipating that those who qualify for the $7,500 US Federal EV Tax Credit will be drawn to going electric for about $13,000.

The first two Kandi models are street legal, but a bit smaller than other electric passenger cars. Another concern consumers may have is the range of travel from one charge. The Kandi K27 can carry four adults and reaches a top speed of around 63 miles per hour. The 17.7-kwh battery pack is said to supply a range of about 100 miles. The company promotes its

“haggle free” pricing at $20,490 before applying any tax credits.

The larger K23 is described as “the same size of a small SUV,” comes with a larger 41.4-kwh battery pack and is reported to have a range of around 180-200 miles. The top speed is a reported 70-mph. Upgrading to the K23 will set you back $29,999 before any tax credit deduction. This places the K23 in competition with the Nissan Leaf, which also retails for just under $30,000. Both EVs are eligible for the Federal tax credit, but its important to point out that in order to receive the EV credit the applicant must owe the equivalent amount - $7,500 – in taxes or they may not receive the full credit.

MUD ON THE TIRES

For their effort in getting into the offroad market, Kandi just introduced the K32 model, a pure EV that resembles a small pickup truck but is not street legal. The K32 is meant to compete with the UTV and side-by-side products currently on the market, and the company feels their engineering and design accomplishments will make them a player in the industry. The all-wheel drive K32 comes with a 21-kwh electric motor powered by either a 20.7-kwh or 50-kwh lithium ion battery system. The range for the smaller batteries is about 60 miles and around 150 miles for the more powerful batteries. It takes around 7.5 hours to fully charge both systems. Top speed is around 65-mph.

The K32 has a curb weight of just over 4,000 lbs. and a wheelbase of 214 inches. It can seat four adults comfortably and comes with car-like 265/65/R17-sized tires. Other features include an anti-theft system, dual airbags, backup camera and 10-inch interior touch screen LED display to monitor all the EV’s operating systems. The K32 starts at around $27,000 for the smaller battery version and $35,000 for the longer-range model.

For comparison’s sake, the K32 is a bit larger than Ford’s new Maverick pickup, resembling something like a Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger in size. But, the high-tech, futuristic look of the K32 is without a doubt the “cooler” looking mini truck, and Kandi is hoping people who want to upgrade from a traditional 4x4 UTV will choose the model for adding comfort and more enjoyment to their outdoor adventures.

PLAYING A ROUND WITH THE KANDI KRUISER 4P GOLF CART

Kandi America is no stranger to the golf cart industry, offering the stylish Kruiser 4P model with all the bells and whistles to rival any custom cart manufacturer.

Although it is called a golf cart, the Kruiser 4P is a fullycustomized, street legal neighborhood EV that will definitely turn heads anywhere it goes. There are several configurations

you can order, the most popular being the four-passenger version with rear-facing back seats. The cart sits high on 23x10.5/14 tires and a lifted frame, and they can be tricked out with many accessories like a front light bar, (in addition to the standard headlamps,) heavy-duty brush guards, rear passenger grab rails, extended rigid roof, cargo holders and more.

The Kruiser 4P comes with a 5,000-watt electric motor and 48V/6 of 8V Deep Cycle battery pack. It is rear-wheel drive with a top speed of around 25-mph. The cart will attain a full charge in under 7 hours, and travel about 40 miles per charge. They weigh about 1,400 lbs., have an overall length of 120 inches and a wheelbase of 65.7 inches. The 4P’s seats are 32 inches from the ground and there is 7.8 inches of ground clearance.

These carts offer a premium ride with independent McPherson strut front suspension and a swing arm straight axle in the rear. Stop on a dime with the help of the front hydraulic disc brakes behind the custom-colored aluminum wheels. You can get your Kruiser 4P in one of several color combinations from mild to wild, and the cart’s interior finishes and seat upholstery resemble a custom car.

Considering the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of just $10,999, you may be surprised at how much cart you can get for your money. The Kandi Kruiser 4P carts are marketed by Kandi Motorsports, a division of Kandi America. The company also makes and sells gas-powered go carts and electric and gas-powered bicycles and dirt bikes. The extensive network of independent Kandi dealers around the country means you’ll always be able to get factory-warranted service and parts for your Kandi vehicle.

Although Kandi may be relatively new to the US market, their vision in designing and manufacturing cutting edge EVs and the electric power sources they use are making them a force to be noticed in providing eco-friendly, low-priced electric transportation options. - GCMAG